It’s easy to look back fondly on the days of MS-DOS. In days of old, a simple series of characters launched any computer program. This command handled all of the related dependencies that allowed the code to function. Essentially, you simply had to type a command into a black screen with a single cursor. The shiny operating system developed as a response to the consumer demand to click on a graphical icon. To the computer novice, this seems much easier than writing a text command. In reality, though, this development caused a whole new rash of complications to the computing experience.
Firstly, graphical representation of your software environment uses system resources. While this may not seem significant for the average user, this can become a massive issue if you intend to stress your system to its full capacity. As more consumers began buying these operating systems, software developers began to include more services in an effort to anticipate the user’s software applications. If the operating system were built with your favorite software in mind, this would be a good thing. Unfortunately, most software designers attempted to anticipate every last conceivable application that any user anywhere might choose to use. This slows your computer down much like having extra programs running.
Linux has earned the hearts and minds of many users because it permits for builds that do very little. Many versions of Linux operate in minimalist fashion; you will have to make changes to accomodate programs and dependencies as you need them. While this might feel annoying for most of us, it is great when you plan to use your machine to its full potential. Many technically minded users prefer a streamlined operating system. However, if you are looking to jump right into your favorite programs without much work, the resource heavy systems will support more of what you want to run.
Microsoft’s Windows Vista was arguably the perfect example of the extravagant operating system. Its services anticipated nearly anything a user could attempt to throw at it. Ironically, this led to an opposite inspiration for Windows 7. Windows 7 employs a lightness of resource use that competes directly with Linux.
New tech trends appear to be inspired by the desire to do more with less. There should be a future motivation to satisfy both of these interests. The newest operating system releases by all of the major players seem to speak to this consumer demand. There will always be a need for a balance between compatibility and operating system resource use.
Fortunately, we are blessed with a robust market of operating system providers. Eachnew round of releases brings different advantages. There are reasons for using all of the various modern operating system which depend heavily on their intended use. When deciding on your preferred operating system, you should carefully look into its compatibility with software that you plan on using. Each company aims to satisfy a certain niche market. Your market will be represented by at least one of the major releases at any time. Look to others that use the same software for tips on which operating system to choose.
Geek Choice is a national computer repair company that seeks to help consumers choose software that brings the best performance out of their computers. Slow computer performance could be the fault of spyware, malware, or viruses, or it could just be a matter of using the wrong operating system or hardware to meet your needs.
Tags: Linux, Mac OS X, MS-DOS, operating system, OS, Vista, Windows, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP