Desktop computer vs. Laptop computer. Updated: by Computer Hope. When deciding between purchasing a desktop computer or a laptop computer, you'll need to consider a handful of criteria and make a determination that fits your needs the best. Below is a chart that compares the two types of computers, providing pros and cons for each to. A single subscription covers every PC in your family, so you can install AVG Internet Security on every computer in your household. Your mobile security is included We also give you antivirus for all your Android devices. The PC is the better platform, in my humble opinion, for gaming. But that doesn't mean there's no need to own a console. I live with and love both and I think you should too.
Introduction
It's the same every console cycle – the new consoles come out and, for a time, there's a glory period where they at least seem more powerful than the average games PC or Mac. The marketing blather between the big companies ramps up to a degree that you believe that these machines can resurrect the dead and simulate walking on water to an unparalleled degree.
Then it all calms down and within a year a new PC is more powerful than them again. A case in point is that none of the current flagship consoles can handle 4K, or even 2K; the Xbox One can't even manage 1080p half the time.
But there are some game franchises which, irrespective of the console's accessibility and the PC's grunt power, are just better on PC. They have more content, they have better controls, they have mods, they have user-generated content, hell, they even have hats.
And we've listed the top PC offerings here, for your perusing pleasure..
Updated by Ben Stegner on 04/26/2017
Buying a new computer? You have more operating system choices than ever. Windows is still popular, but some Macs are now surprisingly affordable. Google offers Chromebooks that are simple and cheap, and Linux laptops are an option, too. You could even use an Android tablet or iPad with a keyboard as a laptop replacement.
But which should you choose when it’s time to buy a new computer? We’ll give you an overview of all your choices, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Minor spoiler: There’s no one best option for everyone.
Windows
You probably know all about Windows. It’s the most popular desktop and laptop operating system in the world and offers the widest compatibility with existing software and hardware. Windows PCs range from laptops that cost only a few hundred dollars — often with questionable build quality — all the way up to expensive high-end gaming PCs.
If you’re comfortable with Windows, it’s an obvious option. Windows 10 is far better than the maligned Windows 8. And since Windows 10 is always evolving, new versions add fresh toolsHow (Not) to Upgrade to the Latest Windows 10 VersionHow (Not) to Upgrade to the Latest Windows 10 VersionThe Windows 10 October 2018 Update will roll out soon. Whether you want to latest feature upgrade now or wait, we show you how.Read More and enhance the OS at no cost. If you hate Windows 10, you can still use Windows 8.1How to Downgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8.1How to Downgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8.1Windows 10 is here and maybe it's not what you expected. If you already upgraded, you can perform a rollback. And if you haven't yet, create a system backup first. We show you how.Read More or find a copy of Windows 7Microsoft Retires Windows 7: This Is How You Can Still Get A CopyMicrosoft Retires Windows 7: This Is How You Can Still Get A CopyWindows 7 Home and Ultimate editions have been retired. If you want to get a computer without Windows 8.1, your options are limited. We have compiled them for you.Read More.
Windows PCs have excellent compatibility with all the software you want to run. Consumer desktop software, internal business apps, and PC games are all standard and supported on Windows. They’re available at a wide variety of price ranges to suit all budgets. You’re probably already familiar with the Windows desktop environment, which is a plus.
On the other hand, Windows 10 is packed with bloatwareTired of Bloatware? How to Purge Windows 10 Store AppsTired of Bloatware? How to Purge Windows 10 Store AppsFor Microsoft, Windows 10 is a cash machine. With future updates, more apps will be pre-installed and promoted on the Start Menu. Let us show you how to easily remove pre-installed Windows Store apps.Read More and many laptops don’t have the attention to detail you find on a MacBook. The trackpads on Windows laptops — even expensive ones — are generally still inferior to the ones you’d find on a Mac. Most malware is written for Windows systems, so they’re the most vulnerable in the real world. Windows 10 also collects and sends lots of informationPrivacy and Windows 10: Your Guide to Windows TelemetryPrivacy and Windows 10: Your Guide to Windows TelemetryWith the advent of the Windows 10 Creator's Update, Microsoft seems to have decided to be more transparent about their data gathering activities. Find out how much is gathered, and what you can do.Read More about your usage to Microsoft, which may concern you.
If you’re comfortable with Windows, need to run Windows software, or want a decent yet inexpensive PC, Windows is a great option.
macOS
Macs are still a great choice today. Whether you like Macs or Apple’s design philosophies in general, you can’t deny that Apple makes amazing hardware. Combined with the macOS (formerly Mac OS X) operating system, many folks choose Macs for their sleek design and lack of Windows quirks.
If you have no problem spending $1,000 or more on a laptop, you should certainly consider a Mac. Apple’s MacBooks offer excellent battery life, an amazing touchpad with lots of shortcuts, and all-around great hardware. In many cases, MacBooks are a better value than high-end ultrabooks like Microsoft’s Surface line.
Of course, you must be willing to spend more to get a Mac, as they aren’t available for low or mid-range prices. You won’t find Mac laptops for $300-$700 — you can find a variety of Windows laptops at that budget that perhaps aren’t as nice, but are much more affordable.
Apple offers several options if you’re considering a Mac. The refreshed MacBookShould the New MacBook's Single Port Scare You Away?Should the New MacBook's Single Port Scare You Away?Apple recently revealed the new MacBook, and it's a jaw-dropper — but it also has only a single port. Was this a blunder, or a sign of the future?Read More offers a beautiful keyboard and stunning screen inside a tiny chassis, while the MacBook Pro is a power machine designed for heavy use. If you don’t mind buying an older laptop with an inferior screen, you could even pick up a MacBook Air.
The proliferation of web-based software means Macs have fewer software compatibility issues. Macs also have a variety of standard software available, including official versions of Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and other professional creative applications. On the other hand, Macs don’t have as much great free software as Windows does, and macOS isn’t suitable for a primary gaming machine.
