In this article, I will be outlining the pros and cons of the three major operating systems: Linux, Mac and Windows (commonly referred to as 'PC'). Keep in mind that there are many other operating systems, but I will not be reviewing them because of their very small market share.
Let's start with the most popular: Windows
With almost 90% of the operating system market share, you can't miss Windows. It's in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, as well as home computers.
Windows, having been introduced in 1985, is a very mature and complete piece of software. Yet, it has it's flaws...
Pros:
- Compatibility: Almost every application, driver or game will work on Windows.
- Technical support: Having so many users, you can always find someone (either online or offline) who can help you with Windows.
- Huge quantity of function: When you get to know Windows well, you'll find out that there are so many functions that you can do almost anything quite easily.
Cons:
Apr 27, 2020 Windows vs. Ubuntu Linux: Which Operating System Reigns Supreme? We break down the top four desktop operating systems and compare them on features to help you pick the one. All but one release of Mac OS X (now macOS) has been certified as Unix by The Open Group, starting with 10.5: 11.0 (Big Sur) on Intel Macs and on Apple Silicon Macs 10.15 (Catalina) 10.14 (Mojave).
The Unix system is composed of several components that were originally packaged together. By including the development environment, libraries, documents and the portable, modifiable source code for all of these components, in addition to the kernel of an operating system, Unix was a self-contained software system. This was one of the key reasons it emerged as an important teaching and learning.
- Viruses: You may need to buy an antivirus program, although free ones exist.
- Slow: Windows, especially Vista and 7, requires a lot of computer resources (memory, processor, disk space), and thus, runs slower.
- Price: It easily costs over a hundred dollars.
Another big player: Macintosh
Apple's Macintosh OS is even older than Windows. It is the first ever successful graphical-based operating system, being released one year before it's Microsoft counterpart.
Pros:
- Viruses: Apple Macs get almost no viruses. This is mostly due to Window's superior market share.
- Reliability: Macs only run on Apple computers, and are thus less prone to hardware and software crashing.
- Looks: Let's face it, most of the time, Mac just looks better than Windows.
Cons:
- Expensive: Mac costs even more than Windows.
- Only available on Apple computers: If you already have a computer, you cannot install MAC on it unless it's an Apple. Otherwise, you must buy a new computer.
- Compatibility: Only a few programs will run on Mac, and almost no games.
Smaller but growing: Linux
Linux is GNU's answer to Mac and Windows. Yes, this means that Linux is FREE! By free, you can download, modify and redistribute it without spending a dime! . Linux is a younger player in the OS world, having been written in 1991, and is optimized for modern use (well, more than Windows and Mac). Unfortunately, it has some disadvantages also...
Pros:
- Price: Linux is F-R-E-E. You can download it, install it, use it, modify it... All for a whooping 0$.
- Variety: Linux is not a full operating system. It is just a kernel. To use the kernel, additional software needs to be bundled with Linux. Several hundreds of these bundles (called 'distributions' or simply 'distros') exist. The most popular ones include Ubuntu, Mint and Fedora. The good thing is, with so many different flavours of Linux, there is always one to suit your needs!
- Viruses: Although being more vulnerable to viruses than Mac (because it is open source), Linux still has very, very, very few viruses.
Cons:
- Complicated: Although some distros are quite easy to use, most of them will required a good deal of computer knowledge in order to get them to work.
- Compatibility: Like Mac, representing only a few percents of the market share, Linux does not have as many programs and games as Windows.
- Vendors: You won't find a lot of vendors selling Linux computers. Usually, you'll just end up having to buy Windows computer, reformatting the hard drive, and installing Linux yourself.
Bottom line
In conclusion, no operating system is really better, the choice is up to you. If you're a gamer, then you have no choice, go for Windows. Programmers might prefer Linux and video/graphics producers will probably tend towards Mac. The best thing to do is probably to try each OS and see which is best for you!
Mac Os X Vs Linux
Is Windows or Mac better for programming? Another in a long line of questions about which of the two is better for what activity. The Windows vs Mac debate has been going on for as long as the two have existed.
When you choose a laptop for programming, it seems as though the internet is rife with opinion posts about which is better for what subject whether it be personal use, photo or video editing, web development, gaming, cat video playing, etc. Today, we take a look at whether Windows or Mac is better for programming. By the way, read this if you are unsure about a laptop or desktop for programming.
