The operating system is one of the most important components of any computer as it serves as the bridge between hardware and software. It is responsible for management and execution of programs and applications within the computer. With the advancement in technology, the competition among operating systems has increased globally, bringing about different features, functionalities, and user experience. In this article, we will be discussing the world’s top 10 best operating systems, their overview, net worth, their year of establishments, the owner of the website, their pros and cons, and a link to their homepage.
1. Windows
Windows is by far the most popular operating system globally. It is owned by Microsoft and was first released in 1985. Windows is popular due to its ease of use, easy to understand interface, and compatibility with software that is widely available. Windows has a net worth of approximately 1.6 trillion dollars as of 2021.
Pros: Versatile and easily customizable, widespread access to software and applications, excellent gaming performance.
Cons: Frequent updates and security risks, often costly, can slow down the computer over time.
Home page: Windows Official Site
2. macOS
macOS is the operating system for Apple’s computers and was first released in 2001. Highly user-friendly and comes with a stylish interface, macOS is popular among creatives such as video editors, sound engineers, and graphic designers due to its high-quality software options and compatibility with Apple products. macOS has a net worth of approximately 2.2 trillion dollars as of 2021.
Pros: Delivers excellent performance, beautiful interface with high-quality graphics, works seamlessly with Apple products, stable, and reliable.
Cons: Often expensive, limited software options when compared to Windows, and reduced upgrades in hardware.
Home page: Apple Mac OS Official Site
3. Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that is free to use and can be customized by the user to suit their needs. It was first released in 1991 and has quickly become popular among software developers, web developers, and system administrators. Linux has a net worth of approximately 50 billion dollars as of 2021.
Pros: Open-source and free to use, offers high levels of customization, support for a vast range of software development tools, stable and secure.
Cons: Resource intensive, known for being difficult to use for beginners or non-tech-savvy users.
Home page: Linux Official Site
4. Chrome OS
Chrome OS is an operating system that was released in 2011 by Google. It is designed primarily for Chromebook laptops, and it is highly focused on cloud computing. It is fast, sleek, and secure coupled with tremendous battery life that can last up to 12 hours per charge. Chrome OS has a net worth of approximately 1 trillion dollars as of 2021.
Pros: Quick boot times, affordable, lightweight, secure.
Cons: Limited storage capacity, compatibility issues with software, and apps, limitations on offline use.
Home page: Chromebook Os Official Site
5. iOS
iOS is the operating system for Apple’s mobile devices, including iPhones, iPads, and iPods, was first released in 2007. It is known for its simplicity, fluidity, and excellent user experience with high integration with Apple products. iOS has a net worth of roughly 2.2 trillion dollars as of 2023.
Pros: High performance, user-friendly interface, excellent app quality, and great integration with other Apple products.
Cons: Limited customization options, restrictions on software downloads, and a high price point.
Home page: Apple Official Site
6. Android
Android is the most popular operating system for mobile devices worldwide, released in 2008. Android’s primary advantage is its flexibility and customization, giving it the ability to run on a wide range of devices with different hardware and features. Android has a net worth of approximately 2.2 trillion dollars as of 2021.
Pros: High-level customization, compatibility with a vast range of devices, excellent app store, cost-effective.
Cons: Inconsistent updates, not always the smoothest experience, and security risks from malicious apps.
Home page: Android Official Site
7. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is another open-source operating system that is free to use and is readily available for use. It was first released in 2004 and is popular amongst developers and businesses due to its robust security features and functionality. Ubuntu has a net worth of approximately 1 billion dollars as of 2021.
Pros: Free, secure, highly customizable and user-friendly.
Cons: Limited software support, can have compatibility issues with hardware.
Home page: Ubuntu Official Site
8. FreeBSD
FreeBSD is an open-source operating system that is free and is often used primarily for workstations, servers, and other network devices. FreeBSD was first released in 1993 and is known for its high stability, security, and handling of network traffic.
Pros: Stable, secure, scalable, and customizable.
Cons: Limited hardware support, can be resource-intensive.
Home page: FreeBSD Official Site
9. Solaris
Solaris is another operating system that was initially released in 1991 by Sun Microsystems and later acquired by Oracle. It is highly regarded for its robust stability, scalability, and virtualization capabilities.
Pros: High level of stability, robust virtualization capabilities, and scalability.
Cons: Limited hardware support, high learning curve.
Home page: Solaris Official Site
10. z/OS
z/OS is an operating system designed for IBM mainframe computers, primarily used for companies in finance, banking, and healthcare industries. It was first released in 2000 and is known for its high reliability, scalability, and security features.
Pros: High-level reliability, excellent security features.
Cons: Highly specific and limited to IBM mainframe computers.
Home page: z/Os Official Site
In conclusion, the choice of the operating system depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences. While some prefer the simplicity of macOS, others opt for the flexibility of Linux. Despite their differences, all operating systems listed in this article have their strengths, limitations, and unique functionalities. We hope this article has helped you gain some valuable knowledge about the world’s top 10 best operating systems and their features.