Desktop Operating Systems Overview (2009)
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
Vista Busines (32-bit)
(NOT Recommended)
Pros:
Microsoft’s most current 32-bit “Business Edition”
operating system. It is shipped pre-configured on many new
“business level” computers.
Cons:
This OS has had a low adoption rate in the business community.
If this OS is used, extensive testing of the existing applications
should be performed prior to moving the OS in to a production
environment. Does not run many legacy applications well,
such as applications designed for DOS, Windows 3.1, and
Windows 95.
Windows
Vista Busines (64-bit)
(NOT Recommended)
Pros:
Microsoft’s most current 64-bit “Business Edition”
operating system.
Cons:
The 64-bit version of this operating system raises additional
compatibilaty concernes when moving from a 32-bit OS like
WIndows XP or Windows 2000.
This
OS has had a very low adoption rate in the business community.
If this OS is used, extensive testing of the existing applications
should be performed prior to moving the OS in to a production
environment. Does not run many legacy applications well,
such as applications designed for DOS, Windows 3.1, and
Windows 95.
Windows
XP Professional
(Recommended)
Pros:
Stable “Business Edition” operating system.
It is available by request to be shipped pre-configured
on most new “business level” computers.
Cons:
Should only be installed on computers running at 800 MHz
or higher. Only limited support on older hardware. Does
not run some legacy applications well, such as applications
designed for DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95.
Windows
XP Home Edition
(NOT
Recommended)
Pros:
Microsoft’s most current “Home Edition”
operating system. It is shipped pre-configured on most new
“consumer level” computers.
Cons:
Provides only limited network support. Should only be installed
on computers running at 800 MHz or higher. Does not run
some legacy applications well, such as applications designed
for DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95. Due to the limited
network functionality, Windows XP Home Edition should not
be used in a networked business environment.
Windows
2000 Professional
(NOT
Recommended)
Pros:
Precursor to Windows XP Professional. A stable "business
level" OS.
Cons:
Microsoft has limited support for this product. Consider
testing and moving to Windows XP Professional.
Windows
98
(NOT
Recommended)
Pros:
Microsoft’s most stable legacy operating system. Will
run most legacy applications (applications designed for
DOS, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95) well.
Cons:
Microsoft has limited support for this product. Consider
testing and moving to Windows XP Professional.
Linux
Pros:
Very stable and efficient OS which continues to grow in
popularity. 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
many 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.
Macintosh
OS X
Pros:
Popular platform for graphics and multimedia.
Cons:
Macintosh OS X does not run most Windows based applications,
however new 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.
It has been historically difficult to find qualified technicians
and developers to support Macintosh, however in recent years
this seems to be improving.
Note:
Macintosh should be considered by graphic design studios,
photographic studios, and other multimedia type businesses.
In the past, DOS and Windows based operating systems were
not able to compete with Macintosh in the multimedia arena.
In recent years, Windows has become a viable and popular
alternative to Macintosh for multimedia applications.
Updated:
4/14/2009
|