If you’re willing to learn something new, are looking for a higher-end computer, and the programs you need to use run on a Mac, a Mac can be a great option. Check out the best places to buy a refurbished MacThe Top 6 Places to Buy Refurbished Mac LaptopsThe Top 6 Places to Buy Refurbished Mac LaptopsBuying a refurbished MacBook is a great way to save money, especially since Apple computers last a long time, so here's the best places to buy them.Read More and how to save money when shopping for one5 Ways to Save Money When Buying a MacBook5 Ways to Save Money When Buying a MacBookLooking to get a MacBook for cheap? Here are some useful tips for saving the most money when you buy a Mac laptop.Read More so you get the best deal.
Chrome OS
Google’s Chrome OS is a lightweight competitor that’s capturing more of the market. Chromebooks run a simplified operating system that’s basically just the Chrome web browser with some desktop bits. You have access to Chrome, Chrome apps, and Android apps — that’s it. You can’t run Windows desktop software, and even Linux desktop software only works if you put your Chromebook into developer mode and “hack” it to install Ubuntu.How to Install Linux on a ChromebookHow to Install Linux on a ChromebookDo you need Skype on your Chromebook? Do you miss not having access to games through Steam? Are you pining to use VLC Media Player? Then start using Linux on your Chromebook.Read More
Which Is Better For Both A Pc & Mac Household Avast Or Avg Better
Chromebooks are great because they’re simple5 Reasons Chromebooks are the Perfect Computer For an Elderly Person5 Reasons Chromebooks are the Perfect Computer For an Elderly PersonIt's your granddad's birthday — but what should you buy him? You could get him socks (again), some gardening equipment, or perhaps a large bottle of whisky… Or you could buy him a Chromebook.Read More. They update automatically, sync with Google Drive for file storage, and don’t require antivirus software. Most Chromebooks cost between $200-$300, and don’t include bloatware, unlike Windows.
If you only ever use Chrome and want a simple PC with a full keyboard and powerful desktop web browser for not much money, a Chromebook is a good option. On the other hand, there’s still a lot a Chromebook can’t do — if you use Photoshop daily, look elsewhere.
Google doesn’t make the fancy Pixel anymore, so you won’t find high-end Chromebooks these days. There’s no Chromebook as good as a Mac. Most Chromebooks feature poor displays and lackluster keyboards, making them a better backup machine than primary for most people. Check our guide to find out if a Chromebook is right for you and make sure you consider key points about these machines.
Linux
Traditional desktop Linux also benefitted by the shift to web-based applications. Linux has easy-to-install versions of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, so it can do much of what an average computer user needs5 Tips That Make Switching to Linux From Windows Easy5 Tips That Make Switching to Linux From Windows EasyThere are many reasons to migrate from Windows to Linux. For instance, Linux might offer a lightweight environment. If you're tired of Windows and want a change, switching to Linux should be easy.Read More out of their computer.
You can buy Linux laptops from a variety sourcesWhat Type of Linux Desktop or Laptop Should You Buy?What Type of Linux Desktop or Laptop Should You Buy?What kind of Linux desktop or laptop should you buy? Many powerful machines exist that come designed specifically with Linux in mind. We've covered all bases, ranging in price from $650 to $2,700!Read More, or install a popular Linux distributionThe Best Linux Distros for First Time Switchers From Windows and MacThe Best Linux Distros for First Time Switchers From Windows and MacLinux has an intimidating image, making it seem like it would be difficult to start using it. But the switch from Windows and Mac is actually pretty easy, if you can ease yourself into it.Read More on an existing computer. However, if you do this, there’s no guarantee the hardware will work properly, so you should do some research first.
Linux systems are often used by geeks and developers who find a UNIX-based operating system3 UNIX-Like Operating Systems That Aren't Linux3 UNIX-Like Operating Systems That Aren't LinuxRecently, people started to confuse 'UNIX' with 'Linux.' Linux was influenced by UNIX, but UNIX systems have no relation to Linux. Here are some important UNIX-based systems worth knowing about.Read More more convenient than Windows, but don’t want to buy a Mac. On the other hand, it’s hard to recommend a Ubuntu laptop to someone who isn’t seeking out Linux for a particular reason5 Reasons Linux Can Help You Become a Better Student5 Reasons Linux Can Help You Become a Better StudentYou might be thinking about purchasing some new software for heading back to school, but have you thought about trying a new operating system? Linux might be perfect for you — here's why.Read More. If all you need is a web browser, you can get by with Linux — but you could also work on a Chromebook, and it’s cheaper to purchase those. Chromebooks have better support than Linux too.
Android Tablet Convertibles?
Android tablets have always trailed behind iPads, and they’re slowly dying as time goes on. While many Android tablets have keyboard docks that transform them into a small laptop, not many people are rocking an Android tablet anymore, and we wouldn’t recommend that you buy one7 Reasons Why You Don't Need a Tablet Anymore7 Reasons Why You Don't Need a Tablet AnymoreHas the era of tablets come to an end? Now that smartphones, laptops, and e-readers are sufficiently advanced, the tablet is on the verge of being obsolete.Read More.
A 7 or 8-inch screen is hardly bigger than 6-inch phablets like the Galaxy S8 Plus and Pixel XL, so it’s pointless to buy another device that’s so similar. In addition, there aren’t a lot of dedicated Android tablet apps like there are on iOS. Combined with the presence of Android apps on Chrome OS12 Android Apps You Need to Install on Chromebook12 Android Apps You Need to Install on ChromebookWith the Google Play store about to come to our fingertips, the power of an incredible number of apps is about to reach Chrome OS. So what will we install first? Let's see.Read More, you’re better off buying a touch-screen Chromebook to get the best of both worlds. If you like having the tablet in your hand, try buying a 2-in-1 laptopWhat Are 2-In-1 Laptops and How to Pick the Best One?What Are 2-In-1 Laptops and How to Pick the Best One?2-in-1 laptops combine the portability of tablets with the ergonomics of a laptop, but are they any good? Is it better to get a tablet and a laptop separately? We explore.Read More where the screen can break off and be used on its own.
