The Operating System Wars

There are endless exchanges around the internet about which is better—and a lot of it is either of the Windows versus Linux or the Windows versus Mac variety. Reading through all of those arguments could keep anyone busy for quite some time.

The answer is actually quite simple and I think everyone involved already knows it: It all depends on the task you are trying to accomplish. As to why the question still gets asked despite the universality of the simple answer is a question to which I have no simple answer.

It is imperative that you must determine your task first before you decide on a tool to use; otherwise, you might end up using an industrial chainsaw to cut your grass instead of simply using a lawnmower.

The failure to define a task first is one of the main reasons for a lot of those disagreements. A participant insisting that Windows is better and another insisting that Linux is the best could both be correct as the former could have been referring to Windows’ prowess in developing .Net applications while the latter could have been referring to the openness and flexibility of Linux.

Once the task has been defined, selection becomes easier. Say you want to edit html code and text with BBEdit or TextMate, then use a Mac. If Bluefish or Quanta Plus is your thing, Linux is the way to go. Finally, if you’re all for UltraEdit, TextPad or EditPlus, Windows is where it’s at.

Well, you could say that it’s not that simple all the time and you’d be right. However, your options will at least be clearer and your arguments, saner once the elusive task has been properly defined. But then again, where’s the fun in that?