Should you choose Mac or Windows for programming?
Go for a Mac if you plan to program Apple devices related app and have the budget. Go for a Windows if you are on budget constraints or in need of Windows-specific tools.
Mac Vs. Windows For Programming In 2021
Linux and UNIX
Linux and UNIX are very important to programming. Before Linux came UNIX. UNIX is an operating system and is crowned as one of, if not the best, operating systems ever created, so called for its stability, flexibility, and security.
Linux is an operating system as well, just like Windows and macOS and has become one of the most popular development operating systems available. It powers everything from your phone to your refrigerator. Linux is Unix-like, meaning it is similar in many ways to Unix despite not being the same. You must be able to run Linux on your laptop to be able to program. That being said, both Mac and Windows can run Linux just fine.
…UNIX called for its stability, flexibility, and security . Linux powers everything from your phone to your refrigerator ..
What Are You Programming For
The laptop you choose will also depend on what sort of programming and development you are working on. Simply stated, if you're doing programming work for macOS, it will likely be easier on you if you have macOS running on your device; likewise with Windows.
Simply stated, there are some stacks which just work better with Windows and some that just work better with Mac. So, before choosing a platform to program on, first think about what sort of programming you are going to be doing.
Personal Preference
To be perfectly frank, this debate really comes down to personal preference. If you've been using Windows your whole life, don't take this article (or any of the opinionated, indoctrinated debates you see online) as proof that you need to switch to Mac or vice versa.
There is really no right answer to this question and it all comes down to your needs as a programmer i.e. what and who you are programming for as well as your needs as a consumer of technology. So, relax and have fun! That's what programming is about.
Familiarity Of UX
Mac laptops are versatile, high tech machines that can get the job done. They will be able to handle most any coding and programming work you do. Especially if you're doing programming work for an Apple ecosystem, then a Mac is your best option.
Almost any hiccups can be worked around using alternate software, apps, programs, etc. Some programmers claim that Mac will give you far fewer headaches than Windows when it comes to certain stacks or languages which may be true but the bottom line is your ability to program.
MacOS is Unix-like, meaning it is similar to, but not the same as, Unix and by extension, Linux. This means that development may just be a tiny bit easier and slightly less time-consuming on a Mac as compared to Windows.
Your Budget
The main drawback to Mac for the first time buyer is the price. Most new Macs range well over $2000 at the time of writing.
If you're into programming as a career, Mac is definitely an option to consider for its programming ability and ease of use in certain stack development.
For casual programmers though, there are other, more budget-friendly, options available to you that will work for your purposes.
Do You Need Windows Specific Tools
Download Unix Os
With Windows, you would be developing on the platform used by the most users. Despite the Macs' popularity in the media, Windows still reigns as the most used platform and thus the most developed for. You'll find it more popular with software engineers who develop for the enterprise.
That being said, you can't develop for iOS on a Windows computer so keep in mind the type of development you want to work on.
Windows is not Unix-like, as macOS is, but Linux can be run on Windows now and updates are being made relatively regularly to support it. This can bring Windows nearly up to the level of ease that a Mac gives with more compatibility and stability.
Stability Of O.S
While Windows is great for front end development, for back end developers, the platform can be a pain to use. You'll be sitting through several hours of updates, drivers, installers, etc. to get a good system running but after that, you'll find your development easier.
Does This Really Matter
While Windows may be better for some programming and Mac other, most all programming can be done on either with some workarounds. ‘Better' (in terms of programming) here really means ‘easier'. Both types of laptops are very similar and you'll find that programming ease often comes with practice and knowledge and not necessarily equipment.
Conclusion
Always keep in mind the type of programming you want to be doing and what your own personal preferences are when choosing between Mac and Windows for your programming needs.
Both types of laptops are very similar and you'll find that programming ease often comes with practice and knowledge and not necessarily equipment. Always keep in mind the type of programming you want to be doing and what your own personal preferences are when choosing between Mac and Windows for your programming needs.
Mac Os Catalina
Resources
LINFO. Linux for Absolute Beginners, The Linux Info Project.
Mac Unix Commands
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