Which Is Better For Both A Pc & Mac Household Avast Or Avg For Windows
You can also get geeky and turn your smartphone into a laptop replacementDitch Your Desktop! Turn Your Smartphone Into a Desktop ReplacementDitch Your Desktop! Turn Your Smartphone Into a Desktop ReplacementWant to ditch the desktop and just use your smartphone? You can do that!Read More.
iPads with Keyboards
Playstation 4 Remote Play Pc & Mac
Some people opt to buy an iPad and a keyboard case, attempting to turn an iPad into a laptop replacement. Apple has pushed its bigger iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, due to the Apple Pencil and larger screen. However, this isn’t necessarily ideal — you’re stuck with tablet apps instead of desktop software, and don’t have access to more powerful window management.
If you just want to carry an iPad around with you and you’d like a keyboard to make typing easier, this is a decent solution. But you shouldn’t expect an iPad with a keyboard to replace a PC.
Which One Should You Choose?
We’ve covered six different options8 Free Alternatives to Windows Operating Systems8 Free Alternatives to Windows Operating SystemsLet's say you don't want to use Windows or Mac because they're too expensive. What are the available alternatives? The selection will surprise you -- and Linux is only one of them!Read More here, but no single one is the winner. Each operating system has its own strengths and different choices will work out for different people. Hopefully, we’ve given you a place to start your research and helped you eliminate a few choices.
Comparing all these operating systems is a tough task. If you’re unsure which OS you want, you should probably go play with these operating systems in person. Try using a friend’s PC, working with a display laptop at a store, or dual-booting Linux on your current machine.
Now we want to know — which operating system are you considering for your next PC? More importantly, why did you choose that operating system? Leave a comment below and share your experiences!
Which Is Better For Both A Pc & Mac Household Avast Or Avg Free
Image Credit: Living in Monrovia via Flickr
Explore more about: Buying Tips, Linux, Mac, Operating Systems, Windows 10.
I am still not sure which I will choose. I am interested in Linux, but need to make sure I do well with learning how to operate the system.
I think I would like to have more than one system. I have used Windows for so long it is a must.Maybe a bit behind the game, but here's my experience:
Windows:
If you want to play games, this is pretty much the way to go. Yeah, the market for Mac and Linux gaming is a lot bigger than it was ten years ago, but most big titles make it to Windows first and might be released to Mac OS later on. Linux is almost always an afterthought.
Windows is also pretty easy to work with and flexible enough for most uses. It comes preinstalled with bloatware, so you have to go and remove that manually, which is a bit of a drag. Despite what the Linux people will scream (as I will discuss below), Windows has far better hardware compatibility for modern hardware. If privacy is a concern, you probably shouldn't be using Windows, though. Microsoft collects a lot of information, and you do stand the biggest risk of getting a virus (although I've only seen it once personally). Avoid sketchy sites and install a reliable antivirus and you'll be fine.Mac OS:
My experience with Mac OS is pretty limited. Software compatibility isn't nearly as big of an issue today as it used to be (the journey to x86 is largely responsible for that), and the UI is sleek and refined, but I've never found it to be any more intuitive or user-friendly than Windows, just different.
You'll have to shell out a pretty penny for a machine that runs Mac OS. You can build a comparable machine for appreciably less than an iMac costs, and there are plenty of reliable laptop vendors that provide better hardware for a similar price. I've found Dell's XPS line to be pretty good competitors.
Mac OS's best qualities are actually its most ignored by Apple: it's based off of Unix (OpenBSD) and can be set up to play quite nicely with Linux libraries with relative ease. I've known a lot of scientists in particular that use Macs because they can be used somewhat like a Linux machine without the headaches of actually using a Linux machine.
In terms of usability, I've never seen a Mac do anything that a Windows machine couldn't except write apps for iOS. Some things might be easier on a Mac, and some might be easier on Windows. Your mileage may vary.Linux/Unix
Most of my computing experience outside of Windows is with Linux, usually variants of Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise. While there are versions of Linux (Ubuntu and its variants, particularly Mint and Elementary OS, come to mind) that are as user friendly as Windows or Mac OS, most Linux operating systems are not designed to be easy email machines and word processors. If you use Linux, it's usually for a reason. Servers, high-end workstations, and supercomputers almost universally run some flavor of Linux because they are easier to customize and develop for. A lot of programmers and scientists use Linux because it's extremely flexible and easier to manipulate than a Windows or Mac OS system, but that flexibility usually comes at the price of user-friendliness. Some packages need to be compiled specifically for the machine, which means they usually work quite well, but it's often a little more involved than just running an installer.
Hardware compatibility is sketchy at best, so if you're intent on using Linux, it's best to design your system around Linux's capabilities rather than the other way around. Legacy support is usually better than Window (limited) or Mac OS (nearly non-existent), but drivers for newer hardware are often unreliable, and drivers for obscure hardware usually don't exist. To install Ubuntu as a dual-boot on one of my machines, I was forced to disconnect my DVD drive, install an extremely slow wrapper to use the Windows driver for my wireless card (which had no Linux driver), and choose between an open source driver for my graphics card (a GTX 970) that crashed the computer on shutdown or the official NVIDIA driver that made it impossible to boot up. On a new laptop, I could install any flavor of Linux on it, but I would be forced to disable the Intel Rapid Storage feature that speeds up the hard drive by using a small solid state as a cache. As a final example, I saw it take a week for a computational physics PhD student and his adviser to get RHEL 7 running on a workstation that originally ran RHEL 5.
That being said, I've had friends install Linux on their machines with absolutely zero problems. It really just depends on your hardware.If over 70 % of people were using chromebooks running chrome OS then we would have herd immunity from all the crackpots using viral software to terrorize computer users. If you learn to use the cloud this is the way to go. No viruses, no backups, no need for updates, and super cheap.
' it’s hard to recommend a Ubuntu laptop to someone who isn’t seeking out Linux for a particular reason. If all you need is a web browser, you can get by with Linux'
is this just a gut feeling or do you have some info to back these statements. not very helpful.
