We cover all the different operating systems here at Make Tech Easier, so we put this question to some of our writers here and asked them, “How did you decide on a specific OS?”
Our Opinion
Derrik reports that he “personally can’t stand anything but Linux.” He needs a terminal and SSH, as well as a command structure he is used to. He made his choice based on what he could do with OS. He uses Arch Linux because he can build it himself, modify it, and do whatever he feels comfortable with. He uses Android for much the same reason. He prefers it over iOS and Windows phone because he “can root it and tear it apart to a lesser extent.”
Trevor is a Windows guy because, for his needs, it gives him what he needs at a reasonable price. However, he used to be an Apple guy but switched back when he didn’t need the Apple-specific programs. Like Derrik, he uses Android because it’s more easily customized. Vamsi ended up with Windows as well but not for the same reasons. He can’t afford Apple, and while he’d love to use Linux, he’s just never had a good relationship with it and always has problems with it no matter the distro. He’s never had any severe problems and appreciates the compatibility. He also believes Windows is as secure as any other OS as long as you know what you’re doing, but admittedly, he dual boots Windows 10 and Ubuntu. When it comes to mobile, he’s another Android user. Mahesh decided on Mac OS X because it runs much faster than Windows, is less distractive, and is an OS that “just gets the job done without any hassle.” He uses iOS because he has found it and its apps to be more stable than other mobile OS.
I use Mac because I got into it in the ’80s and ’90s. I used to be a typesetter/graphic designer, and while I got my start on a dedicated system, we switched to the more freeing Mac system. At that time if you were doing any type of art, you used a Mac. When it came to getting a home computer, I stuck with what I knew, the Mac, at first because of the familiarity and later because I preferred the system over Windows. When it came to mobile, it was a natural to stick with Apple and go with iOS, and truth be told, I do everything now in iOS, rarely moving back to my aging Mac at all.
Your Turn
We know you have a story, too, and we want to hear it. Do you just prefer one operating system over another? Or do you have a great story behind your choice of OS? How did you decide on a specific OS? What’s your story? Tell us in the comments below.
