Operating System (Windows, Mac OS)

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Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32/64-bit Retail (USB)
from $118.78
at 24 stores Compare Prices
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit OEM - DVD
from $75.00
at 22 stores Compare Prices
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM CD-KEY GLOBAL

$21.49
See offer
Microsoft Windows 8.1
from $128.00
at 5 stores Compare Prices
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional OEM 64-Bit
from $20.89
at 18 stores Compare Prices

Operating Systems Guide

If the central processing unit (CPU) is a computer’s brain, then the operating system is how smart that brain is. It’s the common language that you and your computer share so that it can perform whatever task you ask of it. Without an OS, your computer, however gorgeous its specs are, is practically useless.

Currently, there are three major players in the OS arena, namely Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s Mac OS X, and Linux. There are also less familiar names who have joined the fray, but this guide will focus more on the three’s pros and cons as well as the type of person that will most benefit from each of them.

Windows

With its current frontliners, Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft’s OS is the most proliferate system in the world simply because it’s easy to use and supports many kinds of softwares and PC hardware. This means that if you’re knowledgeable enough, you can build your own CPU specs to cater to your own needs and still be able to run Windows’ without compatibility issues. And since more people are into it, you’ll find technical support for OS-related problems everywhere. Windows is also the choice of gamers as it can run many titles.

However, getting the biggest chunk of the market has its downsides; Windows is quite prone to viruses --- or more accurately, more viruses are created for it. You can always download an anti-virus software for free but that can only give you so much protection, which means you may have to purchase its full version. It’s this freedom to choose among a competitive market of third party softwares that gives this operating system both its strengths and weaknesses. In fact, if capitalism was an OS, it will be Windows.

Mac OS X

Released in 1999, the Mac OS version 10-point-onwards, or simply known as the Mac OS X line, is relatively the most expensive operating system in the market. If you have an Apple computer, you’re definitely stuck with it --- not that it’s a bad thing, of course. In fact, Mac users have been known to be quite satisfied with its performance. Since its software and the computer’s hardware are designed to work with – and only with --- each other, Mac users experience less crashes and malfunctions. It is also more efficient in using the computer’s resources. Some will even argue that the Mac OS X’ aesthetically superior interface is reason enough to buy a more expensive Apple computer instead of the cheaper regular PC.

Being a UNIX-based system, this OS is not that prone to viruses. However, it also won’t be able to read executable (.exe) files making it incompatible with many third party softwares like games. Still, its system stability and performance are the key reasons why Mac is the popular choice for multimedia production.

Linux

If you’re not a fan of capitalism, monopoly and piracy, but are confident in your programming skills, then you’ll probably love Linux. It’s the newest player on the field but is quickly gaining popularity because of its do-it-yourself nature and absolutely-free policy. Being an “open source” program, Linux will give you free reign over your PC to configure it according to your needs, therefore making it harder to manage than Windows and Mac OS X. It works much like bit torrent file sharing; developers create useful programs called distributions or “distros” and share them to the Linux community at no cost. Again, choose this OS only if you’re very tech savvy, because its performance depends heavily on its user.

UNIX and other operating systems

UNIX and Windows have been at each other’s throat for decades. However, with Microsoft’s aggressive marketing strategy, UNIX was forced to take the back seat and hold on to its core but very loyal following. This does not mean that UNIX is inferior to Windows in terms of stability and security, though. In fact many computer wizards will tell you otherwise.

What makes UNIX even more enticing is the fact it gives you freedom from both programming limitations and unnecessary expenses. These advantages prompted many developers to come up with proprietary and non-proprietary variants of this operating system, the most notable of which are Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) OS, Linux and as mentioned earlier, even Mac OS X.

2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32/64-bit Retail (USB)
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $118.78
  
  from 24 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit OEM - DVD
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $75
  
  from 22 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM CD-KEY GLOBAL
  32 Bit and 64 Bit Both Available, For 1 PC Permanent,Authorized,Global Key Notes: CAN'T upgrade from Home system to Pro system, You should download... More
3. Store:
4. $21.49
  
  ~~$69.42~~ -69%
2. Microsoft Windows 8.1
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $128
  
  from 5 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional OEM 64-Bit
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $20.89
  
  ~~$55.53~~ -62%
  from 18 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Retail CD-KEY GLOBAL
  Permanent,Authorized,Global Key; Support Both 32 Bits And 64 Bits; One Key For 3~5 Different Computers More
3. Store:
4. $40.30
  
  ~~$149.31~~ -73%
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 32/64bit Retail (USB)
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $225.85
  
  from 21 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32/64-bit
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $70
  
  from 17 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 32/64-bit
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $75
  
  from 13 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 8.1 64Bit DVD OEM
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $110
  
  from 14 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM CD-KEY GLOBAL
  Permanent,Authorized,Global Key, For 1 PC Enjoy the return of the start menu and the Aero Glass surface, which many users have been missing in Win8... More
3. Store:
4. $17.90
  
  ~~$138.86~~ -87%
2. Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Standard with 5 CALs
  BIT-TEC Quality Products Best Prices Guaranteed Since 2003 Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Standard with 5 CALs
3. Store:
4. $3,698.95
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home Retail CD-KEY GLOBAL
  Permanent,Authorized,Global Key; Support Both 32 Bits And 64 Bits; One Key For 3~5 Different Computers More
3. Store:
4. $38.06
  
