Disputes about which operating system better, have not subsided for several decades, since the mass spread of household computer equipment. Today's OS market for home computers is divided between three main competitors:
• OS of the Linux family.
In this review, we will look at these classes of operating systems, comparing them in several ways.
However, in the case of an operating system, the efficiency and speed of working with that system must also be considered in speed. What will be on paper the most fast system, which can, for example, in a game show about 5 frames per second or more, if you need to connect a camera to view the Internet for half an hour, you launch the connected camera and another hour searches for the correct drivers for the printer to print photos.
But let's compare the gross measured power, which is something we're all very interested in. We have prepared a very detailed table of measured values for you, and you can take the picture yourself. Strange, but in the 64-bit version. This is, for example, the strongest test suite due to the large difference in graphics performance.
- Performance and Security
These characteristics relate to the functional part. First of all, they determine the speed of the system on computers with an average configuration and compatibility with peripheral equipment. The security parameter indicates the safety of user data and resistance to the threat of virus attacks.
Unfortunately, this is no longer relevant from today's point of view. It is interesting to compare other application tests and synthetic tests on hard drives. For the most part, this could be because it is not that robust of a system with few system requirements. However, most tests show such small differences that we can talk about the difference in percentages, not in tens of percentages. It is built very carefully and is an industry standard for computer testing. The weaker the assembly, the smaller the power difference.
At the time, the latest operating system could not run on older hardware. In addition to the variables being measured, operating system behavior must be considered when comparing operating systems. One thing that doesn't need to be measured is the speed of searching files and documents.
- User interface(UI)
The graphical shell has long been standard interface user interaction with computer system, although experts in the field information technologies continue to use the interface for their tasks command line. Using a graphical shell, the user can perform application tasks and configure the system. The user-friendliness of the UI and its thoughtfulness are important details that the best PC operating system must have.
Another factor is system maintenance. Thanks to very good support for various hardware drivers and their automatic update The system is significantly more stable and slow usage is slowed down. And this is Seeds in the world above its predecessors very briefly and, despite the fact that their properties will be refined and repaired. The big advantage is some features that allow you to work with your computer faster and more efficiently.
For example, if you type "transparency" into the search box, you will find a link for display options, i.e. transparency, even if it is not directly named. It offers excellent performance, plenty useful functions, automatically supports drivers and doesn't mess with most connected devices - most even install themselves. You can find a comparison of each test category in a separate table. One explanation for why the new sevens are so good can also be found in the System Core window.
- Kit software
Of course, the operating system itself does not represent much practical value for the PC owner; what is more important is the range of application software designed for use in a separate system. Let's try to assess how well software developers cover the main areas of interest of ordinary users (professional activities, entertainment, communication, etc.).
If you purchase new computer, you will automatically receive it. Some facts can still be traced. One of the major changes to this kernel is the move to a much smaller system core, more distant from other layers such as hardware drivers. Much more consistently, however, the core was cut off and separated from the other layers of the system. This allows you to install, for example, a new video card driver without restarting the computer, which applies to drivers in general. Another advantage is that if there is a problem with a hardware device, the system can temporarily disable the device driver and start it again.
There are several current versions of this system. Although Windows 8 is the newest, version 7 still dominates the market. According to statcounter.com, Windows 7 is installed at 52% personal computers. Therefore, we chose it as the reference OS from Microsoft.
Hardware problems will not cause the entire operating system to crash, and the infamous blue screen death will not appear. Therefore, a system with a smaller core is much more stable. The third main advantage is the ability to load drivers, separate from the kernel, in parallel with the system boot. This is sign 1, not another. Another significant advantage of the minimalist core is the possibility of better separation running processes on several threads, that is, between several processor cores.
The new kernel and modified driver layer also allows the standalone kernel to better test and debug, and to separate and separate drivers for other hardware that are no longer part of the kernel. Currently the majority modern processors support 64-bit architecture. The emergence of 64-bit operating systems for seven years did not hinder Hardware, and software. The problem is today, five years later, with 64-bit applications, which are unfortunately still saffron.
The system is quite optimized and is able to work stably on old computers up to 2006, especially if you use the “classic” user interface. Due to the fact that Windows is the most popular target of virus attacks, the user care should be taken to maintain a high level of security, by installing and configuring anti-virus software and network connection screens.
For developers, the transition to 64-bit starts from the beginning. Therefore, if this transition should make sense. Luckily, the swallows seem to be changing. Some applications that get the most out of 64-bit are often only available in 32-bit. However, the 64-bit system has some advantages.
