My favorite PC is an ancient HP Compaq featuring the ability to boot into four different operating systems:
Three of them are Linux-based.
One is Microsoft-based.
And none are macOS-based.
***
I read an article about which operating system you should use: Windows, macOS or Linux.
It was well written like too few of the pieces to be found on this subject are, but also too short to render all the possibilities–pros and cons, for running any of these systems.
As someone who runs all three systems in various configurations of hardware and software, I was disappointed the article failed to mention the intangible and subjective noun that is excitement.
Back during the Microsoft-Apple desktop operating system wars, excitement was a word bandied about by users of both tech companies’ systems–Windows and Mac. Linux was really not in the conversation.
Now, however I would suggest times have changed and the real fun and quality experience of using a desktop computer can be had when running a Linux OS distribution.
***
My quadruple-boot Core 2 Duo Intel processor PC runs my choice at boot startup of either Zorin 12.4, Deepin 15.9.3, Linux Lite 4.4 (which I’m typing this on now) or Windows 10.
If I wanted the ability to boot into macOS (legally) on this system I would need an actual Mac to run macOS and then I could run the other operating systems mentioned above on the Mac, too–which, as they say, kind of defeats the whole reason for using a Mac in the first place and which, I might also add contributes to the difficulty of consumers to justify the Apple tax they must pay when buying a Mac.
***
Macs are overpriced. And Apple renders them obsolete after a certain number of years as to the ability of the hardware to keep up and run Apple’s latest and most current version of macOS software.
Apple has to make money and I get it.
Plus, there’s Linux if you want to run a modern operating system on older hardware like I do.
While Windows 10 runs alright on the 1.83 GHz Intel processor, it is the slowest OS of the four systems on the PC. There is also the annoying time suck that is Windows operating system updates–big, time-consuming and restart-intensive.
***
All of my Linux systems update all the software at once. It doesn’t take as long as Windows. With Macs and Windows PCs you have to update the individual software like browsers (Firefox, Chrome, etc.) unless in the case of Macs it’s Apple software like the macOS itself or something like iTunes–which all gets done via Software Update functions in the App Store.
Only Linux offers the seamless ability to update everything at once. When you combine that with the ability to run a secure, modern OS on a less than modern PC, that’s exciting!
Another thing that is fun is the ability to make many Linux distributions appear like either macOS or Windows. Granted, it’s not completely the same as a Mac or Windows PC, but using skins in conjunction with having familiar looking drop-down menus, start menus, docks, cursors and/or windows with minimizing/maximizing looks that mimic either Windows or Mac makes for familiar good times.
Sure, at the end of the day I need to get work done and I don’t have precious time to waste messing around with a tool that doesn’t do what I need it to.
But, you undoubtedly can’t go wrong using either Windows, Mac or Linux to get work done.
If you want to have some fun while toiling away, however, trying out a new Linux distribution on an otherwise forgotten PC may be just the right mixture of fun, accomplishment and cost-effectiveness that brings the excitement back to personal computing.
Ice Maker Countertop, Portable Ice Machine with Carry Handle, Self-Cleaning Ice Makers with Basket and Scoop, 9 Cubes in 6 Mins, 26 lbs per Day, Ideal for Home, Kitchen, Camping, RV, Black
$79.99 (as of November 27, 2024 15:00 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
HayZBao Electric Foot File - Callus Remover for Feet,Adjustable Speed Foot File with 60 Pcs Sandpaper Discs,Professional Pedicure Tool for Dead Skin and Calluses - Matte Purple
$31.98 (as of November 27, 2024 15:00 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara for up to 12x More Volume & 24H Wear - False Lash Effect - Black
$12.00 (as of November 27, 2024 15:00 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
4-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter Digital Plant Temperature/Soil Moisture/PH Meter/Sunlight Intensity Backlight LCD Display Soil Test Meter for Gardening, Farming and Outdoor Plants
$20.38 (as of November 27, 2024 15:00 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)