Most people will most likely use Windows. It's the most obvious choice and when you buy a computer your most likely to get Windows installed. Some switch to Mac's that run Mac OS but they tend to be a tad bit snobbish and want a more refined experience. They are PC users who don't want a Chevy but rather a Benz. The Linux folks are just geeks and hobbyists, which reject commercialism and believe all operating systems should have open code and have software that can be customized to your needs. They however have always been a rather limited bunch in desktop OS statistics which never really grows significantly. Even though they constantly believe this year is the year of Linux. The eternal hope of a Linux enthusiast. However they never gain traction because the splintered internals of Linux and it doesn't run naively much of the software many computer users are familiar with. Being open and noncommercial has its drawbacks.
Of course then you have Chrome OS a Google OS comprised of a bare Ubuntu core with a Google user interface. Call it Linux lite and many Linux purists won't even say it's Linux. Mainly because it couldn't be further from open if it tried. It's all controlled by Google and one could say it's no more open then Android. But then again, many really don't care and find a Chromebook perfectly fine. There really is no question Windows still controls the PC market and Mac's a distant second. Chromebook's make up a small percent mostly in educational markets and Linux is registering on the scale but isn't really gaining anything.Have you heard the myth that Macs don’t get viruses? And how about that myth that Macs are more secure than Windows? Basically, adhering or believing any of these two myths would be akin to exposing yourself to security breaches quite easily.
These myths ride of the fact that Mac OS is targeted less frequently by malware and adware than Windows OS. Why? The answer is a no Brainer!
Malwarebytes claims the malware could have been circulating since OS X Yosemite was released in 2014. Sophos vs avast for mac reddit. Fruitfly According to a report in January, the Fruitfly malware had been conducting surveillance on targeted networks for possibly two years. The malware captures screenshots and webcam images, as well as looking for information about the devices connected to the same network - and then connects to them.
Windows is by far, the most popular OS on the planet with a mind-boggling 89% share of the OS market. Mac OSs shouldn’t even be considered at second place as they are installed in just a paltry 8% of the systems globally. And this difference in popularity fuels the aforementioned misconceptions like wild fire.
Source: https://www.onlineprivacytips.co/security/secure-operating-systems/
windows 10 is the best! It is the dominant operating system, and the best for gaming. Why get linux if you can max out to ultra hd in star wars battlefront on windows without lagging?(NOT JUST STAR WARS)
Windows 7 is the dominant OS and windows 10 is a bit above windows XP . However, linux is not ment for games and it just started to get into games for real.
GNU/Linux rules...and 'Puppy Linux' rocks!!! Amazing O/S, and unbelivably friendly (and competent) community support.
'Nuff said.
A Comparison of Avast vs Kaspersky by the Spyshakers.com Team Editors. Kaspersky for Mac 2017 - Save up to 30% Kaspersky for Business 2017 - Save up to 25%; Cool Features: Avast implements intelligent antivirus for detecting threats, viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. A cool feature of Avast is the Wi-Fi Inspector. Much like its Windows-only freeware, Kaspersky offers a free antivirus solution for Mac users too, called Virus Scanner for Mac. It includes an on-demand virus scanner (checks for viruses, spyware, adware, Trojan horses, and other forms of malware) and also provides. https://golluna.netlify.app/avast-for-mac-and-kaspersky.html. Best Antivirus Software and Apps 2018. Avast Free Mac Security is our favorite free. If you're willing to pay to protect your Mac from malware, Kaspersky Internet Security is the best. Nov 25, 2009 I have a Macbook pro running bootcamp with Kaspersky & Macdrive on the pc side and Paragon ntfs on the Mac side. I share a lot of data on memory sticks while running both Operating Systems and want an antivirus for the Mac side that will also pick up PC viruses. Kaspersky and Avast are two names we cannot ignore as long as we are in the digital security industry. Both the companies have established an unparalleled track-record of protection for a variety of devices, including Windows PC, Mac and Smartphone platforms like Android and iOS.
This is a very biased review on Linux operating system. You have proved that anything that is given free has no value. If GNU/Linux OS are charged 599$ licensing fee then people will start respecting it.
GNU/Linux OS are made by community for the people and this is the spirit that is to be respected not any silly updates a commercial OS manufacturer does for his own benefits.
Please respect this spirit of the community, the spirit of freedom of speech, freedom of expression and the freedom to use the software without any restrictions by the corporates.
I think you haven't used many GNU/ Linux distributions. GNU/Linux is not just a favorite of geeks and developers, it has become a very good consumer operating system. People don't use it and then say its tough!
Chromebook is a joke and a over hyped product. I have used it and its like personally you want to become poor! This crappy chromebook does only onething good, that is browsing, which any good entry level laptop will do with a GNU/Linux OS installed.
As for me GNU/Linux supports hardware way better than any windows counterpart. I have installed it in various hardwares both at home, work and many friends computers. It installs like a breeze and ready to use within 20 min.
Please do some research on how GNU/Linux OS have grown so far...and please respect the spirit of community. Wish you well!
That would be me tearing my hair out .. It kicks me out of an app or out of the Internet , wth. I can't even print off a simple paper :( I'm sad
Well you say you are a Linux user but your writing reveals a series of decades-old stereotypes. Not only 'geeks' use Linux: many people concerned about their personal information (not to mention the business ethics of megacorps like Apple and MS) have switched to GNU/Linux because it is a fully functional alternative that respects you as an individual. Nowadays you can even play most games natively, so except for a few lock-in technologies (DirectX 11+) and specific third-party software, there isn't much difference. Specially for the average end user, who will get used to whatever you put in front of them.
Microsoft Provides many Operating systems , But Windows 7 is perfect OS for gaming with its all versions like; Starter, Home premium, Professional and Ultimate, Which has been used both for home as well as business purpose.
