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