  ~~$149.31~~ -75%
2. Microsoft Windows Server Standard 2008 5 CAL 64 BIT
  BIT-TEC Quality Products Best Prices Guaranteed Since 2003
  
  Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Standard - Microsoft
3. Store:
4. $1,298.95
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Standard 64-Bit OEM
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $799
  
  from 3 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 2012 Server - 5 User CAL [MSWIN2012S5ADD
  More
3. Store:
4. $272.75
2. Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  BIT-TEC Quality Products Best Prices Guaranteed Since 2003
  
  Microsoft Windows XP Professional - Microsoft
3. Store:
4. $199.95
2. Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium OEM 64-Bit
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $148
  
  from 2 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $189.95
  
  from 3 stores
2. Microsoft P73-07041 Windows Server Standard 2016 Retail 10Cal 16Core
  Microsoft P73-07041 Windows Server Standard 2016 Retail 10Cal 16Core Microsoft P73-07041 Windows Server Standard 2016 Retail 10Cal 16Core
3. Store:
4. $1,999.00
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit DSP OEI DVD
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $115
  
  from 21 stores
2. Microsoft R18-05206 Windows Server CAL 2016 Engligh MLP 5 Device
  Microsoft R18-05206 Windows Server CAL 2016 Engligh MLP 5 Device Microsoft R18-05206 Windows Server CAL 2016 Engligh MLP 5 Device
3. Store:
4. $195.00
2. Microsoft P73-07041
  Microsoft P73-07041
3. Store: SCORPTEC.COM.AU Your Premier IT Online Store
4. $2,099.00
2. Microsoft R18-05225
  Microsoft R18-05225
3. Store: SCORPTEC.COM.AU Your Premier IT Online Store
4. $69.00
2. Microsoft R18-05244
  Microsoft R18-05244
3. Store: SCORPTEC.COM.AU Your Premier IT Online Store
4. $299.00
2. Microsoft G3S-00716
  Microsoft G3S-00716
3. Store: SCORPTEC.COM.AU Your Premier IT Online Store
4. $599.00
2. Microsoft PGI-00685 Microsoft Exchange Enterprise CAL 2016
  Microsoft PGI-00685 Microsoft Exchange Enterprise CAL 2016 Microsoft PGI-00685 Microsoft Exchange Enterprise CAL 2016
3. Store:
4. $89.00
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Enterprise R2 With 25 CAL
  BIT-TEC Quality Products Best Prices Guaranteed Since 2003
  
  Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise x64 Academic Edition 25 CALs - Microsoft
3. Store:
4. $2,695.98
2. Windows 7 Ultimate Anytime Upgrade
  BIT-TEC Quality Products Best Prices Guaranteed Since 2003
  
  Microsoft Windows Anytime Upgrade - Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate - Microsoft
3. Store:
4. $299.95
2. Microsoft P73-07063
  Microsoft P73-07063
3. Store: SCORPTEC.COM.AU Your Premier IT Online Store
4. $2,399.00
2. Microsoft R18-05123 Windows Server 2016 Single User Cal License
  Microsoft R18-05123 Windows Server 2016 Single User Cal License Microsoft R18-05123 Windows Server 2016 Single User Cal License
3. Store:
4. $59.00
2. Microsoft 9EA-00128 Windows Server Datacenter 2016, Twin Core Licence Pack
  Microsoft 9EA-00128 Windows Server Datacenter 2016, Twin Core Licence Pack Microsoft 9EA-00128 Windows Server Datacenter 2016, Twin Core Licence Pack
3. Store:
4. $1,169.00
2. Microsoft Windows Server CAL 2016 English 1pk DSP OEI 5 Clt User CAL [R18-05244(WSC16USE5)
  More
3. Store:
4. $278.41
2. HP [701605-371] MS WS12 RDS CAL 5USR en/ko Lic (701605-371)
  Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop Services 5 User CAL Eng/Korean Lic HP [701605-371] MS WS12 RDS CAL 5USR en/ko Lic (701605-371)
3. Store:
4. $875.95
2. Microsoft Win 10 Home 64bit SYS ONLY with Leader System Only [KW9-00003
  More
3. Store:
4. $191.27
2. Microsoft Refurbisher Program Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit SP1 3-Pack DVD [QGF-00154-S
  More
3. Store:
4. $148.88
2. HP MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2012 R2 STANDARD ROK SW [748921-371
  More
3. Store:
4. $997.80
2. HP 512485-B21 ILO ADV 1-SVR INCL 1YR TS&U SW [512485-B21
  More
3. Store:
4. $312.32
2. Windows FQC-08929 10 Professional 64-bit OEM DVD (Avail: In Stock )
  Windows 10 Professional 64-bit OEM DVD - English Windows FQC-08929 10 Professional 64-bit OEM DVD (Avail: In Stock )
3. Store:
4. $198.99
2. Windows Svr Datacntr 2012 R2 x64 English 1pk DSP OEI DVD 2 CPU [P71-07714]
  Windows Svr Datacntr 2012 R2 x64 English 1pk DSP OEI DVD 2 CPU [P71-07714] Brand Name: Microsoft Distribution Media/Method: DVD-ROM Language... Windows Svr Datacntr 2012 R2 x64 English 1pk DSP OEI DVD 2 CPU [P71-07714]
3. Store:
4. $8,180.70

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