I suggest you to use only a full version of any OS to avoid lost of your backup and precious time. Last time, I was need a license for Windows 8.1 pro, Which installed at my cousin's PC, So one of my friend recommend me to buy it from: products.odosta.com ODosta Store
So I bought it, working well.As a programmer I will always choose Windows(Preferably not Windows 8) or a Linux based OS like Ubuntu. Apple has a tendency to impose limitations on the user who chooses to overpay for their products. I believe Apple has a great design with the iPhone but it has been childproofed so that even the dullest user can mosey around the device without a challenge. I like to make my own boundaries concerning any computer.
I would use Crunchbang Linux for my new computer . I am keeping Windows 7 for now only because I need itunes for my iPad.I do run Crunchbang in Virtualbox.
Crunchbang is fast and minimalistic which I love.It does come with all the codecs and vlc installed out of the box so media is taken care of right from the start.I hate Wine btw which is why I am still using Windows.I don't even know if itunes works with Wine. Probably not.
I can happily say I don't need Windows for anything anymore- I run an Antergos, an Arch Linux distro on my laptop and have Ubuntu Server installed on an old xp machine in the basement. Linux is great for me as a developer and it takes care of all the basic music, video, and web browsing requirements as well.
I was a windows user for over 20 years until last year. I bought a new windows 8 laptop and was ready to throw it out the door in just 3 hours. I thought Oh God Micorsoft is going to do the VISTA TWIST again... I went and bought 2 mac airs, A time capsule, iPad, and 2 iPhones. Its been 6 months and I am comfortable with IOS now. The only disappointment I had was the of all things QUICKEN does not work worth a dang on IOS.. Intuit never did QUICKEN right for MAC just for windows (idiots in mkt i guess). I love the MAC AIR's they are fast and (if ever needed) boot up , reboot , power on always in less than 30 seconds.
I have discovered that what best works for me as an IT Sys Admin is to incorporate Virtual Machines. I run Linux Zorin 7 (based on Ubuntu 13) on my laptop as a primary and since I hate dual-booting, I run my Windows 7 pro 'inside linux', using VirtualBox. My windows 7 virtual machine is even part of the windows domain. So I can test things out in different environments. You can even test Mac OSes/Windows 8/8.1 in VirtualBox. Please try it and you may also enjoy the best of all worlds!
I found this article and the comments very helpful. Thanks to all of you for your input. I have an OLD HP computer that dates back to Windows98. I have installed XP and some large drives in it and it has become my dataserver to the entire family. We have four laptops and two desktops in the house that all run XP or 7. We have five Android tablets that also use the dataserver along with a few Android smartphones. With the demise of XP support I need to switch to something else that will run on old hardware that currently serves its purpose very well. Looks like one of the flavors of Linux is the best option for us. Right now, I'm leaning towards Mint for the dataserver as well as the older computers that run XP.
After months of research i found out why Microsoft went for no Start Menu and fullscreen apps with plain UI in windowed mode and yes Microsoft is now making its UI flexible to 3rd party UI developers so that they can implement whatever UI they want even a Mac OSX clone in which windows 7 does not fit well whereas windows 8 is highly compatible. i unstalled W8 earlier without knowing MS intentions but after finding this yes i want W8 back with full Mac UI being developed.
I am a .NET Developer so I have to stick with windows. I cant move to Linux Even if i wanted to.
Linux. Mint or PC Linux for noobs.
Linux Mint 16 is the best. I hated windows 8 and mac os and the chromebook. Windows 7 was alright if I needed photoshop so I duel booted my PC with Linux Mint 16 everyone should duel boot their windows 7 with linux Best set up ever.
1.Windows
2.Linux
3.OSX
4.Chrome OSI like customizability, speed,stability, & app support, & a Windows/Debian(Linux) dual boot is best for me. Windows for Games & Apps that aren't supported by Linux, & Debian for everything else. I'm not a geek or dev, I just think Linux is very good for personal use.
Pros//Con's
Windows-Great hardware, app,& accessory support,good for gaming and enterprise//requires more maintenance,more virusesLinux-Faster than the rest,extremely customizable, less viruses,less maintenance,good for programing,multiple options,cheap//not as much app,hardware,accessory support as Win|Mac but is growing, DIY
OSX-Simple,less viruses,less maintenance, good app support & multimedia production//too restricted, pricey
Chromebook-Simple,less viruses,less maintenance,cheap//little app support, too restricted, mostly cloud based
I've used; AmigaDOS, Windows, MacOS and now I use Linux SolusOS.
An aspect of Linux that was not mentioned in your article, that is really great, is that if you put your existing hard drive or SSD from old hardware into a new machine, it detects and initializes the new hardware on startup and often works without any reconfiguration or reinstallation of the OS.
I went from an 2001 era Athlon XP2700 to a new A10-7850k with a new motherboard with a different chipset, went from NVidia to AMD video, and it all booted up fine on my original Linux SSD with no reconfiguration or reinstall.
For those who want all by spending less money.. its possible to have all - mac, windows, ubuntu, chromiumos(opensource version of google chrome os) and android on a 'mac mini' or 'macbook air' itself as you can have all 5 bootable os on startup or alternatively you can use the rest 4 os except mac os to run on VMWare on top of mac os, thus you will spend less money and get the best of all os in a genuine way too.
Also, For those wanting iPad's iOS , I would recommend that since you already got a 'mac air laptop or mac mini pc' above, so you should rather buy an iPhone which has the iOS, touchscreen and attachable keyboard like in iPad and you additionally use it make a call and can carry it in your trouser pockets too which you can't do with your iPads yet.
Tell me if you like this recommendation!
Using FreeBSD.
Fuck Winders..and all that other shit too.
Linux baby!! It's the best!
Linux is absolutely great, but it can't play specialist software, unless you have a Windows computer or spare Windows cd lying around. However its still a very good option if you mostly use your computer for browsing the web. Because Windows is slow and bloated though, I would ideally dual-boot Zorin Linux (a speedier version of Ubuntu) and Windows 8.
Chrome OS is good if you have a spare Windows PC because it's so fast. The Android and Ipad solutions miss out on a whole load of programs, so again it would only be a viable solution for me if i had a spare PC to go with it.
