It is easy to look back fondly on the days of MS-DOS. In days of old, a simple set of letters and punctuation was all you needed to launch a favorite program. This command handled all of the inner functions that permitted the code to function. Basically, you only needed to type a command on a completely empty screen with a single cursor. The fancy operating system developed as a response to user demand for graphical content. To the average user, this seems much simpler than typing a text command. In reality, though, this transition caused a whole new world of problems to the computing experience.
First of all, a graphical representation of your software uses system resources. While this may seem insignificant for the average user, this is a major obstacle if you intend to stress your machine to its full abilities. As more users began using these operating systems, software developers began to include more services that anticipate the user’s software applications. If the operating system were designed with your favorite software in mind, this would be a good thing. Unfortunately, most software designers attempted to anticipate every single conceivable application that any user might choose to try. This slows your computer down much like some spyware or virus infections.
Linux has earned the hearts and minds of many users because it allows for setups that do very little. Many versions of Linux work in minimalist fashion; you have to make changes to accomodate programs and dependencies as you need them. While this might feel like a pain in the neck to most of us, it is awesome when you intend to use your machine to its fullest potential. Many advanced users prefer a streamlined operating system. However, if you are looking to jump right into your favorite programs without much research, the resource heavy systems will be a better fit for your needs.
Microsoft’s Windows Vista was arguably the ultimate triumph of the excessively heavy 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 has a streamlined, resource light structure that competes directly with Linux.
New trends in the tech world seem to be inspired by the desire to do more with less. In the future, developers will push the limits of technology to satisfy both of these interests. The newest operating system releases by all of the major competitors in the field speak to this consumer demand. There will always be a need for a smart balance between compatibility and operating system resource use.
Thankfully, we are lucky enough to have a robust market of operating system providers. Each release brings different advantages. There are arguments for using every modern operating system based on user needs. When choosing your preferred operating system, you must carefully look into its compatibility with software that you intend to use. Each company attempts to satisfy a certain niche market. Your market will be represented by at least one of the recent releases at any time. Look to others that use the same software for tips on which operating system to choose.
Geek Choice is a nationwide computer repair company that seeks to help our customers get the most 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 fit your needs. Geek Choice offers on-site help for any computer issue. If your operating system is interfering with your favorite programs, call a customer service representative at 1-800-GEEK HELP (433-5435).