List of operating systems: features, specifications and reviews

Today, a huge part of the world's population interacts with computers on an ongoing basis, someone is obligated to work, someone is looking for information on the Web, and someone just spends time in games. Everyone has their own needs, which means that the computer must meet them. And if we are talking about hardware (the technical component of the computer), then everything is more or less clear: the newer, the better. But the “software” (software) part requires special attention.

Each computer runs a specific operating system, of which there are a great many, each of which is suitable for certain tasks, available equipment, and so on. Therefore, an important factor is the choice of this operating system.

There is a fairly massive list of operating systems, but in this article we will talk about three pillars that have strongly influenced the industry and occupy the bulk of all operating systems: Windows, MacOS and Linux.

Proprietary Operating Systems

To begin with, it is worth clarifying that there are proprietary OSs, those that are licensed by the manufacturer. These include the Windows operating systems listed below, and MacOS. Despite the fact that both systems can be downloaded onto the Web (stolen), it will be correct to purchase a license from the distribution company and activate it.

The advantage of such systems is their development, a huge amount of high-quality software and competent technical support, which will help in case of malfunctions.

“Free” operating systems

These include almost the entire Linux family, except perhaps for some developments with accounting or other professional software. These OS can be downloaded absolutely free and installed on any computer without a twinge of conscience.

Such systems are created by independent developers together with the community, therefore, in most cases the quality of programs leaves much to be desired, but such systems are much more protected and work more stable than their proprietary competitors.

Windows

Absolutely everyone who has ever dealt with a computer knows about this Microsoft product. In particular, this applies to the succesful release of Windows 7. The list of Microsoft operating systems has over a dozen generations. They are extremely popular all over the world and occupy almost 90% of the market. What speaks of unprecedented leadership.

List of Windows Operating Systems:

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7
• Windows 8
• Windows 10

The list intentionally starts with Windows XP, as it is the oldest version that remains in use until today.

Windows 10 system requirements (latest release):

• To work, you need a processor with a frequency of at least 1000 MHz.
• 1 gigabyte of RAM (for the 32-bit version) or 2 gigabytes of RAM (for the 64-bit version).
• 16 gigabytes of ROM (for the 32-bit version) or 20 gigabytes of ROM (for the 64-bit version).
• Also, the system requires a video chip or video card that supports DirectX 9 technology.

Advantages of the system:

1. Availability. The system is able to work on any computer, regardless of manufacturer.
2. Number of programs. Over the long history of the platform, a huge database of programs and applications that still work (even those that were created more than 10 years ago) has gathered.
3. High-quality game support. Microsoft has at its disposal all the most advanced gaming developments, which allows you to run the most advanced games on their system.
4. Support for specific software. Windows has become the world standard, and therefore many programs and applications run only on it. These include banking clients or accounting applications. Also, the importance of the Microsoft Office suite, which only works with dignity on Windows, is often noted.

Disadvantages of the system:

1. The abundance of viruses. The popularity of this platform was not in vain. Not under the same operating system was not created as many viruses as they were running under Windows. The user has to take care of his own security, buy antiviruses and security software.
2. Unstable work. Unfortunately, Windows, developing from generation to generation, only acquires new opportunities, without getting rid of trash. This makes it harder, more and more errors appear in the code. Sometimes a system behaves unpredictably and may even die.
3. Constant updates. Having installed Windows, you should be prepared for the fact that it will be updated very often, and not always for the better. Yes, all updates are aimed at improving the user experience and protection, but in reality the update can disable the computer or significantly reduce the speed of work. In addition, the system is updated without asking the user whether he wants it or not, so be mentally prepared if your work disappears due to another patch.
4. The need for drivers - any device that you want to connect to a computer, whether it be a camera or a printer, will require a driver, without which, most likely, it will not work.

Opinion about Windows has always been twofold. Someone complains about constant viruses and errors, someone is not happy with the updates. Conversely, someone praises a Microsoft product for its Office capabilities.

In general, the product fits the absolute majority. Windows is necessary for those who work with specific software, the Microsoft Office suite and play modern computer games.

MacOS

A less common but better product created by Apple. MacOS boasts only a modest share of 9%. This unpleasant situation has arisen due to the fact that MacOS works only under the control of Mac computers.

List of MacOS Operating Systems:

• OS X Mavericks;
• OS X Yosemite
• OS X El Capitan;
• macOS Sierra.

MacOS Sierra operating system system requirements (latest release):

• iMac (released at the end of 2009 or newer);
• Mac Book (12-inch, released in early 2015 or newer);
• Mac Book Pro (released in late 2010 or newer);
• Mac Book Air (released late 2009 or newer);
• Mac Mini (released in early 2010 or newer);
• Mac Pro (released in late 2010 or newer).

The system requires one of the computers listed above.

