Difference between Operating Systems

B

bananabear

New Member
Hi!
I am relatively new to computers and I was wondering what is the difference between the operating systems: Windows, Mac OS and Linux.
I'm a casual PC user so I just go on the computer to watch videos, surf the web, word process, email others and go on social networking sites. Which OS would suit my PC?
 
If I was you, I'd go with Linux cause you don't get attacked by tonnes of viruses and plus you're only using the PC for general purposes so the lack of major game support in Linux isn't significant at all in your case.
 
data66 said:
If I was you, I'd go with Linux cause you don't get attacked by tonnes of viruses and plus you're only using the PC for general purposes so the lack of major game support in Linux isn't significant at all in your case.
Click to expand...

Steam is now on Ubuntu for gaming.

Back to the O/P...

Windows or Linux definately. You can not put Mac OS X onto a normal computer, it is against EULA, you'd have to buy a Mac. Note that talking about Hackintosh (running Mac OS X on a non-apple PC is also against forum rules so I would not recommend it.

Go for Windows or Linux. If you want to have more compatibility, and are willing to pay for it, go for Windows, if you want constant new updates, a limited compatibility with applications* and a free OS, go for Linux.

*Many online applications, CDs and games, and data CDs with applications may be for Windows, if they are, there is a chance it will not run on Linux. I always tend to use Windows for my main PC, just because of the compatibility with applications. I don't need to search for specific linux packages to run things that are not made for Linux. There is a wider range of applications for Windows than Linux
 
Windows rapes all these OSs for compatability, speed, ease of use etc. All other views are delusional.

MacOS can be run quite easily on a PC, is based on Linux, and doesn't require the nonsenes.

Windows 7 installs in minutes, runs everything and on a PC forum, very easily diagnosed.

The posts above are simply fan-boi.
 
Okedokey said:
Windows rapes all these OSs for compatability, speed, ease of use etc. All other views are delusional.

MacOS can be run quite easily on a PC, is based on Linux, and doesn't require the nonsenes.

Windows 7 installs in minutes, runs everything and on a PC forum, very easily diagnosed.

The posts above are simply fan-boi.
Click to expand...

If it is MacOSX, it is against EULA to run it on a non mac PC. It ordepends what you want to use the PC for. Its not Fan-Boi as I use Linux and Windows.
 
bananabear said:
I'm a casual PC user so I just go on the computer to watch videos, surf the web, word process, email others and go on social networking sites. Which OS would suit my PC?
Click to expand...
Go with either Linux (Linux Mint is good) or Windows. Don't waste your money on an expensive Mac for simple stuff like watching videos and writing emails.

Though if you're used to Windows, it's probably best to stick to Windows. If you want to and are willing to try something new and little bit different, then give Linux a go.
 
I would not go with Windows 8 because of the changes in the graphic User interface. Most end Users do not like the changes in Windows 8 (there are some who do). If you want the Windows operating system go with Windows 7.
 
2048Megabytes said:
I would not go with Windows 8 because of the changes in the graphic User interface. Most end Users do not like the changes in Windows 8 (there are some who do). If you want the Windows operating system go with Windows 7.
Click to expand...

^

Agreed. Windows 7 is easier if you are more familiar with the Windows NT feel.
 
AntimatterAsh said:
If it is MacOSX, it is against EULA to run it on a non mac PC. It ordepends what you want to use the PC for. Its not Fan-Boi as I use Linux and Windows.
Click to expand...

The EULA is a licence agreement. The worst that can happen is they blacklist your key. Its also against the forum rules.

BUT, its very easy, half the price on a PC and not against the law.

I install windows last night, everything, in 40 minutes. Windows 7 is the best OS out there imo.
 
Windows rapes all these OSs for compatability, speed, ease of use etc. All other views are delusional.

MacOS can be run quite easily on a PC, is based on Linux, and doesn't require the nonsenes.

Windows 7 installs in minutes, runs everything and on a PC forum, very easily diagnosed.

The posts above are simply fan-boi.
Click to expand...
Mac OS is not based on Linux.

I don't know what you mean by speed, but ease of use at very least is subjective. Not delusional.
 
I've gotten Windows 7 and Windows 8 to install on SSDs in about 15-20 minutes, sometimes as little as 10 minutes.

Funny how the OP hasn't replied back though.
 
AntimatterAsh said:
MacOSX is not based on Linux, no. There may be a linux disto called MacOS though.
Click to expand...

Linux is based on Unix which is what MacOS is based on. They're essentially siblings. Yes.

hackapelite said:
Mac OS is not based on Linux.

I don't know what you mean by speed, but ease of use at very least is subjective. Not delusional.
Click to expand...

Exactly.

spirit said:
I've gotten Windows 7 and Windows 8 to install on SSDs in about 15-20 minutes, sometimes as little as 10 minutes.

Funny how the OP hasn't replied back though.
Click to expand...

Yeah me too, im talking everything though. All updates, flash, drivers and so on.
 
Last edited:
hackapelite said:
Linux is *not* based on Unix. It is "Unix-like", but it is not a true Unix and it is has always been developed independently of all Unices.

No idea what you're on about.
Click to expand...

The basis of MacOS is Darwin, which has a kernel that meets the Single UNIX Specification. This means that it could officially call itself Unix. Which, is what linux is based on also.

They're cousins at worst.

In graphics speak, they're the same 'engine'.
 
Last edited:
The basis of MacOS is Darwin, which has a kernel that meets the Single UNIX Specification. This means that it could officially call itself Unix. Which, is what linux is based on also.

They're cousins at worst.

In graphics speak, they're the same 'engine'.
Click to expand...
SUS =/= Unix. Nobody says "based on Unix" meaning "conforms to the single UNIX specification". And even calling them cousins is wrong; a better analogy would be two completely unrelated guys, one from Sweden and the other from Sudan, who have different tastes, hobbies and personalities but happen to have the same qualifications on the workplace. Linux is completely independent of Mac OS; the latter has its roots go all the way back to the original Unics. They have no common ancestor. The suggestion that one of them is somehow based on the other is plain wrong; the fact that they happen to conform to a (relatively narrow) spec doesn't change this in the slightest.

And I'm still mighty curious as to what the hell you meant with the syndrome of subjective doubles article.
 
What are you talking about? Linux and MacOS are both based on Mach 3.0. Mach 3.0 is based on BSD, which is based on Unix. They're completely related.
 
If you are only browsing the web and writing emails give Linux a try. It's free so why not. IMHO it's easier to setup than Windows anyway. I find less extras that I need to install after I install the OS in Linux than there are in Windows. Depending on my internet connection, I am up and running with Linux in 20 min. Plus I have multiple desktops, lower system usage and a software center where I can easily download and try free programs without having to worry about trial periods and viruses.

It's a no brainer. Try Linux. If you hate it, go back to Windows. The only thing you would have lost it time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top