The operating system (OS) is the software foundation on which absolutely everything runs. It decides which programs you can run, how secure the computer is and how comfortably you work. Most people do not choose it; they simply use the one that came with the computer. Still, it pays to know your options, especially when buying a new machine or reviving an old one.

The three main options

  • Windows is the most widespread system. It runs the most programs and games, has the best hardware compatibility and is the standard in businesses and at home. For most people it is the simplest and most universal choice.
  • macOS runs only on Apple computers (Macs). It is polished, secure and popular for creative work (graphics, video, music), and works superbly with the iPhone. But it is tied to Apple hardware and tends to be pricier.
  • Linux is free, secure and undemanding. It can revive even an older computer and is popular with developers, on servers, and with people who care about privacy. However, some commercial programs and games may not run on it directly, and it requires a little willingness to learn.

Choose mainly by the programs you need

This is the most important rule. First find out whether your key programs run on the system at all. For example, specific accounting, project or gaming software often runs only on Windows, while some creative tools and the connection with the iPhone are a strength of macOS. There is no point choosing a system on which you cannot run what you actually need.

Choose by hardware and budget too

  • Hardware. A Mac means macOS. For an ordinary computer Windows suits, and an older or weaker computer can be beautifully revived by a lightweight Linux instead of ending up in the bin. For gaming, Windows is the safest choice.
  • Budget. Linux is free, Windows requires a licence, and macOS means buying an Apple computer.
  • Familiarity. What you are used to counts too. Switching to another system is manageable, but it takes a little time.

Windows: Home or Pro?

If you go for Windows, there are two main editions. Home is enough for households and ordinary use. Pro adds features for businesses (disk encryption, remote desktop, network management). And regardless of the edition, one thing holds: keep the system updated, because once support ends it stops receiving security patches, as we wrote in the article on the end of Windows 10.

You do not have to throw out an old computer right away

If your slow computer with an outdated system is no longer enough, the answer need not be a brand-new machine. It can often be revived with a lightweight Linux, which runs briskly on older hardware, is secure and free. This saves both money and the planet, something we also cover in the article on recycling old computers.

We will advise, install and transfer your data

Choosing a system is about matching it to what you use the computer for, to your programs and to your hardware. We will gladly advise you on which operating system is best for you, install it, set it up and safely transfer your data and programs. Get in touch and we will choose together.