Windows, Macintosh or Linux?

Question

Which one is the best?

Answer 1

Well everyone here seems to be off on things, i have used all of them. And there is no "best", it really depends on what you are looking to do.



Mac OS: For casual users who dont want to have to really do anything or know anything about computers and just want things to work. I would recommend it for novice computer users who dont have much knowledge of computer hardware or software. Mac is a unix based OS, i wouldnt really compare it to linux too much though. And unlike popular myths, mac are not virus/malware free. Just less people use them so less % of viruses/malware are made for them then windows.



Windows: Well with windows its good to have some knowledge of computer to use it otherwise you will constantly end up with blue screens, viruses/malware, etc. Windows 7 did help a lot with simplicity for less inclined people, but still can be be screwed up by a novice very quickly. Best OS if you are a gamer. Most all games are on windows and unlike macs you can customize hardware.



Linux: well there are too many linux distros to really just say a general. Some are made to be almost just like windows, others have advanced admin tools for different tasks, to server os etc. A very well known and easy to use linux is Ubuntu. Has good hardware support, but its not set up like windows, so you will have to learn/unlearn things to get what you want done. All linux distros are completely free. Runs using all free/open source software. Does not have much support for gaming, you can use wine for running windows software, but its not really 100% on all games/software. In terms of security, linux is the best. There are still viruses for the it, but since there is a large base of linux distros and updating kernels, its much harder to make virus/malware for them.



me myself dual boot windows and linux, good for all around, but like i said it really depends on what you are looking to do.

Answer 2

1. Linux

1. Windows (tie)



Macintosh is horrible.



Do not believe what the other people answering say.



A Macintosh is the same as a PC other than the operating system.

It is no faster than a comparable PC. It is no better than a comparable PC.

It is much more expensive than a PC.



The best computer is a self built one.

You can put together a quality enthusiast grade PC for about 1000 dollars. While you may spend around 2000 for an apple built Mac.



It is harder to fix a Macintosh as well, due to the horrible design of the product.



Windows is good because it is compatible with the most programs, it does have more viruses than the other operating systems, but you should be relatively safe if you know your way around.A Windows PC is just as good as a Mac for video editing, photo editing, CAD work, ect. Also you get the benefit of having more games than Mac OS X if you like to video game. I built a computer for my Uncle who is a video editor, used the i7 extreme edition a bit expensive but it thrased the Mac in terms of price and rendering times. The same price and the rendering is about 20 minutes faster.



Linux is good as well because you can use it for servers and such, also one of the most secure operating systems with the possible exception of BSD. I like linux usually for my laptops because it runs pretty damn fast. Boots up faster than Windows 7. I use Slack Ware, there are thousands of distros to choose from, and my GUI's. Very customizable.



Linux is the most dependable Operating System out there. It is the most stable. It will not crash! (if you are using a stable version of the kernel) A Linux computer can run for years nonstop without reboots without crashing once. Also Linux has the ability to update without rebooting for most updates.

Answer 3

1. Windows

2. Linux

3. Macintosh

Answer 4

MACINTOSH all the Way! Not even a fair comparison.



Wondering Why I'm such a sincere Mac Disciple ?

Here are just a few facts that clearly state my reasoning:



 Average life of the generic, virus-prone Windows PC > 2 to (maybe) 3 years

VS.

The fabulous Mac > 5 + years



 Built in Security comes through automatic Software updates - NO anti-virus required



 Microsoft has made a version of Word, Excel and Powerpoint specifically for the Mac - The newest, sleekest version came out this year



 Linux is not compatible with countless websites including almost any with Government affiliation (most likely due to hackers)



 Safari is the most intuitive internet browser on the Market and it's Built-in to the Mac's operating system. Not to mention Firefox (another favorite) is also compatible with the Mac



 Apple Technical Support (aka Apple Care) is based in Canada and the United States... meaning Tech Support that SPEAKS ENGLISH. (:



 Macs are an obvious Investment compared to their cheap competitors, but there is a saying ... "you get what you pay for..."



 The new Mac operating System is being launched this Summer...it's called "Lion" which will outdo it's already amazing predecessor "Snow Leopard"



 "Time Machine" is built into the Mac; this means that your system can create an exact copy of itself on an external hard drive, so if your documents, photos etc. go missing or are erased you have a convenient and self sustaining backup



 Macs are sexy, sleek, the "latest and greatest" and they run 2X as fast as a PC even if they're older than the PC! The MacBook Pro 2011 17-inch has an i7 Intel Core processor that is the fastest there is.



