Operating System (OS)

An operating system is a very complex program that provides an environment inside which other programs can run.

Windows XP (Microsoft), OS X (Apple/Macintosh), and variations of Linux (open source) are currently the most popular operating systems.

Just as a government imposes order and organization on a country, so does an OS onto a computer, creating an environment in which other, smaller programs can function. OSes like Windows and OS X manage many of the banal, low-level hardware interfaces that most programs don't want to have to worry about, most importantly in the areas of memory management, basic input/output, and process execution. For example, when you mail a letter, there is an entire system of people responsible for picking it up, processing it, and finally delivering it, but you don't care about the details - you just care that the letter gets there. Operating systems perform this type of service for other, more useful programs such as Internet Explorer or iTunes.

Modern OSes also supply some kind of graphical user interface so that users can...well, use the system. Both Windows XP and OS X have snazzy interfaces (although OS X's looks better... zing ), each with their own recognizable hallmarks such as the Start menu and Dock.

A version of the Windows XP interface.

Am I using the right OS?

Yes.

Wait....what?

Questions like this usually devolve into arguments over which OS is "better" - a holy war that continues to this day without any signs of abating. A quick summary:

• Windows is the most common OS (~93% market share). This has both benefits and disadvantages: almost all spyware and viruses are written to attack machines running Windows, but this is balanced by the fact that many legitimate programs will only run on Windows.
• OS X (Macintoshes) is well-written, modern, and doesn't really have to worry about all that junk that Windows users have to deal with. However, Mac programs are a niche market, with the result that fewer programs work on OS X. It also has a pretty interface.
• Linus is extremely well-written, secure, and powerful - provided you know how to use it. With a culture and organization that seems to value obscurity, the learning curve can be pretty steep, but the end result of Linux proficiency can be extremely rewarding.

There are counter-arguments to everything that has been said here. For example, Windows can be almost as secure as the other two, provided you follow a few simple rules. Similarly, with rising Mac popularity, program compatibility is much less of a problem, although it still exists in certain specific niches (e.g. CAD etc.). Even Linux now has a user-friendly face in the form of Ubuntu, a very popular new distribution.

In the end, the moral of the story is to figure out what it is exactly that you want to do. Most people have simple needs (checking e-mail, web browsing, etc.); any OS will work for them. However, if you need a specific piece of software, or you don't want to have to worry about viruses, or you just prefer one OS's interface, then by all means switch (or install both, see below).

Can I switch to another OS?

Sure! You can either completely switch to another OS (removing the original completely), or simply add a second one. In this case, you will be prompted to choose which OS to use every time turn on your machine. Here are your choices:

• PC users (Windows): Linux
• Mac users (OS X): Linux or Windows

Mac users should check out Apple's Boot Camp if they want to run Windows in addition to OS X. Calling ITS for help is also recommended.

PC users should call ITS so we can make sure your data is safe before installing another OS.