Best Operating Systems of 2025

Use the comparison tool below to compare the top Operating Systems on the market. You can filter results by user reviews, pricing, features, platform, region, support options, integrations, and more.

Overview of Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is a set of programs, libraries, and tools that manage the hardware, software resources, and data of a computer. It acts as an intermediary between user applications or programs and computer hardware. Operating systems provide services such as multitasking, file management, communication (like e-mail), device management (such as printers and scanners), security, memory management and process management.

The most common type of operating system is the Graphical User Interface (GUI). This type of OS uses graphical elements like icons to represent files, folders, windows and menus to easily allow users to interact with their computer systems. Other types of operating systems include Command Line Interface (CLI) or Terminal which allow users to directly issue commands into the command line interface; Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) which are used in embedded systems where timing is essential; Virtual Machine Operating Systems which are designed to run on multiple devices simultaneously; Enterprise Operating Systems which are designed for large networked environments with hundreds or thousands of clients connected via LANs or Internet Protocol networks; Handheld/Mobile Device Operating Systems which are specialized for smaller devices such as mobile phones and tablets; Embedded/IoT Operating Systems which serve specific functions in embedded systems like smart thermostats that can be operated remotely; Open Source/Free Software Operating Systems which allow anyone to modify the source code without any restrictions; Micro Kernel based Operating System designs that use minimal memory resources but also offer limited capabilities compared to other OSes.

No matter what type it is though all operating systems have several components in common. These include the kernel – this is the core component responsible for managing processor tasks, memory allocation, disk access etc.; Drivers – pieces of software responsible for allowing users access to input & output devices like keyboards & mice etc.; File Management – manages all aspects related to organizing files stored on disks including encryption algorithms if required; Memory Management – allocates available RAM between processes running on system; Security Services - this help prevent unauthorized access by encrypting traffic when data is sent over private networks; Process Control - responsible for controlling how multiple processes interact with each other within an OS environment; Network Services - control how different machines connect with each other using networking protocols like TCP/IP etc.; Device Driver Manager - controls how peripheral gadgets like printers & scanners interact with main machine hardware.

An important thing about modern operating systems today is that they are able to support virtualization technology so you can develop & test new applications without having dedicated physical server infrastructure. This technology has helped businesses reduce costs since they don’t need separate physical servers for each application.

Apart from this many modern OSes come preloaded with different utilities that let users do day-to-day tasks like managing contacts, playing music, keeping track of time & date, setting up alarms, etc. With these features becoming more powerful every day, it has become easier than ever before for individuals or businesses to make use of computers in their daily activities.

What Are Some Reasons To Use Operating Systems?

1. Operating Systems (OS) enhance the efficiency of computer systems by controlling the hardware and basic operations of a system. They allow users to access applications, manage files, run processes, and share programs across different devices.
2. OS offer added security by prompting users for authentication before granting access to resources on the system and keeping malicious malware out with built-in virus protection mechanisms.
3. An operating system also helps manage memory usage more efficiently so that more task can be done without stalling or freezing up the device. This ensures better performance when loading large files or programs with lots of data.
4. OS provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to make interacting with computers easy for everyday users who may not have technical knowledge about how these systems work behind the scenes. GUIs feature windows that display menus, icons, and other interactive elements so people can intuitively interact with their computers' features and settings.
5. Last but not least, operating systems are needed for connecting multiple devices in one network as they provide connectivity between them thereby allowing communication over local area networks (LANs).

Why Are Operating Systems Important?

Operating systems are an essential component of any computer system. Without an operating system, computers would be unable to perform the tasks that they were designed to do and make them useful tools. Operating systems provide a user-friendly interface that makes it easier for us to interact with the hardware and software of a computer system. Without them, we would be stuck trying to access components manually by typing in commands into text-heavy command lines or fumbling around trying to figure out how all the different parts work together.

In addition to providing a way for humans to easily interact with computers, operating systems also allow for greater efficiency when performing tasks. Operating systems can manage resources like memory and processor usage so that applications run smoothly without any lag or slow down due to overloading the CPU or running out of RAM. They also provide services such as networking, security, task scheduling and file management which can help optimize performance overall.

Finally, modern day operating systems serve as frameworks that other software programs are built upon. These include application programming interfaces (APIs) which support communication between applications and third party integrations as well as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that give users visual control over their interactions with their device's hardware and software components much like what you see on mobile devices these days with touchscreen displays and icons replacing physical buttons and knobs.

All in all, operating systems are key components of modern day computing because they facilitate easy human-computer interaction while optimizing performance by managing hardware resources properly and providing an solid platform for developers come up with new ways of making our lives easier through technology.