 If you absolutely HAVE TO HAVE Windows, then the Mac has the ability to cut it's hard drive in half to run Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 too.



 Mac has the Best capabilities with video, photo, design, artist-friendly & graphic intense software. Photographers and DJs alike all praise Mac for it's vast capabilities running software like Cinebench '11; Final Cut Studio 3; Aperture 3.1.1; Logic Pro; and Elements 8



 I have an entirely "Apple" household - apple tv, iMac, MacBook, iPad, and iPods Galore.... they all have an extended warranty through Apple; however, they've worked flawlessly so I've Never needed it!



 Linux Kernal has known defects that there are currently no fixes for - These easily bring down it's user-friendliness, dependability and speed



 Mobile Me, iTunes Home Sharing and Secure File sharing are all Apple-Offered options that help keep data on multiple computers and Apple devices in sync



 Apps are the way of the future. More than a Billion sold. The Mac's can sync these to devices and with the new "Lion OS x" they will be able to run them



 Mac App Store - built in to the 10.6.6 update this feature allows Mac Users an entire store of Mac-compatible-software (games included) that is easily down-loadable - all without ever having to hassle with an installation dvd/disk



 No Towers. The "iMac" or Mac Desktop Computer does not need a clumsy tower to run; the CPU is built into the monitor. And guess what? The displays (21-inch or 27-inch) are made from the same stuff as High Definition Televisions... so you can bet your butt that they're Gorgeous!



Enough Said. Macs Rule.

Answer 5

incredibly, in case you're into gaming carry on with domicile windows. Linux is a Kernel and not an working gadget, that's the information that link to the Kernel that make up the working gadget. OSx is a changed Unix based working gadget, more desirable with different information. OSx and Linux run alongside comparable traces, yet diverse in numerous approaches. MAC OSx makes that's only distinction in the classes and alertness that they convey and write for the working gadget they have altered and written for the difficult ware they use. sturdy, sturdy, reliable and fairly secure and safeguard, you are able to no longer beat OSx or Linux. MAC OSx and Linux you will spend plenty much less time fixing issues each and all the time. in case you desire to run each and every type of application available and each type of hardware a probability, then domicile windows is first and Linux turns into 2d by utilizing selection. Which fits you the suited incredibly relies upon on precisely what it quite is which you incredibly desire to do and how plenty application you desire to apply. only you are able to choose that. Linux is Linux is Linux, basically potential don't be over whelmed by utilizing each and all the countless distributions available. all of them have an distinctly uncomplicated base gadget and uncomplicated and comparable information that is put in and each possible use precisely the comparable information, whether the naming conventions are diverse. you have the significant Line variations and 1000's of Remasters off of theses. distinction is what the writer decides to contain, deploy and what computer environment they % to apply. all of them can do precisely the comparable concern. some are much less complicated to apply for a individual new to Linux and a few would properly be a splash difficult on the commencing up. human beings tend to provide up too genuinely in the previous they actually comprehend how each and every concern works. And particular, i take advantage of all 3. domicile windows, OSx and, Linux.

Answer 6

Overall a Linux based platform can perform most of the tasks equally as well as a propietary platform using the likes of Ubuntu and its derivative distros. However Linux does have its limitations with some applications and in particular gaming. For example I retain a dedicated Windows partition to run specific applications such as Office 2010 etc.

http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm



Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wubi



Download Ubuntu Desktop Edition

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download



You download the ISO. image of Ubuntu 10.10 then you need to create a Bootable LiveCD for installation

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto



Ubuntu 10.10 can also be run straight from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive



Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) User Guide

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Maverick



I thoroughly recommend Linux Mint 9 LTS and Linux Mint 10 Main Edition which are built upon Ubuntu 10.04 LTS and Ubuntu 10.10 they are easy to install and easy to use plus they come with much of the software you are likely to need preinstalled



Linux Mint has a similar installer called mint4win (mint4win works the same as the Ubuntu Windows installer so the instructions outlined above are almost identical)



Linux Mint 9 LTS Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=52



Linux Mint 10 Download

http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=67



Linux Mint 9 LTS User Guide

http://www.linuxmint.com/rel_isadora.php



Linux Mint 10 User Guide

http://linuxmint.com/rel_julia.php



Linux Mint 9 LTS and Linux Mint 10 as with Ubuntu 10.10 can also be run straight from the LiveCD from Boot without touching your Hard Drive





LUg.

Answer 7

Windows = let you do anything but cost money

linux = freeeeee

mac = expensive and its basically a linux

Answer 8

Windows - Because you can do just about Anything on it.



Apple on the other hand is way too simplified/minimal/limited