What is your favorite operating system and why? I have worked with several versions of Mac OS from OS 9 to current, and from Windows 2000 to Windows 8. Out of all of them, my favorites would be Windows XP because it is so stable and can run well on older computers. The Windows 7 is good as well, however in my mind the only thing better about it is the Aero desktop theme, which I really like.
Anonymous
Favorite Answer
I've used many operating systems (I don't have any Apple experience, though) and I find that I absolutely love Windows 8.1. You can find an evaluation copy here (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh699156.aspx) if you want to try it. XP was my first operating system I used and (sentimentality aside), I've found that if you configure it correctly, you'll have a very hard time causing it to crash. Windows 7 is more adaptive then XP (but not overly so) and Windows 8 and 8.1 have become even more adaptive then 7. You hardly need to configure it anymore.
I've also explored into the Linux realm (I don't know if you want to try Linux or not, but I thought I'd mention it) and, so far, I've really liked what I've seen. Since almost all of their "distros", as Linux operating systems are called, are free, I've downloaded and tested a ton of distros and, depending on what you want, there's something for you. If you want an operating system that feels similar to a Windows experience, you can look at Zorin OS. If you want something that feels similar to Apple, Elementary OS is the way to go. The "go to" for almost anyone starting in Linux, however is Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a very stable operating system (not as stable as XP, though) and is the most widely used Linux distro. If you're looking for rock solid stability, you should look at Debian. Its a little difficult to install, but you will have a hard time finding a more stable system. Best part is, if you want to run Windows applications (low ended ones, I haven't tested any high end and powerful Windows programs) you can download and install WinE (It stands for (Win)dows (E)mulator.). I've heard of a distro called "Robolinux" that is supposed to natively support Windows applications (even the higher end ones like Photoshop), but I haven't tested it.
I hope that gives you something to chew on!
Mike
For creativity such as graphic design, photoshop, adobe creative suites, can't beat the Mac OS's.
For businesses, Windows 7 Pro takes the cake. Windows 8.1 is way too much of a learning curve at this point.
Home use, I personally like working on Windows 7 Pro for daily but I have a Windows 8.1 hooked up to my big screen that I play movies through. Definitely has more media apps.
Abby
Hello friend, My favorite operating system is Windows 7.