The vast majority of businesses choose Microsoft Windows as their operating system but if you’re an independent web worker you don’t have to. Whether you run Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS X, or Linux, you’ll have to make some serious tradeoffs. However, they’re all viable choices these days, especially if you do the majority of your work online with web apps.
If you go with Windows, you’ll have to take special caution against spyware, viruses, and adware. If you go with a Mac, you won’t have as much to choose from in the way of hardware or software. If you go with Linux, you may be trading off ease of use against the philosophical and technical pleasures of open-source software with a venerable history.
You might find these resources helpful if you’re considering a switch:
- Windows vs. Linux vs. OS X — the CIO of Harvard Medical School reviews operating system options for corporate use, finally deciding on Windows though he’d prefer Mac OS X on a lightweight Dell PC.
- Living (and dying) with Linux in the workplace — Computerworld’s online managing editor tries out Linux for work use, and concludes that she’s not ready to switch yet, though she’ll keep the Linux system set up for occasional use.
- A Windows expert opts for a Mac life — another Computerworld staffer evaluates Mac OS X and decides to switch from Windows to Mac.
- 10 Reasons for the Windows Web Worker to Upgrade to Vista… or Not — Web Worker Daily’s article about what to be aware of if you’re thinking about upgrading to Vista.
What operating system are you running right now? Why? Do you have any thoughts of switching?
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