Operating Systems (Windows, Mac, and Linux)
An operating system (call it OS to save those syllables) is the core software that manages your computer’s hardware, runs applications, and provides the interface you interact with every day. No matter what you’re doing, be it browsing the web, editing videos, or playing games, the OS determines how efficiently your system performs, how secure your data is, and which software and hardware you can use.
The OS is the boss. And don’t forget it. But many computer users just stick with what they are given by the manufacturer. The cool thing is, just like quitting your job and finding a new boss, is that you can get a different OS if you feel so inclined.
Choosing the right OS comes down to preference, compatibility, performance, usability, and long-term support. Some prioritize raw performance and gaming features, while others need stability, security, or seamless integration with their other devices. For many, the choice comes down to Windows, macOS, or Linux, each with its own strengths and limitations.
In this guide, we’ll compare the most popular operating systems, explore installation and multi-boot setups, and recommend lightweight Linux distributions for older hardware. Each section links to in-depth guides, including Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 — Should You Upgrade?, Installing Linux on a Secondary Drive, macOS vs. Windows for Everyday Use, How to Dual Boot Windows and Linux, and Best Lightweight Linux Distros.
Windows 11 vs. windows 10 — should you upgrade?
Windows 11 brings a redesigned interface, improved window management, and enhanced security features compared to Windows 10. The centered Start menu, rounded corners, and new Snap Layouts give it a more modern feel, while under-the-hood improvements like better memory management can improve performance on newer hardware.
However, Windows 11 also comes with stricter hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and specific CPU generations. This means some older systems that run Windows 10 perfectly fine may not qualify for the upgrade. For gamers, Windows 11 offers technologies like DirectStorage and Auto HDR, which can reduce load times and improve visual quality—but these features only shine with compatible games and hardware.
Windows 10 remains a stable, well-supported OS until its end-of-life in October 2025, making it a safe choice for older systems or users who prefer familiarity. If your hardware meets the requirements and you value the latest features and future updates, upgrading to Windows 11 makes sense. If not, sticking with Windows 10 for now is still a solid option.
For our full feature comparison, benchmark results, and hardware compatibility checklist, see Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 — Should You Upgrade?.
MacOS vs. Windows for everyday use
macOS and Windows each offer distinct advantages depending on your workflow, ecosystem, and personal preferences. macOS, exclusive to Apple hardware, is known for its polished interface, strong integration with other Apple devices, and a reputation for stability and security. Its Unix-based foundation makes it attractive for developers, and the system tends to require less manual maintenance. However, hardware upgrades are limited, and the upfront cost of Apple devices can be significantly higher than equivalent Windows PCs.
Windows, available on a wide range of hardware, offers far greater flexibility in terms of customization, gaming compatibility, and software availability. It supports more diverse hardware configurations, making it ideal for users who want to build or upgrade their own systems. Windows also has broader compatibility with specialized applications, particularly in enterprise and gaming.
For creative professionals already invested in Apple’s ecosystem, macOS provides seamless handoff between devices and access to exclusive software like Final Cut Pro. For gamers, engineers, and budget-conscious buyers, Windows offers better hardware options and performance tuning possibilities.
For an in-depth comparison with benchmarks, cost breakdowns, and workflow examples, see macOS vs. Windows for Everyday Use.
Installing linux on a secondary drive
Installing Linux on a secondary drive is one of the safest ways to explore the OS without risking your primary Windows or macOS installation. This setup keeps your existing OS untouched while giving you a full Linux environment to work in. It’s especially useful for developers, privacy-focused users, or anyone wanting to revive older hardware with a lightweight, efficient system.
Before starting, back up your important data and ensure the secondary drive is properly formatted. Most modern Linux distributions—such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or Mint—offer user-friendly installers that can automatically detect and configure the installation on the secondary drive. You’ll need to choose the correct bootloader settings so you can select which OS to run at startup.
Performance isn’t limited by running on a secondary drive, as long as it’s an SSD or a fast HDD. You can also dedicate the drive entirely to Linux or create multiple partitions for different Linux distros if you want to experiment further.
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, partitioning tips, and troubleshooting steps, see Installing Linux on a Secondary Drive.
How to dual boot windows and linux
Dual booting Windows and Linux allows you to run both operating systems on the same machine, choosing which one to load at startup. This setup is ideal for users who want the flexibility of Linux for development, testing, or privacy-focused tasks, while still keeping Windows for gaming, productivity apps, or software that isn’t Linux-compatible.
The process begins with partitioning your drive to create space for Linux, or better yet, installing it on a separate drive entirely. During installation, most Linux distributions will detect Windows and set up a bootloader like GRUB, which lets you pick your OS each time you power on your PC. To avoid overwriting Windows boot files, carefully review installation prompts and always back up data before starting.
Performance isn’t affected by having both systems installed—they run independently—but you will be splitting storage space between them. If you regularly need to share files, set up a shared NTFS partition or use cloud storage accessible from both systems.
For complete step-by-step instructions, bootloader configuration tips, and troubleshooting advice, see How to Dual Boot Windows and Linux.
Best lightweight linux distros
Lightweight Linux distributions are designed to run efficiently on older or low-spec hardware, making them perfect for breathing new life into aging laptops and desktops. These distros strip away resource-heavy components while still providing a responsive, user-friendly experience.
Popular choices include Lubuntu, which uses the LXQt desktop environment for minimal resource usage; Puppy Linux, known for its extremely small footprint and ability to run entirely in RAM; and Linux Lite, which balances lightweight performance with a familiar Windows-like interface for ease of transition. Each of these can run smoothly on systems with as little as 1–2 GB of RAM and older CPUs, while still supporting modern web browsers, office suites, and essential apps.
When choosing a lightweight distro, consider the desktop environment’s learning curve, available community support, and whether you need long-term support (LTS) updates. Using an SSD can further improve performance, even on older machines.
For our complete list, performance benchmarks, and installation walkthroughs, see Best Lightweight Linux Distros.
Extra OS tips for power users
Regardless of which operating system you use, a few best practices can help keep your system stable, secure, and efficient. Always install security updates and patches promptly to protect against vulnerabilities—this applies equally to Windows, macOS, and Linux. Enabling automatic updates can save you from missing critical fixes.
If you want to experiment with different operating systems without altering your main setup, consider using virtual machines with software like VirtualBox or VMware. This approach is ideal for testing Linux distros, previewing new OS versions, or running older operating systems for compatibility purposes.
Before making major changes—such as upgrading to a new OS version, switching systems, or adding a dual-boot setup—create a full system backup. Use built-in tools like Windows Backup, macOS Time Machine, or third-party backup solutions so you can recover quickly if something goes wrong.