ARN

OS Smackdown: Linux vs. Mac OS X vs. Vista vs. XP

Four experts defend their chosen operating systems in an opinionated free-for-all
Page:

Since the dawn of time -- or, at least, the dawn of personal computers -- the holy wars over desktop operating systems have raged, with each faction proclaiming the unrivaled superiority of its chosen OS and the vile loathsomeness of all others.

No matter how fierce the language or convincing the arguments, however, these battles began to seem somewhat irrelevant to regular working stiffs. While Mac OS, OS/2, Linux and many other desktop operating systems have all had their devotees over the years, the truth is that the majority of home and business users have simply used the current version of Windows as a matter of course.

Windows Vista has changed all that. Never has a Microsoft operating system been greeted with such a lack of enthusiasm from consumers and businesses alike. Whether it's because of Vista's confusing array of versions, its hefty hardware requirements, its driver issues or its invasive security features, users are resisting the upgrade to Vista and considering other options, from Mac OS X to Linux to just sticking with Windows XP, thank you very much.

Suddenly, the OS wars have a new relevance.

That's why we've asked four US experts to lay out their best arguments in support of their desktop operating systems of choice:

  • James Turner for Linux

  • Michael DeAgonia for Mac OS X

  • Preston Gralla for Windows Vista

  • David Ramel for Windows XP

Each is positive that his operating system is the best and will try his hardest to convince you of that -- and is not above taking a few swipes at the competition. These are not rational, disengaged reviews; these are opinionated essays meant to sway your point of view.

-- Valerie Potter

Page:

Come socialise with us! Facebook | LinkedIn

More about: Adobe, Apple, Debian, Dell, Google, Intel, Linux, Macs, Microsoft, Mozilla, NICE, Novell, OpenOffice, Open Windows, Parallels, PLUS, Red Hat, Shuttle, Speed, SuSE, TiVo, Ubuntu, VMware
References show all

Comments

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the ARN comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
ARN Directory | Distributors relevant to this article
Achieva Technology Australia , Alloys , Anixter , Aquion , ASI Solutions , Australasian PC Distributors (APCD) , Australian IT Spares , Avnet Technology Solutions , Bluechip Infotech , Brightpoint Australia , Compucon Computers , Dicker Data , Express Data , Express Online , Impact Systems Technology , Ingram Micro Australia , Leader Computers , Leading Pacific Australia , MPA Systems , NewLease , Open Channel Solutions , Scholastic , Simms International (For Simms International please see Express Online) , Synnex Australia , Topstar Computer International , Westan , XiT Distribution , Xpress I.T.
ARN Directory | Vendors relevant to this article
Red Hat , Novell , VMWare
rhs_login_lockGet exclusive access to ARN's news, research and invitation only events.
ARN Distributor Directory
Find distributors by name | vendor | location
Channel Deals
/deals/aca-pacific/398_abbyy-finereader-11-intelligent-ocr-software-f
ACA Pacific

ABBYY FineReader 11 - Intelligent OCR software for document conversion.

More details »
ARN Vendor Directory
Find vendors by name | category

iAsset is a channel management ecosystem that automates all major aspects of the entire sales,marketing and service process, including data tracking, integrated learning, knowledge management and product lifecycle management.