How do Windows, Macs, and Linux computers compare?

Windows, Macintosh, and Linux are the three most popular operating systems. All three provide a way for computers to store, launch, and organize programs and files.

Windows it the most popular of the three operating systems. Estimates vary, but approximately 85% to 90% of personal computers use Windows. Because of its popularity, software and hardware add-ons for Windows computers are widely available.

In contrast to the large market share enjoyed by Windows, Macintosh is used by fewer people. Although the software and hardware add-ons for Macintosh computers are limited in comparison to Windows add-ons, popular Windows applications like Microsoft Office have Macintosh equivalents. Macintosh also regulates the design of software and hardware add-ons more rigidly than Microsoft, so the software and hardware added to a Mac is less likely to fail. For more on Windows v. Macs, see this collection of resources from the About Guide to Macs.

Linux is the third of the popular operating systems available. Linux is based on Unix, an operating system used for more than three decades that now powers about 90% of Web sites. In sharp contrast to both Windows and Macintosh, Linux is an open source project. As such, anyone can modify the Linux code, and Linux is free to use and distribute. Although Linux offers greater security and flexibility than other operating systems, it requires some technical knowledge to install and use. In his Linux Newcomers Guide, the About Guide to Linux walks you through deciding if Linux is for you, choosing a distribution of Linux, installing Linux, configuring it, and getting additional software.