Ubuntu all the way, with Steam for Ubuntu and Nvidia picking up their Linux game, gaming on Linux is rising fast! It's still not as vast as windows but it is a much better OS, a lot of hardware is supported now but not all of it. I literally plugged my Epson printer in and it was ready to print within seconds, I had to do nothing at all what so ever! In windows I would have to search through the internet to find the latest drivers or use the disc with the old drivers which I had lost. With Steam OS for Linux in beta now, they're bringing a lot of hardware attention over to Linux.
Ubuntu boots faster than Windows 8.1, doesn't need to defragement, is bloatware free, all the programs that are available for it are growing and are as easy to install as installing an android app, it even updates everything in one place and doesn't force you to restart, shutting down when you're in the middle of your work because you didn't notice the warning pop up, Windows is so far behind here! My parents aren't very familiar with computers but they both grasped Ubuntu pretty fast and now they can do more with it than with Windows and their computers after over a year still boot as fast as when it was first installed, unlike windows which just slows down over time.
I was disappointed by the lack of an explanation of open source = transparency (especially with recent revelations).
Also a mention of license agreements as they relate to both restrictions and rights would have been nice. Some EULAs comes with potential deal breakers 'Binding arbitration clause' combined with 'Class action waiver' for example.
All of the major OSs (Win, OS X, Linux) are good in their own way. If you do not mind the quality of the hardware, want an OS that does most things or perhaps work with a particular specialist application, and you're happy to live with some issues, like virus subscriptions, non-standardisation of interfaces, non-intuitivenes and a bloated system then Windows is a good choice.
If you are particular about the quality of your hardware, a smooth and powerful OS that is also easy and seamless to use, then I bet you would be looking to OS X.
Linux is free and gives you the same power you would find on a mac and extends this by allowing you to dabble into the guts of the system. This is usually a priority for power users, but if you do not require this ability, you may find it a lot less intuitive and straight forward for everyday use.
Only Linux. Possibly FreeBSD.
In any case no windowMeanwhile a number of people around me changed to Linux (mostly Ubuntu and Linux Mint). No virus threats, free, and it does everything normal users need and it can do what geeks want, if they want. After having used Windows 95/98, and all follow ups I changed to Linux a few years ago and never regretted it. And the same for those around me who did the same.
' it’s hard to recommend a Ubuntu laptop to someone who isn’t seeking out Linux for a particular reason.'
It's just as hard to recommend a Windows or Apple laptop to someone who isn't seeking them for a particular reason.'Traditional desktop Linux has also been helped by the shift to web-based applications.'
Will you already stop with the FUD! There are dozens of user-friendly distributions, besides *buntu and Mint, that, for years, have come with all the local desktop applications anyone would want or need. When you install OS/X or Windows 7/8, that is ALL you get, an operating system, no appliucations of any kind. OTOH, when you install a Linux distribution, you get a complete turnkey system with all the apps you have to pay for with the other O/Ss.'If all you need is a web browser, you can get by with Linux'
If all you need is a web browser, you can get by with Windows or OS/X-based PC but it would be a waste of money. I would strongly recommend a Chromebook. The only problem then is that you become a slave to the Google empire.I was a Windows guy for many years but I hated the versions that followed XP so I simply stayed with XP until it became more hassle than it was worth. My machine dated back to 2001 and I wasn't prepared to ditch it just because XP was fading into oblivion. So . what would run well on 10 year old tech so that I could march on until I was ready to invest in new gear? There was one workable answer to that question: Linux. So I made the jump, first to Ubuntu then to Mint, and I've been pretty happy ever since.
We tried a Netbook with Win7 and immediately wiped it and installed Linux on it. Then we bought a beefy octo-core i7 'laptop' with Win8 on it but that sucked so bad that we'd again wiped the machine and installed Mint before the sun had set. So it's been two years and I guess I'm a Linux guy now.
Sure Linux has its issues, chief among them (for us) being quirky hardware compatibility, but considering the alternatives I think that for today at least it's the best place to be. The breadth of choice is staggering, the accomplishments of the community are epic, and if you accept that nothing is ever perfect you can (probably) live with its foibles.
I would like to choose MAC if I have sufficient money . If I need an alternative , Linux would be my choice ( Even I never use Linux deeply before , but I knew it's insanely great ! )
Windows is great too , but it's Windows 8 user interface and the ideas of combining tablet and laptop making me stay away from it .
I wouldn't use Chromebook as my main machine . What if I don't have internet access ? What if I need a desktop application ? Besides , tablet OS also wouldn't my first choice as I think it's pretty weird . I can't say why , but it's WEIRD
Classic Start is an application for Windows that will give you a Start button. You can use it on Windows 8 to replace the Metro UI. A distinguishing feature of Classic Shell is that it is customizable and restores the familiarity of past Microsoft Windows versions.
Desktop - Windows 7
Touchscreen laptop - Windows 8
Phone - WindowsSkydrive links them all beautifully, cheap additional storage and synchronisation is seamless.
Macs would have to be nuclear powered to even make me consider changing!
well said
Why choose ?
My desktop is a homemade Windows 8.1 machine, with 3 screens, used mostly for RAW photography treatment with DxO optic Pro 9 and video montage.
One laptop is under Windows 8.1 for the kids homework and schoolwork.
The 2 older laptops are under Linux Mint or Lubuntu for the oldest (Atom with 2MB Ram)
In my basement there is a Linux server with 4 2TB hard disks. It stores and distributes data across the whole house, in SAMBA for Windows machines, NFS for linux, UPNP Server for the music and films.
There are also 3 Raspberry PI, one used with XBMC and connected to the TV screen, its the media viewer, for films, photos and music, an other one with Linux and used only for music connected the Hifi with SqueezeBox, the third one is mostly for testing.
3 of the 4 family smartphones are under Android, the last one in under IOS (kids ..).For me it is more a question of using the best OS for the job.
And don't forget that except Windows all the other OS (IOS, Android, Mac OS, Linux, Chrome, Solaris, ..) are all derived from Unix.