The vast majority of drivers are also available for these versions of the system, and backward compatibility issues with 32-bit applications have all but disappeared. The performance itself thanks to 64 bits is already displayed somewhere, but the application still cannot fully take advantage of this. Unfortunately, productivity and developer experience, which in many cases have failed to exploit their full potential, are linked. Theoretically, productivity gains should increase to thirty percent on the same hardware.
Quite often, determining which operating system is better is based on the appearance of the user interface. In Windows 7, the default interface type is Aero style. Besides visual effects(window translucency, animation) it provides functions for manipulating windows using computer mouse gestures. Overall, Aero has retained the traditional desktop elements of previous versions OS familiar to Windows users with experience.
There is an image for 32 - and 64-bit technologies. The developers don't even try to hide this fact, and the only difference in the loading process is the color of the environment. Absolutely identical process after installation, so we'll just skip this step and let's see what awaits us after installation. Here you will find the launcher, calendar and window system information. This is inconvenient for regular user but it saves system requirements in the environment. Likewise, most components of this environment need to be changed.
The only things that developers will allow you to change the appearance through the system settings app are the size of the launcher icons, desktop wallpaper, and active corner actions. Like many options for customizing appearance, for pre-installed applications not many verticals. On the other hand, it must be said that developers are trying to use interesting, not entirely well-known, but unpretentious applications.
The ability to install an application for absolutely any task is the main advantage of Windows. This is especially true for gaming applications, office programs and many other applied areas.
- Performance and Security - 7/10
- Range of programs - 10/10
It is very light and fast browser. It can open new windows using Quick View, browse the site anonymously, create bookmarks, manage downloaded data and more common more or less useful things. The advantage of this browser can also be the large number of pre-built extensions, where only the application options indicate whether you want them or not to actively use them. This is an administrator with one panorama. You can switch the window preview between a grid view, a list of file details, or use column views so you have the entire branch of file attachments in front of you.
The system is an integral part of Apple computers and is provided exclusively with them. On this moment The latest editions of the 10th (OS X) version are current.
Since the operating system is developed and optimized for a specific set of hardware, it productivity is at a high level. Moreover, she is extremely stable. Total malware for the Mac platform is small compared to the IBM PC, so worry about additional protection not worth it.
Expand, update - no problem
He's not gigantic file manager, but it gets the job done quickly and you can easily get used to it. When you run it, just fill out the most important information about your account and take care of everything else. However, you won't be deleting messages, so if you want the full account experience, you'll need to use a different client or surf the web in the web interface. You can install a large number of applications easily and quickly. Updates can be performed in the terminal or in the update manager.
Many users believe that Mac OS is the best operating system in terms of usability and appearance of the user interface. The company pays a lot of attention to this area, using a whole range of technologies that improve and harmonize the appearance of controls and visual effects. Moreover, the company strongly advises third-party software developers to use typical OS design methods so that users can work equally comfortably in both a familiar application and a completely new one.
Fast, easy, but not for everyone
Well, maybe Giri is too simple. She is the most convenient user, but she can't do it anymore. Not that he couldn't handle it - but it's certainly not a job for a newbie. Again - he will force him to do it, but he is not for people. On the other hand, the system is incredibly inspiring - the active corners, for example, are a fascinating thing. On the other hand, if they actually do their job and listen to the "voice of the people", they can certainly be a good, simple and stable alternative to large distributions.
The range of software for Mac OS covers all basic user needs. Apple's system is especially popular among designers and media content developers. It is believed that this the best platform for professional activities in this direction.
- Performance and security - 9/10
- User Interface – 10/10
- Range of programs - 8/10
Linux
I definitely don't have any effects and less is more, at least the machine's performance is dedicated to something more useful. It looks good, but it's useless for normal operation. When you move the window down to top panel was blocking the dock, you'll never reach it because it can't even grab the dock. Indicator open window is missing, so the mouse can't switch between apps and can't even see what's actually running.
There is no option to minimize in the window control buttons. So the dock below me is not always at its best. Once the window is maximized, the dock is hidden. What programs are running can be seen in the dock. There is no need to minimize the window in the control buttons, the window is minimized by clicking on the program in the dock. Additionally, you can set it to minimize after moving to a selected corner of the screen.
The Linux operating system has a lot of separate distributions (versions) designed for one or another type of application. Since, according to experts, it is best suited for home computers Ubuntu distribution, it will be considered as an example.
Due to the wide possibilities for customizing the system, you can “assemble” a version of the distribution kit that is completely suitable for the PC components used, which guarantees high performance. In terms of security, Linux is considered the most preferred OS, since it provides many mechanisms for restricting access to user information.
It is not true that the dock is still on the hill. If the maximum app dock is hidden and only rotates if you move to the bottom of the screen. Victory is pretty busy. They have their own rules with rules about how applications should look.
Application and user interface
Today we look at one little brother. But the differences in the user interface are more than significant. You can have a free way to control, shortcut keys for applications and files. It may take some time before you are able to configure your network correctly.
The appearance of the system can also be customized according to user preferences. His choice is simple and strict or colorful desktop design options with many effects. It should be noted that to control many aspects of the system, the user must learn to use the command line.
A huge number of programs have been developed for Linux, aimed at professionals in the field of programming, network administration, etc. However, for applied tasks, the range of applications may not seem as wide as compared to Windows and Mac platforms.
As already mentioned, other applications that can be downloaded from the official websites. However, this project deserves special attention and is worth trying. The advantage is that the manufacturer optimizes the operation of the entire system for only a few types of devices on which the operating system behaves very quickly and is completely reliable. This results in high hardware requirements for individual products and, if necessary, very fast software updates.
It is a highly advanced operating system that provides intuitive and easy-to-use controls for all users. The user should be aware that this system can be minimized, and in addition to customizing the background or distributing installed application icons, the system can no longer adapt to system requirements.
- Performance and security - 10/10
- User Interface – 8/10
- Range of programs - 7/10
Conclusion
Opinions about operating systems are often formed based on habits or tasks solved using a PC. It is impossible to say for sure which operating system is better, since the differences between them are fundamental. However, for the home model of use it is still more convenient to use Windows or Mac OS.
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No matter how much Linux supporters want to admit the fact that Windows occupies a leading position in the desktop operating system market, this will not change the reality. On different versions operating systems from Microsoft today operate more than 80%
computers in the world. Which Windows versions most in demand today? What market share do other operating systems have?
What determines this distribution of user choice? We will look into all these issues below, and the analytical research data from the Irish web project will help us with this. StatCounter. StatCounter statistics for March 2015 will form the basis for the following rating of operating systems for PCs and laptops.
9th place – Windows 10
– an evolutionary continuation of versions 8 and 8.1 – is still under development. But the last place in the ranking of desktop operating systems is ensured by the participants Windows programs Insider – users who registered on the Microsoft website to officially participate in system testing. Among the users of the new product are also curious experimenters who can’t bear to wait for the release of Windows 10, scheduled by the software giant for this summer.
8th place - Google Chrome OS
Less 2% users use a minimalistic system tailored for the work of search engine services. Chrome OS, which appeared in 2009, is built on the Linux kernel and, in fact, is Chrome browser with some functions for hardware control of a computer device.
Chrome OS was developed for cheap and low-power netbooks, intended mainly for web surfing and spending time on computers. in social networks. Chrome OS is not considered by many to be a full-fledged operating system, however, it is in demand by a certain category of users. Naturally, the demand for Chrome OS is largely due to its affordable price portable devices, on which this system is pre-installed.
7th place - Linux
Just on 2% desktop computers installed in the world Linux, regardless of one distribution or another. This is server equipment, these are company computers, optimized for working with specific tasks and using specific software, and these are also personal devices of individual users, the so-called Linux users, who, for ideological reasons, use Linux, while harshly criticizing Windows.
Ubuntu- most popular distribution Linux.
Since Linux is a universal system that can work with various computer hardware components, it is considered the main free alternative Windows. Moreover, Linux can work with older PC builds. On low-power computers, this system provides greater performance than Windows. Linux is less susceptible to viruses and hacker attacks than Windows. Linux is a stable system, and, compared to Windows, there are much fewer hardware conflicts. Finally, Linux has a beautiful and usable interface. But, alas, neither free nor variety Linux distributions they can’t make it more popular even if their Windows XP has become obsolete or failed Windows Vista.
6th place - Windows Vista
Released in 2006 year, which itself Microsoft company recognized as a failed version, got less 3% computers on which this operating system is installed.
Windows Vista initially arrived on the market unfinished. For the system to function fully, users once had to spend time installing updates. The system had problems with the installation and operation of drivers, with software compatibility, with the launch and operation of portable software, etc. But even after its revision, Windows Vista failed to gain popularity; the system had already been branded for life. Users have not been able to forgive Vista for the problems they encountered when it was still a crude product. Microsoft managed to correct the situation only by changing the version of the operating system. In fact, Windows 7 is a carefully designed Vista, inheriting all the innovations of the latter, in particular, the design style Windows windows Aero and system explorer organization.
