Windows OS

Windows vs. MAC vs. Linux

The immense advancements in the last century have made our lives pretty much effortless and straightforward compared to our ancestors. Industries, big businesses, academic institutions, and corporations rely on a speedy system that gives immediate and efficient output.

However, data transmission and distribution vary on factors like speed, bandwidth, processors, etc. Today we will look into the three major operating systems and discuss which one to consider. We will delve into their strengths and weaknesses to find you the optimal system for your work and lifestyle. So without further ado, let’s jump into it!

The three operating systems we will be discussing are:

  1. Windows
  2. Linux
  3. Macintosh

These are the most powerful systems commonly available and are a constituent of 99% of computing devices.

Let us now compare the specifications of these systems so you can find the one that works best for you.

1. Windows

Most users commonly use Windows and are, therefore, the most accepted operating system dominating 88% of the consumer market. It has various areas where it outshines its competitors in a simple yet effective manner. We discuss its pros one by one below:

Cost

Windows is not very costly. It can get most of your work done at a cheap cost. At around $113, you can surf the web, start your business, learn interesting stuff and do chores in your virtual office. Windows 10 Pro costs $139, enabling you to run business-related tasks or enterprises.

Moreover, we can also download Windows 10 for free without a product key. And if you like it, you can upgrade it to a licensed copy later on.

Compatibility and customization

Windows 10 is easily compatible with most hardware. Most systems with requirements like 2GB RAM and 64-bit processor and hard disk space up to 16GB can run Windows 10. Upgrading these parameters gives you a more streamlined experience which is highly recommended.

Moreover, Windows 10 allows versatility in terms of customization, so your PC feels truly personal and provides a profound interface special to you, the owner.

Multiple options

Most apps are designed on Windows. They have various prototypes and tweaked versions that offer a variety to pick from. So if an application is not responding or asks you for an unreasonable premium, you can always explore other options to see which one suits you best.

Gaming experience

Windows 10 naturally provides a larger variety of games. While the gaming system depends on specifications, the OS also plays a vital role. Windows has been gradually improving its gaming experience to the point where it can run 8th generation games without crashes or driver issues. Moreover, it has Direct X12, which doesn’t have any other OS and gets the most out of the GPU and CPU.

2. Linux

Linux is the most popular open-source operating system, unlike Windows, which is a closed-source operating system. Linux was developed in 1991 in C and assembly language. It is the go-to operating system for programmers due to its security and tactical advantages. It offers the following features that give it an edge:

Various Distributions

Linux has had many distros since its inception. A few notable ones are Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Debian, Fedora, Kali Linux, and CentOS, with many more. So you can work with the one to your liking.

Security

Linux has the upper hand in security (a feat Windows has a hard time achieving). There are practically zero viruses present. That’s why many programmers prefer it. Moreover, it also provides tactical advantages like open-source, low costs, flexibility, proper hard disk use, and more stability.

Community

Linux has a highly dedicated community full of techies and scientists. You can find multiple forums where they truly take a stand in your issues and provide full support whenever and wherever possible.

Gaming

Linux is not the best option for gaming, but it’s not far behind compared to Windows as it slowly emerges as a gaming platform. Moreover, steam also harbors up to 5000 Linux compatible games. Proton, a compatibility layer, enables you to run almost any steam game on Linux nowadays.

3. MACINTOSH

Mac or Macintosh is a series of computers designed by Apple running on MACOS. The first one was released in 1984. Currently, it has a 10% user share.

MACOS can be brought separately as well at a cost. It offers the following notorious edges over Windows and Linux:

User friendly

MACOS is very easy to use. With its top-tier interface, it transfers total control to the user, giving you multiple options, in general, to make your experience better, so you truly feel like you are in control.

Security

Apple does not compromise on its security. It has impenetrable security layers which provide extra protection from third-party organizations and viruses. It also allows you the option of disabling ATT (App tracking transparency) so that you don’t have to go through personalized ads or feel like being spied upon.

Reliable Integration

MACOS provides easy options to sync your devices. This feature comes in handy when you need to limit device usage or when you need to track lost devices and for data. This interconnection of devices can help you a long way in daily tasks which would otherwise require you to reach out to several people or places. So, it’s a good feature to have.

Better performance

MACOS on the Apple system gives you the optimal experience. It has a phenomenal performance and smooth experience with applications which is why UI/UX developers, programmers, and graphic designers grind their work while working on this set. It is an outstanding OS for multitasking.

Gaming

MACOS has up to 7000 steam games supporting it. Most games are supported through Wine. It doesn’t offer new games or ones from small developers. It provides you great graphics and smooth gameplay but does not offer customization to the degree Windows does.

The Verdict

The various systems discussed above have their strengths and weaknesses: Windows is cheap with versatile Applications but has poor security; Linux is flexible with high security but has lesser applications and complexity in usage; MACOS is fast with an easy-to-use interface and great cloud services at the cost of expense.

We hope we were able to clear your queries and doubts. Hopefully, reading this article gave you a lucid idea of which system you should opt for to make the most out of your work life and lifestyle.

About the author

Zeeman Memon

Hi there! I'm a Software Engineer who loves to write about tech. You can reach out to me on LinkedIn.