So in fact *nix is the great winner.I use Windows XP since 2004 and the next would be Windows 7 (April 2014 - you know what I mean). Why? Well, I must confess I'm to lazy to learn Linux or any other OS..
Hello Chris,
For the best operating system is ElementaryOS (eOS) : Free-Libre-Open-Source-Software.
Why?
Simply because it starts in less than 30 seconds.
It takes no virus.
It shut down less than 5 seconds.
Design It's simple and clean.
I don't worry about updates (Long Time Support: 5 years !). Upadates aren't require rebooting.
I'm not a gamer. So for me, eOS is the best choice. It's got a Lot of software waiting to be downloaded. What else?Ubuntu is great but there are a lot of verry user friendly distro's out there to.
One does not have to learn how to use a desktop with Linux Mint Cinnamon windows installed. All, well the most, applications are free unlike Windows or Apple software. In general all what Windows can, can Linux, but better!Yousef, I share your opinion.I'm also a linux user!:)
For reliability and stability and ZERO bloatware, I'm more than happy I went from MicroSUCKS PC's to an Apple iMac. Don't have to contend with monthly security updates and NEVER, 'knock-on-wood' bothered by viruses, trojans, malware, etc. !!!
You forgot to mention that an Intel Mac can install and run Windows OS and PC applications in a separate partition under Boot Camp, the least expensive way to go with the best performance. Purchase a package of Windows software with a license to install on one computer, preferably with a DVD in the event you need to reinstall. I installed Windows 7, rather than 8 effortlessly on a MacBook Pro. Follow the directions on the Apple site for Boot Camp to take you through the process. Rather than run Mac OS and Windows OS using emulation software, simply restart your Mac to exclusively run Windows at that time. You have all the high-end features of the MBP: fast processor, keyboard, touchpad, and great screen for less than a cheap Windows computer.
Chris you put too much weight on Windows in this article.
windows is the easy option and there is a very good reason why manufacturers are shipping more Win7s that 8s, so desktop for me is Win7. However for a portable option, the case is not so clear, for example is there any reason to have a laptop these days when Asus convertibles running Win8 give you full apps and tablet portability?
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Valve and Steam are hopefully changing that. SteamOS/Steam Machines are based on Linux, so all games that support Steam OS will support desktop Linux. More games support Linux than ever, so we could see big improvements in the next few years.
Gaming was the main reason I switched back to Windows after using Linux as my main operating system for years. Got sick of dual booting or messing with Wine.
I agree there are some things you just can't install on Linux; however, the opposite is also true. If you have two machines, Linux should be on one of them.
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I'd love to be able to switch to Linux for good, sadly though, I'm a gamer and for certain games I play, there is no support. Not even with Wine or any other options. So Windows 7 it is, unless Windows 9 ends up being better.
What if your budget requires stretching the life out of PCs you already own -- but their Windows XP operating systems are approaching end-of-life in April? Would you consider installing (free) Linux as an alternative to worrying Microsoft will never update the OS?
This is probably the best use of Linux. Obviously this article is about buying a new PC. But so many of us out there can't drop $400+ every three or four years. I'm using a 5 year old Toshiba laptop that I got when a buddy of mine upgraded. Ubuntu runs on it like new. Granted, I'm not a gamer, but I am a sysadmin that watches a lot of online movies and TV and does graphic design on the side. Honestly, my computer needs haven't changed a lot in the last five years. And if I happen to drop my laptop in a lake, I'm no worse off than when I started. I'll just pull another one out of the trash.
Those 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablets cost just around $300, why would anyone choose a Chromebook if they're on a budget?
Because Chromebooks are laptops, are cheaper and come with a real keyboard. A keyboard for Win 8.1 tablets is a $100+ accessory.
You can just plug any USB keyboard (or maybe along with an OTG cable if it lacks a full size USB port) and both cost <$10
The Linux operating system is obviously the best- free OS, free software that is compatible with Windoze, and no virus threats. The many flavors of Linux Ubuntu are very user friendly. Download a version, save to disk or flash drive, then try it for yourself. You don't need to install it on your hard drive if you don't want to, it will run right from the disk. If you do decide to install it, it'll take less than 25 minutes. I've been using Linux since 1998. Try it, you'll LOVE it!
Someone pointed out to me that I was a little harsh on Linux. I actually used Linux as my main desktop PC system for many years, and I like it. That said, I'm not really an evangelist -- if you know you want Linux, that's awesome. If you're interested, take a look! But I'm not really going to try to sell it to someone who's not interested, especially when officially-supported Linux hardware is so rare.
'But I’m not really going to try to sell it to someone who’s not interested,'
But you are trying to sell a Windows or OS/X PC to someone who is not interested.'especially when officially-supported Linux hardware is so rare.'
I will take unofficial, user-group support any day over the official Windows and OS/X support. Linux support, official and unofficial is quicker to respond to any problems, and is more accurate. You communicate either with the developers or with the users, not with some Trouble Center in Pakistan, India or Bangladesh.
For a gaming system, Windows is the only real option (after it has been stripped to the bare essentials). For anything else, it will be anything EXCEPT Windows because of the inane games they like to play. Their support overall sucks more than ever, their design decisions with the OS are pretty stupid (hard drive read or write errors are not reported to the user and it doesn't appear to use SMART data at all both of which could be used to let the user know that a drive is failing, shuts down functioning applications it thinks have stopped working even when they haven't, starts background processes at seemingly random intervals which interfere with foreground processes etc.), they do not provide an effective means of communicating with them about problems with their products and websites and when you do find their hidden links for bug reporting the only thing you will ever see from them is an automated response that they received it - they don't actually fix the problem in most cases. I really doubt they even read those submissions. There is also the cost of their bloatware to consider as well. And that's just for starters.
