The Best Operating System?

Vince53 · Jul 2, 2016

WHICH IS THE BEST OPERATING SYSTEM? Introduction

For weeks now, I have been enjoying Windows 10, Chrome, and Linux every day. And while I still have lot to learn, I can discuss which one is the best. Online “tests” of these operating systems show varied results, with accusations of “Foul!” from fans of the losers. But I like all three systems. However, someone has to come in last, so:

1) I will go through various categories, giving 1 point to the winner, 0 points to #2, and -1 to the loser. In case of a tie, the tied OS's will each get a 0.

2) To be fair, I will only use a limited criteria. You can easily fake the results by dividing one OS you like into several groups (with your favorite OS winning every time), while uniting an OS you don’t like into one group.

3) My criteria assume that the user is familiar with Windows, and therefor knows how to operate a computer.

And of course, courteous disagreements are welcome.

skalle · Jul 2, 2016

Which criteria? Which version of Linux with which desktop environment/window manager (if any)? These things matter!

Hieronymus · Jul 2, 2016

Still running 6 years old Ubuntu 10.4 here.

Vince53 · Jul 2, 2016

skalle said:
Which criteria? Which version of Linux with which desktop environment/window manager (if any)? These things matter!

I'm using Ubuntu 16.04 (Xenial Xerus) on the same computer as Windows 10. I am using Chrome 51 (the latest release) on my Chromebook.

Vince53 · Jul 2, 2016

Hieronymus said:
Still running 6 years old Ubuntu 10.4 here.

Way to go, Hieronymus. But why ARE you using Lucid Lynx when you can upgrade for free?

Hieronymus · Jul 2, 2016

Vince53 said:
Way to go, Hieronymus. But why ARE you using Lucid Lynx when you can upgrade for free?

Because it works just fine.
When my 2008 computer dies i will upgrade.

yeshuaslavejeff · Jul 2, 2016

Macs still the best, of course, (tried windows etc.... 3.1 was the best of all the windows.... and DOS even better.. but not as useful today to me as Mac)

elytron · Jul 2, 2016

Linux Mint 18 was recently released, and I like the Cinnamon version. Installed it on my laptop, from a USB flash drive that I prepared. Did a fresh install.

Using an old version of an operating system can be risky. Because vital security updates may no longer be provided. LTS versions of Ubuntu are kept updated longer. So I usually recommend those releases. Xenial Xerus (Ubuntu 16.04) is one of those versions. Supported until the year 2021.

Linux Mint 18 is based on Ubuntu 16.04.

Hieronymus · Jul 2, 2016

elytron said:
Linux Mint 18 was recently released, and I like the Cinnamon version. Installed it on my laptop, from a USB flash drive that I prepared. Did a fresh install.

Using an old version of an operating system can be risky. Because vital security updates may no longer be provided. LTS versions of Ubuntu are kept updated longer.

I get a notification every now and then, telling me my version is no longer supported.
That's it.
It still runs just fine.
Haven't had an update for years now.
I also run an old Firefox, and some sites tell me it's too old, but it works anyway.

My computer is a Toshiba Satellite Pro built in 2007 (bought in 2008).
RAM upgraded to 4GB
But the keyboard, the LCD screen, mousepad, DVD-drive, battery and blue-tooth have died years ago already, so i have a 20" HD monitor and external keyboard and mouse.
O, and a $4.-- 4 port USB hub.
I hardly ever turn the thing off, i estimate it's been running for 6 years.
The ventilation is probably a bit clogged with dust though.
The fan is spinning more than it used to..

So I usually recommend those releases. Xenial Xerus (Ubuntu 16.04) is one of those versions. Supported until the year 2021.

Linux Mint 18 is based on Ubuntu 16.04.

Since my 'career' ground to a halt some years back, i'm rather poor, so i hope it will last a while longer, but it could be any moment now that it will cease to work...
Will be nice to update the lot though.

(sorry for being not entirely on topic)

LaSorcia · Jul 2, 2016

I have a wonderful dual boot system running Ubuntu and Windows XP. It's been chugging alone merrily for over 8 years with no problems. It's on awesome hardware though, a desktop from a computer engineering school. I really want this machine to last for years as I can't stand what's become of computers.

