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Mac vs. Linux vs. Windows, Pro's & Con's |
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Written by Jason, Doctor of Meta-Physics
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So here's a pro's and con's list I mead the other day in response to a question on another site. The original question was: which operating system is best, mac, windows, or linux
Windows- cons: pricey, bloated, unsecure, viruses etc.....pros: widely used/popular, great (but in some cases pricey) software selection, great driver support (most hardware will work)
Mac- cons: not the most user-friendly (takes getting used to), elitist mentality, hardware can be pricey (i say can be because there is a potential for the price to come down due tot he switch to intel processors and they are gaining some market share)...
pros: kewl looking graphics, innovative features, basically secure (it's rare to hear of a mac viruses or of there security flaws, yet they do exist)
***disclosure: I personally use Ubuntu (Linux) but I will be honest and fair***
Linux- cons: not as popular as Windows so not as much driver support (although it is getting WAY better), not able to match ALL Windows software capabilities (can match MOST i.e. there IS a Linux equivalent to most Windows and Mac programs), not all Distro's are as user friendly (Ubuntu, Knoppix, SuSe and RedHat seem to be fairly User Friendly)
pros: the MOST secure of all the choices, Many Distro's ARE user friendly, highly customizable!, minimal hardware requirements, ITS FREE (so is MOST the software) ton's of software exists, Open Source (means anyone with programing knowledge can tweak software, make it better etc....this usually translates to quick updates and cool new software features!)
Other Info:
1. All O/S can be installed together (albeit to get MAC to play nice it takes some work)
2. For software that Linux lacks, there is a program called WINE that can run Windows based software by emulating a windows environment (tricking the software into thinking its running on windows)
So that's the break down....now in MY opinion Linux is the best choice, not just because it's FREE...but because it has features and programs that just work and can get the job done w/out all the bloat that comes with windows or confusion that comes w/ mac. But in the end I would also say it comes down to what you need your computer to do...for instance, MAC is probably the best for Video Editing, Windows has the Best game support so if that's what you want Windows is best (I would suggest for Windows either sticking w/ Xp Pro or going to Vista Ultimate) Then for cost efficiency and security...and for programing Linux would be the best.
So there you have it....I say Linux is best, it's gaining popularity also (Especially Ubuntu for personal and RedHat for Corporate Use)!
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