For my primary systems at this time, it will be a Linux distro riding on the hardware. Even though there are still hardware vendors that prefer to only provide drivers for Windows and Macs there are enough to make a reliable Linux box with everything most people need for daily computing and then some: Office suites, audio/video recording, editing, and playback, photo manipulation, email, web browsing, video conferencing, and much more. In most cases, the software is free of charge and while some packages may not have as many features as commercial products for Windows or Mac, they are generally complete enough feature-wise that most people won't miss anything. Add to this the difference in the number of viruses written every year to target each platform and the better overall security model of Linux over Windows and it becomes a no-brainer.
Man you definitely should have made mention of Windows 7. It's still got more users than Windows 8 and certainly does a better job. Personally choosing an OS is very tricky now. Would always go with Windows 7 but with 8 out there it's still getting outdated. Nevertheless in my opinion Windows gives the user much more control of the system, something which Mac OS seems determined to eliminate.
Windows 8 is just a very very confused attempt. It's actually a very good OS!(For a tablet that is). I appreciate your likes and comments.Linux is free, has no viruses, and has comparable and compatible software to Windoze. The various Ubuntu flavors are VERY user friendly. You can install it and have it up and running in less than 20 minutes. You don't even need to install it to your hard drive, most versions run right from the disk or flash drive. Then you can decide whether you might like it. Try it, you'll like it!
Anything can get a virus, it's just a simple fact that Linux has very few viruses. (Linux is on around 2-3% of desktops while Windows is on about 87.5%. People have to code a virus, and if they were to do that; why not do so for a larger group of people?)
yes GNU/Linux is the best!
I can definitely tell you I will be staying away from Mac and Chrome OS's.
Avast for mac review. I haven't used Avast, but recently Thomas Reed, and it came out as one of the best for detecting known malware samples (though results may likely vary for different situations). On the other hand, ClamXav did not fare as well. However, keep in mind that Avast is one of the AV utilities that installs a number of additional tools, including browser extensions and preference panes, along with some kernel extensions, and this more extensive installation footprint may result in some incompatibilities and problems.
I moved to a macbookpro to escape the bloatware and drivers issues I always had with Windows 7. It was one of the first machines to come stock with SSD's and still had firewire800 + thunderbolt. I don't mind paying a premium to escape the day to day pain of antivirus scans, driver updates and poor stock backup solutions.
Well for me since windows desktop are cheaper than Mac computers so I would buy a Windows computer and of course I would install windows 7 if I don't have a touch screen computer. But I would love to try the improved advanced version of Windows 8. I love Window 8. I feel that the booting time of Windows 8 is faster than other version of Windows.
Windows of course. Nothing will come close.
That's one opinion I guess. I've never needed windows, last one i paid for was xp, still use it now and then, but Linux will do anything you need it to do and then some and it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg. I know so many people that use windows because they had to and always had to have help with problems. You have problems with ANY OS, that's a fact that can't be denied. At least with Linux I didn't have to pay for the privilege to have problems. And I actually have the same amount or less with Linux. I think anyone should do their homework in life and not base your decision on any one person's opinions. They need to actually try different things and have an open mind about it. You'll be surprised how easy the newer distros of Linux really are to use. Too many people live in fear of trying anything new, windows was forced on the public illegally and gained a solid foothold on the business, that's for sure. That doesn't mean they should keep people in fear of getting out from under the corporate thumb of microsoft, or any other corporation. If one feels they prefer windows over other OS's then that's fine, if they prefer Mac OS that's fine, if they prefer Linux over other OS's then that's fine too. That's what life should be about, freedom to choose. Too many people are giving up their freedoms out of fear of trying to learn something new or experiment and learn for themselves how things truly are. Once enough people are using other OS's then more software and hardware will follow geared towards that OS, thereby taking away the unfair monopoly microsoft has enjoyed for so long. Always try and keep an open mind, no matter which one you decide to use.
GNU/Linux is extremely better than any windows OS. The last windows i used was windows 7 and i liked it. But I have been using GNU/Linux OS for a long time and i can tell how greatly improved it has become. GNU/Linux is very easy to use than any windows and mac counterpart. Macs have great hardware and software because both ar made by single company. But imagine hundreds of hardwares are manufactured and the manufacturers themselves write the drivers and codes needed to run them on windows.
But in GNU/Linux majority of the code and drivers are written by community of people whom the corporations and hardware manufacturers don't pay..This is the spirit of community! I will prefer always GNU/Linux over any commercial OS, not because it is better (well, it is better!) but because i feel part of the community, feel cared about..
I request you to try out some GNU/Linux OS. you can run without installing it. recommend you GNU/Linux Mint, if you are a newbie!
Great article. In addition to iPads With Keyboards, I'd suggest a Windows Tablet with Keyboards section too. Windows 8 tablets (available from various vendors) offer the portability of an iPad but also have the ability to run desktop applications and multiple windows just as a Windows desktop does.
Windows tablets generally do not have the processing power of a laptop, so they may not be a direct laptop replacement for some people, but for most folks a Windows tablet is a viable solution at a very reasonable price.
Thanks, I tried to be fair here. Many new Windows laptops are indeed convertibles and can be used as tablets, so that's interesting.
Well.. I would at least have mentioned the option here of going for Windows 7, which at the moment still is the most efficient Windows OS for laptops and desktop PCs, and one that in all probability will remain available (if you are prepared to do just a little searching) until a better Windows 9 arrives. It's not for nothing that HP, 'by popular demand', last week re-introduced laptops with Windows 7!
True enough. Windows 8 and 7 are pretty similar, though -- and most people are familiar with Windows 7 now!
Windows 8 is brilliant, they way the metro overlay works incredibly useful.
Yes the propaganda want to hate it.
But really nobody needs to buy Win 7.
Before you say anything one should try to work with Win 8.
Every smart company moved to Win 8 because its useful.
In the end, there isn't even much of change from normal Windows.
And in my experience Win 8 will most of the time outperform Win 7 even on
the worst Laptop.This is just incorrect. Windows 7 is far far far more limiting to productivity than 8 or 8.1
Oh really, John? Gee.. I beg you, do tell me why the Win8 UI (where novice users tear the hairs from their head just figuring out how to close an app, or how to shutdown) is better for productivity than Win7..
I am still using Windows 95.