macOS vs. Windows vs. Linux: Which OS Would You Buy

The first thing that comes to your mind whenever you look at a computer is its Operating System. The OS plays a big role in the performance of the system, no matter how old or new it is. It acts as a medium of interaction between the user and the system.

There are three major operating systems that are in heavy demand among users. These operating systems are Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you are searching for the right operating system that meets your specific requirements, you are in the right place. The article explains the major points of difference between the major operating systems available in the market, how they work, and which one is the best for you.

The Windows OS

Windows operating system is the most utilized OS, developed by Microsoft. Microsoft introduced Windows as a graphical operating system for MS-DOS on 20 November 1985. Soon after its launch, Windows became a major hit, and until now, Windows acquired a global market share of 90 percent. As of October 2021, the latest version for desktops and laptops is Windows 11, version 21H2.

The macOS

The MacBook operating system was developed by an American Computer Company ‘Apple.’ The first release of this OS was in 1984, and it was much older than Microsoft. Mac also focuses on graphical-based operations in the computer. In 2005, the design and structure of macOS were changed to Intel x 86 based architecture. Later on, in 2007, Apple launched its multiple devices like iPhone and iPad. These devices were also made compatible to connect with OS X.

The Linux OS

Linux is an open-source operating system that was first developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 with an idea to improve the Unix OS. Nowadays, Linux is one of the fastest-growing OS in the world. From smartphones to supercomputers, you can find Linux-based devices everywhere. It is open to consumers, and anyone can customize it as per their own specifications.

Major Differences Between Major Operating Systems

There are mainly two key differences in the three operating systems in terms of operations, the first one is File allocation structure, and the second is a Command Shell.

File Structure

In Windows files, the organization structure works like a directory structure to store files. Windows provides logical drives and cabinet drawers that are denoted as local disk C, D, E, and other drives. They are used to store files and folders as per the categories. Windows file structure also provides extensions like txt, jpg, jpeg, HTML, etc. It also features Recycle Bin that stores data temporarily deleted from the original location, such as the files or folders.

As far as the MacBook is concerned, the file structure works like a directory where the uppermost folder is known as the Root Directory, and the folders inside them are called Sub-directories. The Sub-directories include Application, system, developers, temp, and other folders. 

While Linux works in a completely different way from Windows and Mac. In Linux, the file structure works like a tree where the topmost folder is called the root directory, and the subfolders are mounted over this tree, giving this a structure of a tree.

Clearing System Storage

You might have encountered a startup drive full error while working on the system. The error notifies about the low storage or no storage space on the hard drive. System storage consists of system files that are necessary to operate the system. Apart from that, there are temporary files, backup, caches, and similar files that are unnecessary and occupy storage. These temporary files need to be deleted regularly from your computer.

If you are wondering how to clear system storage on mac, then here’s the answer. Go to the Apple menu, then click on ‘About This Mac’, go to Storage to see the available space on the hard drive. Next, click on the Manage button to store data to iCloud or reduce clutter.

On your Windows computer, click on Start, tap on Settings, select System, then go to Storage. Turn off the Storage Sense option that allows Windows to automatically clear your temporary files. To delete the temporary files manually, go to Clean Up recommendation, choose Unnecessary Files and select Clean up.

To clean up space in Linux, you need to go to the root by running cd/ then run sudo du-h-max-depth=1, then see which files are using more space and press delete.

Command shell

The Command Shell is a computer program that allows the user to control his computer using keyboard commands instead of commanding the graphical user interface with a mouse, keyboard, or a combination of both.

In windows, you can access the Command Shell with the help of the Command prompt app or Window PowerShell. To open it, you need to go to the Start button, type cmd in the search bar, and press Enter.

If you need to access the Command Shell in Mac, you need to open the Applications folder, tap on Utilities, and double-click Terminal. You can also launch Spotlight, type Terminal, and double-click it.

Conclusion

To sum up, macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems are powerful enough and allow users to perform almost all kinds of tasks efficiently. The decision on which OS to buy is based on your specific preferences and budget.