| An operating system (abbreviated OS) is essentially | | | | safer from hackers. |
| the path through which a computer accesses files, | | | | Pros and Cons of The Big Four |
| games, the Internet, and all vital stored information. The | | | | Every operating system has its positive and negative |
| OS is the most important program on a computer | | | | elements. There is no perfect operating system. |
| because it runs all of the other programs. The major | | | | Keeping this in mind, consider the most common |
| operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS | | | | operating systems (Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, and |
| X, Linux, and Unix. The operating system is essential to | | | | Unix). Mac OS X is great for keeping out hackers and |
| the computer, and so extreme care should be taken | | | | for graphic design. However some problems are the |
| when choosing an operating system. | | | | fact that certain software is not available for Macs. If |
| Consider Its Use | | | | the OS is for a college student who would rather play |
| Consider what operating system will be used for. If the | | | | Half-Life 2 than study, then Mac OS X is not the best |
| OS is for a business, an operating system that can | | | | choice. Windows is very good for compatibility, since |
| handle important business data should be selected. If | | | | most consumers use Windows. Windows also comes |
| the OS is for a college student, one might consider an | | | | with applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, |
| OS that is optimal for gaming, yet still has a nice word | | | | Excel, and Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, Windows is |
| processor. Finally, if the operating system were for a | | | | weak against viruses and can get bogged down |
| new computer user, then a user-friendly, simple OS | | | | easily. Unix is good for networks, especially if for |
| would be best. Knowing this, one must also consider | | | | businesses. Unix has also been around for almost 30 |
| what software is available for the operating system. | | | | years, so it is quite dependable. One drawback of Unix |
| Some software is only available on certain computers. | | | | is the cost, which can sometimes be a bit expensive. |
| This often leaves Macintosh OS X, Linux, and Unix in | | | | Unix is also complicated, which can confuse beginners. |
| the dark because most of the computer market runs | | | | The final OS, Linux, is free and completely |
| on Microsoft operating systems. Most computers | | | | customizable. However, one major drawback is the |
| come standard with a certain operating system (Apple | | | | extreme scarcity of applications for Linux. Microsoft |
| computers have Mac OS X and most PCs have | | | | and other software developers are often very |
| Windows XP). Therefore, it is sometimes important to | | | | reluctant to release their products for Linux. |
| consider the OS even when selecting a computer. | | | | Conclusion |
| Security | | | | Whatever operating system one chooses, it needs to |
| Security is the biggest priority for many computer | | | | be the system that will best fit the needs of the |
| users, especially businesses. Some OS have stronger | | | | consumer. All operating systems have good and bad |
| security than others. Macintosh has been called "the | | | | elements. Understanding how each system works, and |
| iron man of operating systems" because of its ability to | | | | the system's pros and cons is a must for anyone |
| keep hackers out, while Windows has been criticized | | | | deciding on a computer and OS. An OS selection |
| for being easy to hack. Do not let security completely | | | | based on research and understanding will certainly |
| deter you, however. Most operating systems can be | | | | yield the highest satisfaction. |
| "hardened" and with constant security updates, made | | | | |