What is your opinion about the best operating system for desktop/laptops ?

[mjserv]

Basis of your opinion on


Reliability
Scalability
Ease to use
Easy to administer
Security

Indeed, it does depend on the purpose.

I'd love to see people's opinions

[lemon-tree]

Despite being an avid Mac user, I don't believe that it is suited to all applications. At home or for graphic work etc, I believe that it is very good. However, put it in any industrial workplace and it would fail pitifully.
Windows, on the other hand, is good for mass market as it is relatively cheap and has a few options.
The final OS category, Linux, is really for specialised applications, where a huge level of customisation is needed. For example, it is perfect in a serving and hosting position as it is very reliable and extremely secure.
Really, the best OS really depends on your needs at any one time, as you stated above.

[garrettroyce]

Ubuntu Linux is terrific and really doesn't require much command line knowledge. But, at the end of the day, probably about 75% of software is for Windows only which can be a huge problem with interoperability and convenience.

[taha116]

Windows is widley available cheaper, easy to hack, easy to use, has more apps.

Mac is kooler and is growing faster then youd expect and deserves respect for (to my knowledge) being the actual first creater of the computer. Its got better graphic editing potentioal (So i hear) .

Linux.. I dont understand why there are like 500 types so dont know (WTH am i supposed to say...)

[garrettroyce]

Funny you mention it, Windows, Mac, and Linux were all nearly identical at one point.

I don't understand how any computer can possibly be better at one thing than another. Maybe if a Mac has better hardware, but that's not an OS comparison. Speaking of which, check out the price of a Mac first. And then, see how much it will cost you to add anything to it later, even something like RAM and if it's even possible, because a lot of cases, it isn't.

*Not a Mac/Apple fan*

[merrillmck]

Funny you mention it, Windows, Mac, and Linux were all nearly identical at one point.

I don't understand how any computer can possibly be better at one thing than another. Maybe if a Mac has better hardware, but that's not an OS comparison. Speaking of which, check out the price of a Mac first. And then, see how much it will cost you to add anything to it later, even something like RAM and if it's even possible, because a lot of cases, it isn't.

*Not a Mac/Apple fan*

Or if you decide to buy a Mac Mini and then need to plunk down $80-$100 for a mouse and keyboard.

By the way, this thread is similar to "Mac or PC" that's out here somewhere. The Linux users are active on that thread also so everyone is represented. Except maybe Sun Solaris ...

[zen-r]

No-one's choosing DOS then?

It couldn't do much, but at least it was compact.

I remember when you could get the whole operating system on a 1.4MB floppy disk! ;)

[alexandgruntz]

DOS apparently is still used for theatre lighting

For most businesses, Windows would be the obvious choice due to its flexibility, familiarity and compatible.

[Linkz0rs]

Windows = Eww
Linux = Eh.. Not Bad
Mac = Eh.. Not Bad

It'd be better if you created your own Operating System.
From there, you can customize exactly what you want in an OS...
I've been working on an OS of my own for quite a while actually, along with the help of a bunch of good friends.

But if I were to choose which OS to use (other than my own), I'd use a Mac.

[alid1712]

right now i'm using my ubuntu desktop for non serious matter such as checking facebook, chating and downloading easy stuff. or even watch movies.. got a large screen for this desktop.

but when i'm doing serious documents, graphic designing and web editing, i switch to my heart Mr. Acer Ferrari 4006 which is apparently a windows vista ulti. hahahah

I used to be a gamer, thats why im very close with windows, but now.. i seem to loose interest on games.. thats why ubuntu is fine for me.

I wish to go to mac world someday.. I do have several iPod models but that doesnt count it right haha.