Should I run Windows, Mac, Linux or BSD?

Sun Nov 19 12:18:16 CST 2006

One of the most confusing things to computer users is the constant advocacy of certain platforms that one sees on such websites as Slashdot and Groklaw. Should I use Windows XP? Should I use OSX? Should I run Redhat, Suse, Debian or maybe BSD?

With so many advocates willing to explain why Windows is better than OSX and Linux, or Linux is better than Windows and OSX, or OSX is better than Windows and Linux, or BSD is better than any of them, confusion is certain to step in unless you take steps to protect yourself from advocates and start taking a more rational approach to your use of computers.

Let's start at the beginning, then.

1. Why do you want a computer? What do you expect your computer to do for you?

The answers to these questions are the foundation on which you must base all your computer decisions. I know it is hard to answer them at first, but what exactly do you think using a computer will do for you? Do you want to write letters with your computer or write the great American novel? Do you want to keep track of your finances or perhaps run your business? Do you want to use it as your communication center? Are you interested in using it for research?

After you sit down and write out the various uses you want to get from your computer, the next question to ask yourself is:

2. What programs have I heard of or seen that I think I want to use on my computer?

Naturally, your answers will continue to evolve over time and what seemed appropriate at one stage of your life will change.

For example, when I finally moved from my Timex Sinclair to a "real" computer, I wanted to use a computer to keep track of my contacts, write and format documents, keep track of my finances and make use of my church's BBS. I went to a software store and looked at what was available for my needs and found PFS:Prospect, WordPerfect 6.0, Quicken 8.0 and my church sent me RIPterm. I soon decided that PFS:Prospect was not exactly what I needed, and after evaluating several programs that did not fit my needs finally decided that Sidetrack did what I needed.

Now we come to the end of our trek.

3. Should I use Windows XP, Mac OSX, Linux, BSD?

You should now have the answer that you need. On which platform do the programs you want to use work best?

Forget the advocates, the people who push Microsoft, Apple, Red Hat, Novell, etc. The only person that is important in the decision is you and what works best for you. Your computer is your own personal tool. It is very adaptable to your needs, but you are the one who has to see what those needs are and make your decisions based on those needs. No one else can tell you what is best for you.