Now even people far from the IT sphere know that there are different operating systems. Their list has increased significantly even over the past 5 years, especially in connection with the growing number of mobile devices. What are their features, how do they differ, what are their advantages and disadvantages?
System classification
They differ from each other in different parameters, in particular, in the distribution of functions between computers. The classes of operating systems and the networks themselves are:
- peer to peer;
- peer-to-peer (have dedicated servers).
There are computers that provide their resources to others. In this case, they act as a network server. The other is their client. Computers can perform one or the second function or combine them together.
The operating system must at the same time meet the requirements of the buyer.
The list of the most popular systems
What are the most popular operating systems among users? The list looks like this:
- Windows
- MacOS
- Android
- Ubuntu
- Linux and others.
There are also less popular ones. For example, Fedora or Back Track. But they are common in a rather narrow environment of specialists.
How to choose?
There are different criteria for users. This is primarily the ease of use and the capabilities of operating systems. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Functionality is important for one, the interface is important for the second, and the guarantee of the safety of personal data is for the third. Operating systems for PCs, the list of which is longer than those developed for mobile devices, differ from the second in their requirements for the machine.
They offer their users a different level of comfort and innovative solutions, in many respects the choice is determined by the profession of a person.
Windows Features
In recent years, new operating systems have appeared. The list of the most popular was supplemented by Android and IOS. However, Windows, as before, remains the most demanded in the world.
It is not only the most popular operating system, but also the most comfortable to use, great for beginners. Schoolchildren, office workers and people of different ages - almost all of them use Windows operating systems. Linux is traditionally used by specialized specialists.
pros
The key advantages of the popularly beloved “Windows” are the following factors:
- convenient interface;
- a large number of quality software that can be installed on a free basis;
- ease of installation and configuration;
- ease of server administration.
Cons of Windows
Most versions of Windows are paid operating systems. The list can be found in open sources. The high cost of software is a key flaw in Windows.
Another minus is the instability and vulnerability of the entire OS family to all kinds of malware.
Latest version
How much does Windows 10 cost? It all depends on whether the version will be home or professional. In the first case, the cost will be about 6 thousand rubles, and in the second - about 10 thousand.
The last modification, like the previous one, can have a classic interface or the same as that of the G8, when you can switch the icons on the desktop.
Answering the logical answer to the question, how much does Windows 10 cost, by the fact that the cost is considerable, it is necessary to warn: do not rush to worry. After all, the license that is granted to the user does not have an expiration date. But software such as online games, antiviruses, or Office, requires regular updates for a fee.
By tradition, if you have a previous licensed version of Windows installed on your computer, you can upgrade it to the latest for free.
Previous Windows OS
Despite the release of new software, there are those who are comfortable using the previous ones. Different versions of operating systems have their advantages. Now, along with the "ten", many continue to use the "eights" and "sevens."
Windows 7 was released back in 2009. It included both developments from the previous “Vista” and completely new solutions that concerned the interface and embedded programs. Some software was ruled out - games, applications, a number of technologies, and more.
"Seven" has several editions:
- initial;
- home base;
- extended home;
- corporate;
- professional;
- the maximum.
The next version of the operating system - Windows 8 was released in 2012. Its main innovation was a modified interface, which was more adapted to work on mobile devices. Today this product of the company is the best-selling.
Deprecated Versions
There are also once popular, but now almost forgotten operating systems. You can start the list of them with Windows 95, it was with this version that at one time many started working with PCs. After it appeared no less popular Windows 98. The next system - Windows 2000 - came out at the turn of the millennium and was intended for use on devices with 32-bit processors.
However, the real popularity was found by Windows XP, which appeared in 2001. She only recently lost her championship to the seventh and eighth version. For over 10 years, it was XP that users preferred to install on their computers and laptops.
The next user version was Vista, but its functionality and features, according to experts, were extremely weak, which is why it did not gain popularity.
Other computer operating systems
However, not everyone uses Windows. There are other PC operating systems. Their list includes, in particular, MacOS, Linux, Ubuntu, and its other modifications. They are mainly used by narrow-profile specialists.
Ubuntu was created based
on Linux. Its interface is much like a Mac, but the overall style is similar to Windows. Users appreciated the usability, stability and the fact that the OS can be obtained for free. They also like the speed of the machine. But Ubuntu has its drawbacks - a small number of software, games, as well as a complex administration scheme.
MacOS is an operating system developed by Apple for computers of its own production. It is called a premium user product - it has a beautiful design, user-friendly interface and excellent multimedia capabilities. But this solution is far from affordable for everyone, because both the computers themselves and the Apple brand OS, compared to others, are incredibly expensive.
Also for PC, some use Linux. This system is free, stable, equipped with a lot of built-in software. However, despite all these advantages, it requires high user skills. Therefore, Linux is most often installed by programmers, networkers, and other specialists.
Work on mobile devices
As you know, more and more users prefer to use the Internet not from laptops and PCs, but from mobile devices - smartphones and tablets. There are operating systems that are designed specifically for them. The most common are Android and IOS. But “Symbian” has already lost its former popularity, since its capabilities can no longer cover the needs of users.
In the first place in quantitative terms by a wide margin is “Android”. After all, if IOS is an OS created specifically for Apple devices, then the second one can work on smartphones and tablets of other brands, for example:
- Samsung
- LG.
- Sony
- Lenovo and others.
“Android” has a convenient interface for its users, allows them to use high-quality software in large quantities on a free basis. It is suitable not only for smartphones and tablets, but also for modern "smart TVs." Devices based on this OS can independently reflash and make changes to their work.
But iOS, which is Apple's product, is considered more stable and much faster, and provides consumers with great multimedia capabilities. But compared to Android, it is more expensive, since there is very little free software in it. And that which is provided for money is very expensive.
About 10 years ago, those who used the Internet on mobile phones actively used the Symbian system, which was a joint development of the leading manufacturers at that time (Nokia, Motorola and others). It works now, but, compared to iOS and Android, it is not able to cope with the tasks that the current owners of mobile devices have set themselves.
Other operating systems
In addition to the common operating systems for computers and mobile devices, there are less well-known ones, many of them are created like Linux and require a high level of user skills. One such system is Fedora. It is highly stable, practically does not fall in terms of work. You can forever forget about freezes, sudden overloads and other problems.
There are specific operating systems. For example, Back Track. This system is free and used by hackers around the world. Most of the hacks were carried out thanks to Back Track. It was originally optimized to gain unauthorized access to download data from a computer.
People far from the computer sphere know little about the features of operating systems and their real number. On laptops or computers, they install Windows, iPhones are equipped with their own software, and on other smartphones or tablets Android is installed by default.
But there are a large number of other systems, they are mainly not intended for a wide range because of their features. The choice of a particular OS depends primarily on the tasks that a person sets himself.