Linux vs. Windows vs. macOS: Which OS is Right for You?

An operating system is simply defined as software that lets you manage your computer's hardware and resources, while providing some common services and letting you run different programs.

Over the past few decades, computers have made tremendous technological advancements, evolving from bulky machines to sleek, performance-focused devices.Currently, there are three popular operating systems that power most computers: they are Windows.MacOS,withLinux.

In this post, we'll compare each and see their best use cases and features.let's start!

Windows

Microsoft Windows is the most popular desktop operating system in the world, with a market share of about 74%, according to Statista.The operating system has undergone a series of changes since its initial release in 1985, and despite its ups and downs (let's forget Vista and Windows 8!), it remains the market leader.

Microsoft Windows runs on computers worldwide.Its popularity has grown considerably, especially due to the popularity of Windows 10 and the free upgrade to Windows 11 offered by the company.

Microsoft Windows is also installed on most laptops released today.Almost all major manufacturers have Windows preinstalled and add custom software before shipping to consumers.

Easy to install

Windows installation is very easy.It also works seamlessly with most hardware, which is one of the reasons it's so popular.Additionally, you can buy a CD or buy a digital copy that allows you to create an image and install Windows on your computer.

There are different ways to install Windows 11, but most are fairly easy to follow.Anyone with some basic computer knowledge can run the installation wizard.And what's more, Microsoft has improved the performance of Windows 11, so you can even install Windows 11 on an older computer.

Price

Windows 10 is a free upgrade for users upgrading from Windows 11.However, if you're not upgrading from Windows 10, a shiny new Windows 11 Home license costs $110, while Windows 11 Pro costs $150.

Software availability and performance

This is where the Microsoft Windows system really shines.Almost all software runs seamlessly on Windows, mostly because of its installed base.As a result, Windows is incredibly versatile, and most applications or software created by developers can run natively on the platform.

Installation is very easy and proceeds through the installation wizard.You don't need to be familiar with any command line interface tools, even though Windows has them.

If you like gaming, Windows is the best choice.That's because the company has been focused on improving gaming performance, with most developers and hardware makers taking advantage of options like DirectX 12, which extract maximum performance from the GPU and CPU.

You can even optimize Windows 10 for better gaming performance.Windows is ideal for anyone who wants to customize their PC.You can easily swap out different components, install new drivers, and upgrade parts to your liking.

If you want maximum control over your PC and want to customize and personalize it, there are few operating systems better than Microsoft Windows.

Backup

If you're wondering how to create backups on Windows 11, know that they're super easy.Microsoft provides a built-in system tool that allows you to easily create different backups, and you can restore those backups with just one click!

MacOS

Compared to the mighty Windows, Apple's operating system has relatively small installations.However, the popularity of macOS continues to rise.Despite being Windows' biggest competitor, macOS takes a very different approach.

First, unlike Windows, you can't just buy a copy and install it on any computer.It also doesn't come preinstalled with other computers; you can only get it with an iMac, MacBook, Mac mini, or other official Apple hardware.

It's a closed system (with a lot of open source influence and code!), but it has easily proven its worth in the 35 years it's been around.What's more, macOS is also incredibly secure, mostly due to its smaller market size.

Easy to install

The question is incredibly simple.Every MacBook and iMac the company sells comes with the operating system preinstalled, and you can run updates seamlessly.What's more, updates are regular and relatively easy to install.

Updates are also much less frequent than Windows, so you don't have to worry about your Mac running updates when it's least convenient, which is all too common in Windows.All iterations of macOS are also free.

While some may argue that there are downsides to buying a MacBook compared to Windows, most others believe that despite the higher purchase cost, they will spend a lot less in total over the life of the system because you don't have to Worry about upgrading.

Software availability and performance

Apple's operating system is incredibly popular due to its ease of use and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem.Also, most people believe that installing and managing applications is as easy as Windows, or even easier.

Although it is based onLinux, but macOS lets you install software directly from the App Store.Alternatively, most applications let you download a DMG file, which is a disk image file.Then you just drag the icon into the Applications folder and you're ready to install the application!

And, when you want to delete it, just delete it from the applications folder.You don't need to worry about running any setup wizards.Developers and designers generally love macOS for its support for creative tools.

What's more, unlike Windows, macOS also comes with a bunch of free apps.You can get the following:

1. A productivity suite that includes a word processor, spreadsheet program, and a presentation tool.

2. The preview application is a good helper for editing photos, and also allows you to edit PDF files.

3. A video editing application.

4. Music editing tool - GarageBand. GarageBand is easy to use and is used by many creative professionals.

Backup

If you want to know how to back up your Mac, you have to use a tool called Time Machine.You can set up manual and automatic backups, and even create a backup on an external drive, much like Windows.

Linux

Popular with developers, Linux is an operating system known for its versatility.Unlike Windows and macOS, Linux is completely open source, so it can be modified and customized.

Since it is open source, different variants exist, known as distributions.There are even some lightweight distros that you can install on older PCs.In fact, Windows 11 shares quite a few similarities with the Linux desktop!

These distributions range from software that provides core system functionality to custom user interfaces designed to operate specific hardware.One of the most popular distributions is Ubuntu, widely used for its flexibility.

Easy to install

If you want to know how to install the latest Ubuntu version on your laptop or PC, just download the latest mirror from Ubuntu's website.You can then load it directly onto a USB stick, or create a disk image to install it.

Software availability and performance

The usefulness is limited compared to Windows or macOS.Running new software on Linux isn't easy because not all programs offer native support (at least, you'll find most programs on Windows and macOS).This means you have to install a compatibility layer like Wine.

Previously, Linux's graphical user interface was dwarfed by Windows or macOS, which offered better graphics and performance.However, that has now changed and Ubuntu offers an amazing GUI that easily competes with the likes of Finder and Windows Explorer.

Installing applications on Linux is a bit complicated.Ideally, you should be familiar with command line interface tools, because that's what you'll be using most of the time.Unfortunately, this is also what limits the adoption of Linux; it is considered too technical for everyday use.Also, most apps are free or open-source alternatives to popular Windows or macOS apps that may not be as good as their original, proprietary counterparts.

Backup

Running a backup on Linux is also not easy, as you need to know specific commands.However, there are some GUI tools you can use, such as Déjà Dup.You can easily learn how to backup your data with Déjà Dup on Linux, although even that requires running some commands.

Which operating system is right for you?

So, as you can see, all three operating systems have their own merits.However, it all depends on what you are familiar with and what you like to use.For example, if you like total control, Linux might be the best choice.But if you want something easier to use, choosing between macOS and Windows is ideal.