Desktop Operating Systems Overview (2011)

The information and opinions expressed on this page are intended to provide a general overview of some of the most common desktop operating systems used in a small to mid size business environment. It is by no means a complete list, nor does it cover every aspect of each operating system.

Please note that when migrating or switching to a new operating system, all currently used applications should be tested thoroughly before the operating system is deployed into a production environment.

Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
(Recommended)

Pros: Microsoft’s most current 64-bit “Business Edition” operating system. Very stable OS and a major upgrade over Windows XP. Provides an XP mode Virtual Machine for legacy applications support. 64-bit version allows for greater that 4GB of memory.

Cons: Maybe somewhat less backward compatible when compared to 32-bit version. As with any new operating system, applications should be tested before rolling out.

Windows 7 Professional (32-bit)
(Recommended if 64-bit is not an option)

Pros: Microsoft’s most current 32-bit “Business Edition” operating system. Very stable OS and a major upgrade over Windows XP. Provides an XP mode Virtual Machine for legacy applications support.

Cons: 32-bit version limited to 4GB of memory. As with any new operating system, applications should be tested before rolling out.

Windows Vista Busines (32-bit or 64-bit)
(NOT Recommended)

Pros: None

Cons: This OS has had a low adoption rate in the business community and has been superceeded by Windows 7.

Windows XP Professional
(Recommended)

Pros: Maybe requied to run legacy applications.

Cons: Microsoft will soon be limiting support for this product. Consider testing and moving to Windows 7 Professional.

Windows 2000 Professional
(NOT Recommended)

Pros: None

Cons: Microsoft ended support for this product. Consider testing and moving to Windows 7 Professional or at least Windows XP.

Windows 98
(NOT Recommended)

Pros: May be required to run some very old legacy applications.

Cons: Microsoft ended support for this product. Consider testing and moving to Windows 7 Professional or at least Windows XP.

Apple OS X

Pros: Popular platform for graphics and multimedia. OS X has become a very popular consumer operating system in recent years.

Cons: Macintosh OS X does not run most Windows based applications, however current Apple systems can dual boot OS X and Windows in addition to running a Windows virtual machine via Paralells. Lower availablity of “off the shelf” and business specific applications available when compared to Windows.

Note: Apple machines running OS X are often used by graphic design studios, photographic studios, and other multimedia type businesses. Due to limited business application support, it is typically not recommended for a business environment.

Linux

Pros: Stable and efficient OS. Many professional, “business quality” free and low cost software packages available, including replacements for applications like Internet Explorer, MS Office, and Photoshop.

Cons: Not commonly used as a replacement for a Windows small to mid size business desktop. Linux is not compatible with most Windows based applications. It is difficult and often expensive to find qualified technicians and developers to support and develop on Linux.

Note: Linux has made great strides in recent years to become a viable desktop operating system. Unfortunately, it is not generally a viable alternative for organization that rely on 3rd party applications that were built for their business on a Windows or DOS platform.

Updated: 10/05/2010