Windows

Windows is the biggest of all the desktop operating systems, with extensive user support and widespread adoption. It dominates both business and gaming sectors — Microsoft Office 365 reaches around 400 million users as of 2024. The accessibility of troubleshooting is a major advantage due to the large user base.

Gaming support is nearly universal on Windows, unlike Linux and macOS. However, emerging technologies like the Steam Deck are changing the Linux gaming landscape, reducing development costs compared to the Apple Developer Program at $100 annually.

Linux

I love Linux, particularly for its terminal interface and the ability to interact with system internals at a lower level than graphical interfaces allow. Terminal enhancements through shells like zsh and fish with add-ons such as oh-my-zsh make it a fantastic environment to work in.

The diversity of Linux distributions is a major strength. Some distributions worth mentioning:

• Ubuntu — user-friendly, great for beginners
• Kali Linux — security-focused
• Parrot OS — alternative security distro
• Arch Linux — highly customisable
• Garuda Linux — Arch-based, easier installation
• Manjaro Linux — accessible Arch variant

The primary limitation is the lack of Microsoft Office integration, particularly OneDrive and Office 365 support, which are essential for many institutions. It’s frustrating that these services work on macOS but not Linux, despite both sharing Unix-based architectures.

macOS

Apple products deserve praise for build quality and design. The trackpad and keyboard in particular are superior to most alternatives. However, the high price point is a significant issue — “$400 for 2TB” of storage on a “$2,500+ base price” is difficult to justify.

Despite the expense, macOS sits as a balanced hybrid between Windows and Linux, offering both Office 365 compatibility and a proper terminal.

Closing Thoughts

I use all three operating systems daily, but Linux is my personal favourite. This preference stems from philosophical alignment with open-source principles and the collaborative development model. The rich history of Linux since its 1991 release and its widespread server adoption speaks for itself. The collaborative nature of open-source development and its potential to improve users’ lives through community-driven innovation is something I find truly compelling.