Advantages of the system:

1. Stability and safety. Apple products have always been famous for their security and stability. Computers are no exception and plugged into the belt of any competing system. Under MacOS, many protection tools and restrictions have been created that do not allow harm to the end user. Also, a lot less viruses were created for the system.
2. An impressive fleet of quality software. MacOS comes with a built-in “software” package by default for productive work and creativity. The list of operating system programs includes applications for recording notes, web browsing, creating movies, mixing tracks, drawing, and so on. And developers from the AppStore, unlike those in Windows, rely on quality and thoughtfulness, rather than cheapness.
3. The interaction of the system with hardware. MacOS operating system “sharpened” to work with a narrow range of equipment, therefore, it works smoothly and efficiently. There is advanced trackpad support. Almost any equipment works without drivers.
4. iCloud Apple computers, like other company products, are always in sync with the iCloud cloud. This allows you to protect any data stored on your computer and keep it up to date on all devices.

Disadvantages of the system:

1. High cost. The operating system itself is free, but it only works on Mac computers, which, in turn, are indecently expensive.
2. Less games. Gamers generally should not look towards MacOS, since the number of games, to put it mildly, suffers. You can’t launch any modern gaming product here, as they simply don’t adapt for Mac, due to its closed nature and poor distribution.
3. Weak business segment. Mac is not very widespread in the corporate environment, especially in Russia, therefore it is almost impossible to find suitable software on it. Most organizations create products for Windows.

Most Mac owners love their OS, praise for the large selection of programs and stable operation. MacOS is mainly disliked by Windows adherents for its alleged limitedness and high cost of Apple computers.

The system is suitable for all those whose profession is associated with creativity. These are musicians, directors and even journalists.

Linux

The free Linux operating system has the smallest share of the computer market. It closes the named list of PC operating systems with a share of 1%. Despite this, the system leads the market for mobile devices and is in demand on servers.

List of Linux operating systems:

• Fedora
• Ubuntu
• Mint;
• OpenSUSE
• Gentoo
• Arch;
• Slackware

The system requirements of Linux operating systems are mixed. The technical equipment needed to run the system varies greatly, as the platform is universal and can be compiled for any “machine”.

Advantages of the system:

1. Versatility and accessibility. The system works on everything, in the literal sense. It is often used in the north, in educational institutions. Yes, and on home computers, it is increasingly common, due to its availability. The system is free, as is most of the applications for it.
2. Community support. Linux-based operating systems are open source and a lot of developers work on them, which reduces the risk of virus infection, speeds up the correction of all kinds of errors, and generally positively affects the development of the system.
3. Speed ​​of work. Linux is perhaps the most undemanding system. Depending on the chosen “environment” (system interface) and the distribution kit (system as such), very high performance can be achieved on weak “machines”.

Disadvantages of the system:

1. Incompatibility with Windows. Almost all software is only analogs with Windows, while being much inferior in quality. The same goes for games.
2. The need to master the terminal. The system can also be controlled using the graphical interface, but sooner or later there will be a need to work with the terminal (a tool for managing the system in text mode), which means learning the principles of the system, commands, and programming basics.
3. Incompatibility of equipment. If you have an old printer at home, you can say with almost 100% certainty that Linux will not support it.

Only those who love computers and information technology, those who like to delve into the system, praise the system. Regular users often complain, because there is nothing in the system for creativity or entertainment.

Steam OS

Another freeware system, which is nothing more than Linux with a shell from Valve. This product is aimed at gamers and the Steam gaming platform .

Chrome OS

An underdeveloped product from Google, which is limited only to web applications and the browser of the same name. This system is not competitive in comparison with Windows and Mac, but is made with an eye to the future, when web interfaces can replace the "real" software. Installed by default on all Chromebooks.

Installing multiple systems and using virtual machines

Since each platform has its pros and cons, it is often necessary to work with several at once. Computer developers are aware of this, and therefore offer users the ability to install two or three systems on the disk at once.

This is done simply. Only the distribution kit of the system (a disk or a flash drive with the installation material loaded on their installation) and free space on the hard disk are needed. All modern operating systems offer during installation to allocate space and create a boot mechanism that displays a list of operating systems when the computer boots. Everything is done in semi-automatic mode and is within the power of any user.

Apple computers have a special utility called BootCamp, which is designed to easily and seamlessly install Windows next to MacOS.

There is another way - installing a virtual system inside a real one. For this, the following programs are used: VmWare and VirtualBox, capable of emulating the operation of a full-fledged computer and running operating systems.

Instead of a conclusion

The list of operating systems for a computer is not limited to the foregoing. There are many products from different companies, but all of them are quite specific and do not deserve the attention of an ordinary user. The choice should be made between Windows, MacOS and Linux, as they can cover most of the needs and are quite easy to learn.