I think Macs nowadays are shabby, and have had laptops under a year old need to be taken to their so-called genius bar for servicing. I personally can't stand them. They are better than most 'media boxes' though, on the other hand.

nChrist · Jul 2, 2016

Vince53 said:
I'm using Ubuntu 16.04 (Xenial Xerus) on the same computer as Windows 10. I am using Chrome 51 (the latest release) on my Chromebook.

Question: did Ubuntu set up the partition and the dual boot for you? I thought about trying to run Ubuntu and Windows 7 on the same machine.

Wookiee · Jul 3, 2016

357magnum said:
Question: did Ubuntu set up the partition and the dual boot for you? I thought about trying to run Ubuntu and Windows 7 on the same machine.

Ubuntu's pretty good at doing it out of the box as long as you have plenty of space. It's safer if you have it partitioned before hand. When I've installed it as an afterthought I've manually shrunk the partition and installed Ubuntu over the top without any consequences, however.

nChrist · Jul 3, 2016

Wookiee said:
Ubuntu's pretty good at doing it out of the box as long as you have plenty of space. It's safer if you have it partitioned before hand. When I've installed it as an afterthought I've manually shrunk the partition and installed Ubuntu over the top without any consequences, however.

Thanks for the advice. I might get brave one of these days soon and try it.

dysert · Jul 3, 2016

You guys are all too young! The best OS that's ever been was OpenVMS. Sadly, it met its demise when the company that developed it (Digital Equipment) got bought out. In its heyday, though, it was easily going head-to-head against the other major OSs of the day (like from IBM and H-P). Today's operating systems are just sophisticated toys compared to OpenVMS.

Vince53 · Jul 3, 2016

357magnum said:
Question: did Ubuntu set up the partition and the dual boot for you? I thought about trying to run Ubuntu and Windows 7 on the same machine.

Yes. I had a computer shop put Ubuntu on a flash drive, and it gave me the choice of trying it out or installing it. I spent two days trying it out, but everything I downloaded disappeared when I turned it off. I then installed it, and it handled all the partitioning.

Vince53 · Jul 3, 2016

WHICH IS THE BEST OPERATING SYSTEM? Part 1 GAMES

This one isn’t debatable—Windows has the best games. Not only does it excel in high-tech games, but it has far more mid-level and simple games than the other two systems combined.

I find that while both Chrome and Linux have some excellent games, Chrome has more. Plus, many Linux games require installing an “engine” before you can play.

Score: Windows 1; Chrome 0; Linux -1

LaSorcia · Jul 3, 2016

dysert said:
You guys are all too young! The best OS that's ever been was OpenVMS. Sadly, it met its demise when the company that developed it (Digital Equipment) got bought out. In its heyday, though, it was easily going head-to-head against the other major OSs of the day (like from IBM and H-P). Today's operating systems are just sophisticated toys compared to OpenVMS.

Too young? Lol, I used to program in Basic on an Apple IIe. Sadly, I stopped programming after that though.

freezerman2000 · Jul 3, 2016

Windows 7 and Superx Grace on my desktop..7 on my laptop.
Grace is a Linux OS out of India..it is so much easier to operate than Ubuntu..it reminds me some of Windows..Having to type in Command prompts is almost non existent.

MrJim · Jul 3, 2016

freezerman2000 said:
Windows 7 and Superx Grace on my desktop..7 on my laptop.
Grace is a Linux OS out of India..it is so much easier to operate than Ubuntu..it reminds me some of Windows..Having to type in Command prompts is almost non existent.

That sounds interesting...

Vince53 · Jul 4, 2016

WHICH IS THE BEST OPERATING SYSTEM?

Part 2 THE INTERNET

It is widely-believed that a Chromebook’s strongest point is that it goes onto the Internet faster, cheaper, safer, and easier that Windows. Critics point out that Windows gives you a wide choice of browsers, but Chrome is better regardless of what browser Windows uses. When we have Mexican kids come over to use our laptops, they usually choose the Chromebook first, because it gets them to Facebook and YouTube better than Windows does. Chrome gets 1 point.

With Linux and Windows 10 on the same machine, I see no difference in speed. So? Linux is safer from malware, so it comes in #2, getting 0 points. Windows does go well on the Internet, but its vulnerability to malware gives it a -1.

Total score?

Chrome 1
Windows 0
Linux -1

The Best Operating System?

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Delete system32.

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simple truth, martyr, disciple of Yahshua

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AKA: Tom - Saved By Grace Through Faith

Cool. Cool, cool, cool.

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Living and dying in 3/4 time

Legend 3/17/05

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