Operating Systems Features

1. User Management: Operating systems provide the ability to authenticate and manage user accounts, such as setting permissions, managing passwords, and applying security policies.
2. Memory Management: Memory management is a key feature of an operating system that allows multiple processes to use memory simultaneously without interfering with each other. It also ensures that data stored in volatile memory is correctly saved back on disk if it’s lost due to power failure or similar circumstances.
3. Device Driver Management: Most modern devices require device driver software for them to function properly, including printers, network cards, sound cards, etc., and these drivers need to be installed and managed by the operating system. This ensures that the hardware is able to communicate with other software properly.
4. Process Scheduling: An important feature of an operating system is its ability to schedule processes so they don’t interfere with each other or starve out other processes from running when resources become scarce. It also allows for parallel processing so multiple tasks can be completed faster than if only one processor was used at a time.
5. File System: Operating systems are responsible for managing files on the hard drive or any external storage device that's connected – they enable you to access various directories, move/copy/delete files, assign permissions and encryption keys, etc., all while ensuring data integrity across different file systems such as FAT32 or NTFS (in Windows) or EXT4 (in Linux).
6. Networking & Security: Modern operating systems also allow users to access local area networks and even connect securely over the internet via VPNs (virtual private networks), which helps keep their data safe from potential malicious intruders online. Many OSes come bundled with built-in firewalls as well as virus and malware scanners which further enhance security measures taken by the user against potential threats online or even within the local environment itself.

Types of Users That Can Benefit From Operating Systems

• Home Users: Operating systems provide convenience for home users of computers, allowing them to access documents, play games, browse the internet, and manage their media.
• Business Users: Companies rely on operating systems to take care of a wide range of tasks from managing customer databases to scheduling meetings.
• Mobile Devices: Smartphones and tablets run off specialized operating systems that allow users to easily check emails, upload pictures or videos, and access social networks like Twitter and Facebook.
• Education Institutions: Schools utilize operating system technology for teaching basic computer skills as well as administrative tasks such as tracking student attendance.
• Government Agencies: Governments use secure-based operating systems that can be optimized with special features that meet the specific requirements of their departments such as financial management or criminal record keeping.
• Developers & Programmers:Operating systems are also used by developers and programmers who need reliable technology in order to create software applications and other technologies-related projects.

How Much Do Operating Systems Cost?

The cost of operating systems varies depending on the type and size of the system needed. Generally speaking, an individual or small business looking to purchase a basic operating system can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$150 for a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) system. However, larger businesses that require more advanced features can end up spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars depending on the size and complexity of their needs. Additionally, many operating systems are available free of charge for those with limited financial means, such as open source software like Linux or community editions. Ultimately, it is important to research what type of system will suit your needs best in order to make an informed decision about which option is right for you.

Operating Systems Risks

The risks associated with operating systems include:

• Security Risks: Operating systems are vulnerable to malicious attacks, such as viruses, malware, and ransomware. Without proper security measures in place, these threats can lead to data loss or system damage.
• Vulnerability Exploitation: Operating systems are often developed with known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to gain access to a system or its resources. This could lead to unauthorized access of sensitive information or the ability for attackers to control the system remotely.
• Unauthorized Access: Operating systems can be prone to misconfigurations that allow unauthorized users access into a system, making it easier for malicious actors to compromise the integrity of the OS and any connected networks.
• Software Compatibility Issues: Incompatible software may cause problems in an operating system’s performance by either crashing applications or severely limiting their functions. Moreover, old versions of operating systems may not be compatible with new hardware or software and this might create further issues.
• System Instability: The instability of an operating system may lead it to crash frequently even when using verified software programs on approved hardware devices which could result in lost data and wasted time from having to reboot several times throughout the day.

What Software Can Integrate with Operating Systems?

Hardware and software programs can integrate with operating systems, allowing them to communicate and interact with other parts of the computer. Examples of software that can integrate with operating systems include system utilities such as disk defragmenters or file checkers, as well as anti-virus or firewall programs designed to protect the system from malicious attacks. Many applications may also be integrated into the operating system, such as web browsers, media players, office suites, and games. Operating systems are often able to support multiple types of programming languages for developing applications that can be used across different platforms. Lastly, device drivers allow hardware components to be connected seamlessly with the OS so that they operate properly.

What Are Some Questions To Ask When Considering Operating Systems?

1. What type of Operating System is best suited to my needs?
2. Does the Operating System have features that I need, such as multitasking and data security?
3. Is the Operating System compatible with other software tools I use on a regular basis?
4. Are there any additional applications or services available for the Operating System that would be beneficial for my use case?
5. How user-friendly is this Operating System? Is it easy to navigate and understand?
6. Are there any hidden costs associated with using this particular OS, such as extra maintenance fees or purchasing additional software licenses?
7. What are some potential security risks associated with using this particular Operating System, if any?
8. What backup options are available for data stored on this OS in case of system failure or corruption?