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Linux Mint is an operating system built on Ubuntu and Debian projects that helps businesses run a variety of free and open-source applications. The system comes as an ISO file, which can be installed via a live DVD without formatting the PC. Features of L...Read more about Linux Mint
Raspberry Pi OS is an operating system designed to help professionals access pre-compiled software bundles on Raspberry Pi hardware. The platform supports deployments on several devices including laptops and desktops. Individuals can utilize the Advanced ...Read more about Raspberry Pi OS
Fedora Workstation is an operating system designed to help businesses using Linux devices build, test and deploy application codes across virtual environments. Professionals can add software repositories and use the developer portal to utilize specific pro...Read more about Fedora Workstation
Ubuntu is an oper-source operating system that comes with cloud optimization and enhanced security for applications and files. The platform provides a kernel livepatch, which can be applied automatically without a server update to reduce downtown while ens...Read more about Ubuntu
Big Sur is the latest operating system for Apple computers that provides a sleek display with customizable start pages, a notification center, privacy reports, a control center, and streamlined application use. The system also enables new messaging functio...Read more about MacOS Big Sur
Windows 10 is the latest version of the Windows operating systems that keeps PCs secure with enhanced security and customized privacy settings. The new system comes with an acitivity timeline, which helps students and professionals quickly return to previo...Read more about Windows 10
Manjaro is a Linux distribution system that helps businesses run and manage Windows-based and open-source applications. The application enables IT professionals to automatically install drivers based on the hardware and configure the operating system’s set...Read more about Manjaro
Junos OS is a Linux-based operating system that helps businesses run multiple open-source automation frameworks, such as Chef, Puppet, Ansible and Salt. It allows staff members to optimize network utilization by converging multiple concurrent network funct...Read more about Junos OS
The people who are looking to get great performance out of their computers, they can use Linux Lite high performance desktop operating system. It provides an elegant user interface which is very new and have a lot of set of applications designed for newcom...Read more about Linux Lite
If you want to run Kubernetes, Talos OS is the right choice. Talos OS will automate the secure installation of a purpose-built operating system. It will install Kubernetes for you, configured for security. It will automate or eliminate the management ta...Read more about Talos OS
Kubuntu is an on-premise operating system that allows users to browse the internet, complete assignments, and live chat directly through the user interface. The system provides a productivity suite that comes with integrations to google calendars, email pr...Read more about Kubuntu
CentOS Linux is an operating system (OS) that helps professionals streamline processes related to partition backups, data security management, spam filtering, kernel building, and more on a centralized platform. It enables users to eliminate bare-metal att...Read more about CentOS Linux
Parrot OS is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian, which helps IT teams of all sizes develop software and perform security-related tasks such as computer forensics, penetration testing, cryptography, hacking or reverse engineering. Designed for secur...Read more about Parrot OS
Netrunner is a complete Linux Operating System that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. Because it runs on Debian Stable, Netrunner receives continuous updates. Three versions of Netrunner are available, including Core, Desktop, and ARM for PineBook. ...Read more about Netrunner
Android 11 is the latest operating system that can be used by Samsung, Oppo, Nokia, Motorola, and OnePlus devices. The system comes with updated features such as chat optimization, pinned conversations, screen and audio recording, content sharing, device c...Read more about Android 11
Debian is a Linux-based operating system that helps businesses run free and open-source applications including LibreOffice, VLC media player, Evince document viewer and more. It offers a bug tracking system, which enables software developers to report, res...Read more about Debian
iOS 14 is the latest operating systems for iOS devices that provides new compact calling functionality, allowing users to call and facetime while displaying third-party apps. The system comes with updated face identification technology allowing users to op...Read more about iOS14
SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop is an operating system, which enables businesses to access email clients, web browsers, collaboration tools and other applications. The platform supports several languages such as English, Russian, Danish, Dutch, Chine, Italia...Read more about SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop
Oracle Linux is an open-source operating system that helps businesses streamline application development and virtualization operations of cloud-based applications. The application allows IT teams to apply security patches to a running kernel via Oracle Ksp...Read more about Oracle Linux
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is an open-source operating system, which provides a foundation for businesses to deploy applications, services and workloads. Organizations can create custom OS images for edge workloads. Red Hat Enterprise Linux allows informati...Read more about Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Windows 11 is the most recent operating system for Windows users, having removed several features from Windows 10, such as no longer having ot sync desktop wallpaper, removal of Math Input panel and Internet explorer, removal of Paint 3D, Skype, OneNote fo...Read more about Windows 11
Drive digital transformation 10x faster at one-tenth the cost of other enterprise software solutions. Automate business processes with our pre-configured applications or work with our experts to create custom solutions that transform your organization with...Read more about Praxie
CloudReady is an operating system, which helps businesses, non-profit organizations, schools and government agencies securely access cloud resources using multiple devices. Built on the open-source Chromium OS platform, the solution helps enterprises prote...Read more about CloudReady
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EuroLinux is an enterprise-class Linux distribution based on RHEL source code. One of the main features is to maintain 1:1 compatibility with RHEL, what gives a guarantee of stability, secure updates and makes any way of configuration work the same way. Eu...Read more about EuroLinux
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Jeeves is an all-in-on financial platform, ideal for global teams. Offering corporate cards, business accounts, accounts payable, expense management, cross border payments and comprehensive financial tracking. Enabling seamless global business operations....Read more about Jeeves
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Buyers Guide
This detailed guide will help you find and buy the right operating systems software for you and your business.