5th place - Windows 8
4% users all over the world use on their Windows computers 8 – an operating system that differs from its predecessor versions in its adaptation to touch screen, the presence of a tiled Metro interface (Modern UI) and an application store, like tablet operating systems iOS systems and Android. But the main innovation of Windows 8 was the absence of the classic menu "Start", instead of which the software giant offered the starting Metro screen.
Microsoft received the most criticism for the release of Windows 8; the negative emotional resonance of users exceeded even the reaction to the unfinished Windows Vista. With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft tried to keep up with the market tablet computers. In 2011, along with Windows 8, Surface tablets produced by the software giant were introduced to the world. But the project of manufacturing both an operating system and a computer device with a selection of specific components, as in the case of iPad tablets Apple and Microsoft failed. Microsoft tablets were practically the same price as the iPad, and in terms of quality both the Metro interface itself and the content from the application store were very far from iOS. Many desktop computer users did not understand the idea of the Metro interface and returned the Start button using third party software and did not want to accept the fact that the desktop part of the system, to which they had become accustomed for years, had not gone away - it was the same desktop as in Windows 7, only without the Aero effect. Microsoft called the well-developed Windows 8 version 8.1 to show in the name itself that this is a slightly different operating system.
There are few PC owners among Windows 8 users. For the most part, this 4% consists of those who at one time purchased a laptop or tablet with Windows 8 pre-installed, but never updated it to version 8.1.
4th place - OS X
All versions OS X– successors Mac OS– take more 10% market of desktop operating systems.
OS X – not just a paid system, like Windows. Not every person can afford to work with it, but only those who have an expensive computer from the creator of OS X, Apple. Not marked with a brand name Apple computers installation of OS X is prohibited. Hence we have such a small share of user sympathies. Although OS X itself is stable, optimized for multitasking, and when combined with powerful hardware components it provides tremendous performance. Among other advantages of the operating system is a thoughtful and effective user interface.
3rd place - Windows XP
More 11 % users in the world are still preferred "old lady" Windows XP, despite the fact that Microsoft stopped supporting it back in April 2014. And for sure, if the software giant had not taken such a step, third place would have been occupied not by XP, but by Windows 8.1. Windows XP was released in 2001 and maintained its leadership for 10 years. Only in 2011, Windows 7 overtook it in popularity. Many users even now believe that XP is the best that Microsoft could create during its existence.
And this despite the vulnerability of this operating system to threats from the network. And even despite the fact that in recent years of its popularity, XP has ceased to keep up with the power of manufactured computer components. After getting acquainted with Windows Vista - the successor to Windows XP - many users returned to the latter due to the above-mentioned imperfections of the former.
Windows XP is simple, maneuverable, undemanding to system resources, not "squeamish" to the old "hardware". With Windows XP you can do whatever you want - change system settings, implement various patches, install third-party software, without constantly encountering overprotection “represented” by regular control accounts, which appeared in Windows Vista and migrated to all subsequent versions of the system.
2nd place - Windows 8.1
The second most popular operating system in the world is . 16 % users all over the world use it to work with their computers. Since Windows 10 is still at the public testing stage, today Windows 8.1 is considered the current version of the operating system from Microsoft.
Version 8.1- this is working on the mistakes that were made when creating Windows 8. However, fundamental changes in appearance the operating system did not happen, and the Metro interface continued to exist along with the desktop part of the system, which, by the way, included the classic menu "Start" it was never returned. Somewhat functionally transformed with the release of Windows 8.1, the Metro interface gradually improved over time and continues to do so now, offering users sometimes even good alternatives in the form of applications from the Windows Store instead of desktop programs. But the completion of version 8 in the 8.1 release did not force the masses to say goodbye to Windows 7.
1st place - Windows 7
The leader in the rating of desktop operating systems is . This is the most common operating system; it is installed on computers of more than 53% users of the world. Windows 7 was released in 2009, and it was the result of working out the mistakes that Microsoft made when creating Windows Vista. The secret of the popularity of Windows 7 is simple - it is a stable system with a user-friendly interface, and it is one of the best Microsoft systems most adapted for various third-party software and games.
But, alas, at the peak of its glory, Windows 7 is deprived of any prospects for the future. At the beginning of the year, Microsoft announced that it would stop working with this version of the system in order to ensure its stability. For Windows 7, only security updates will be released for 5 years.