Last Updated on January 27, 2025Whether you're a gamer, graphic designer, developer, or medical professional, you use a personal computer (whether desktop or laptop), tablet, and/or mobile device to complete tasks, store files, and use various applications. Without an operating system, you wouldn't be able to do any of that.
Your laptop or mobile device already has an operating system that lets you access and use the device. However, sometimes you need to upgrade or change the operating system to a more advanced version that continues to meet your needs over time.
Operating systems (OS) act as a bridge between the physical components of a computer or device and the programs and applications you use on it. An OS provides the interface for users to control and communicate with the device. These systems are capable of managing computer hardware, data, and program files.
Whatever computers or devices you use, we created this buyers guide to provide all the essential information you need to choose or upgrade to the right operating system.
Here’s what we'll cover:
What is an operating system?
Operating systems act as a platform for other software to run. These systems provide an interface to connect computers/devices with other tech such as scanners, printers, and copiers. The typical OS can simultaneously handle and run operations such as storage/memory management, file management, security, processor management, and device management.
User interface in CentOS Linux Software (Source)
Common features of operating systems
Memory management | Allocate portions of memory/storage space to programs and reallocate that space when no longer needed. |
System updates | Improve or make changes to the current version based on user feedback, trends, and other factors. This functionality provides fixes for features that aren't working as intended, adds minor software enhancements and compatibility, addresses security issues, and improves hardware operation. |
User interface | Allow users to interact with their computer, device, or application. This interface connects the user and system, allowing them to exchange information and instructions with minimum user effort to achieve the desired outcome. |
Application management | Manage the operation, maintenance, versioning, and upgrading of an application throughout its lifecycle. Monitor all components of an application to see if they are up and running. |
Data security | Secure information and confidential data by providing strong authorized keys to users or by encrypting data stored in the system. This allows the software to rectify errors as soon as possible and prevent malware attacks. |
File management | Manage files in the system by allowing users to create, modify, and delete files. This functionality also allows users to create new files, locate and share them with other users, or transfer them to connected devices. |
What type of buyer are you?
Before purchasing an operating system, you should determine your buyer category so you can choose the right tool. Most buyers fall into the following categories:
For personal use: These buyers use laptops and devices for recreational purposes such as gaming, storing personal files, and research purposes. Often, such buyers don't use the same applications required by businesses and prefer an operating system that is easy to use.
Some free operating systems offer features such as file and application management, user-friendly interfaces, memory management, and system updates, and can work for such buyers.
For businesses: Organizations using a network of computers and devices to run their business require multiple applications. These buyers often have a server in place to handle user connections, storage, and multiple computers and devices. These users require an OS that provides security and privacy, remote access, support for mobile devices, file and printer sharing, backups, and more.
Buyers in this category often need to pay for their operating systems, which can be tailored to their unique business needs. Some systems even offer features such as advanced threat protection. These buyers should look for scalable systems that are compatible with any applications and hardware they already use. Scalability allows users to increase or decrease system performance pending on changes in application and processing demands.
Benefits of operating systems software
Graphical user interface (GUI): Most operating systems now have a graphical user interface (GUI) that lets you interact with your device via visual representations such as menus, icons, and buttons. This is an improvement over the traditional interface that required users to write commands in order to access system functionalities.
Data safety: An operating system allows users to access data stored in computers or devices, and is responsible for managing data safely and securely. The OS tracks all data and program file names as well as location, and performs common functions such as copying/erasing/backing up. Most operating systems have built-in tools to protect against security threats, including virus scanning utilities and setting up a firewall to block suspicious network activity.
Sharing of resources: Operating systems provide network services and file-sharing capabilities so you can share resources such as printers, scanners, and modems with other users. You can even transfer files such as videos, images, and applications to connected devices, and send data to multiple users using built-in email functionality if included.
Market trend to understand:
Virtual reality operating systems (VR-OS): Virtual reality technology is causing major disruptions in multiple industries, including gaming, healthcare, events, engineering, and education. In response, operating system vendors need to create solutions that can support 2D apps and 3D immersive content. These VR-OS enable users to work in an empty space using a wearable device such as a head-mounted display connected to a wireless mouse/keyboard and don't require a laptop or desktop to function. Big players are working on creating their own VR operating systems as virtual reality technology is gaining speed; software vendors are expected to follow suit.
Note: The application selected in this article is an example to show a feature in context and is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation. It has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication.