Top Ten Best Operating Systems

ie. Linux - fedora, ubuntu etc..., Mac, Windows - XP, Vista etc...
The Top Ten
1 Windows 7

Windows 7 is the best OS from Microsoft I have ever experienced. It's easy to install, crash-free, and has fabulous graphics support for high-quality games and more. Windows Vista is the worst OS from Microsoft.

Very simple to install, and it has a better user interface as well as enhanced security features. The themes are also very good.

I tried Windows 10, and it had too many bugs for a system that has been out for over a year. I wasted untold hours trying to get sound back, only to have it revert to no sound again. Files couldn't be deleted, and so on. These are all bugs that developed after a few months of use. Microsoft apparently really wants you to use Windows 10, sacrificing your privacy and feeding you news with no way to opt-out of these intrusions.

Trying to go back to Windows 7 is difficult because the newest hardware is not compatible with it. You'll see more and more of this as they try to regain the control they ceded to individual users. I have to figure out how to load Windows 7 on a Samsung 950 Pro. Apparently, no one really knows or cares how this can be done. The future looks grim. You will be forced to use Windows 10 on upcoming Intel systems.

Windows 7 is still the best by a small margin. Windows 10 works and runs well but is still a bit buggy and slow in responding to user input. It is also very difficult to navigate through the hoops. With no Aero effects, limited color options, and no choice in accepting the updates that Microsoft chooses to send everyone (regardless of the type of PC they own), parts of this OS look like a step backward.

On the upside, the search function is remarkable, even though you sometimes have to sort through the results to find the right one. Once you have climbed the learning curve for using this OS, parts of it are actually pretty slick. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a pretty solid 8.

2 Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a mixture of Windows and Macintosh. It looks like a Mac, but its shortcut keys are similar to those of Windows. Great work, I love it.

For me, this is the only operating system where I can get any real work done. It's free, fast, reliable, stable, secure, and has everything I need as a developer. Everything that Windows offers is also available for Linux under a different name. All free, all legit. It's as easy and simple to use as Windows and also gives you access to more powerful features if you wish to use them. Unlike Windows, which either shields or outright prevents you from doing what you want, Linux doesn't impose these limitations. There are no constant updates, and it doesn't try to force you to do everything a certain way (their way). It also looks nice. Why more new computers don't ship with Linux Ubuntu installed is beyond me. 10/10.

As a Linux operating system, Ubuntu is completely free to download, install and use. Out of the myriad of Linux OS out there, Ubuntu is generally considered the most user friendly and stable, especially for new users (partly due to a simple instillation process). It uses less system resources than many leading operating systems so you can use it on an outdated or budget PC and often seems faster or more responsive than other OS. Other pros include better security, plenty of customization options, community support, and a regular OS update schedule. It's my primary Operating System on my home and work computers.

I've been using it for years. Even though it changed its interface like all other operating systems, (now Unity) I like it. I just have some difficulties because the company I work for uses some custom applications designed just for Windows. Except for that, it's better and more secure than Microsoft products. Less time to update (2 hours maximum vs. 1 day that Windows needs - except the old, legendary XP). Almost everything is free (like every Linux), but if you're an advanced user or take a learning course about it, you'll know how to modify it to suit your needs, and how easy it is to modify the interface and even use applications designed for Windows on it. Feel the freedom from an OS and remember that computers are made to run according to people's needs, not for people to run after applications designed based on the needs of the companies that made them.

Best regards,
Ardit Dashaj

3 Windows XP Home

Given that Vista was so universally panned, I stuck with my XP system, even after support ended. Of course, I was extra careful to ensure adequate malware and firewall protection.

When I was eventually forced to buy a new system, I managed to obtain an already-out-of-date Windows 7 Pro system. I was very careful to ensure that it didn't auto-update itself to the privacy-breaching Windows 10.

This didn't change the fact that, to someone who knows XP well and has extensively customized it to his satisfaction, Windows 7 is pretty disappointing. It lacks many of the best features of XP and imposes some of the worst elements of Vista. In fact, its only advantages are easier networking and that it's not as bad as Vista, 8, or 10.

I have tried nearly all the OSes available: all versions of Windows from 3.1 to the current Windows 10, various flavors of Linux (including Ubuntu and Mint), Mac OS, and Android. I particularly love Windows XP (the last version being WinXP3) because I can run nearly all of my older collections of Windows software that are no longer compatible with later versions of Windows. Windows 7 annoys me. For example, when I tried to copy a 20GB folder of music in MP3 format, it started an extended calculation run and then told me it would take 2 hours and 18 minutes to complete. The same folder copied on WinXP took a flat 18 minutes or less. I have been using Windows for no less than 40 years!

If you want a low-end spec computer for business and low-end gaming at a good price and an amazing stable performance experience, this operating system is definitely for you! Most companies and public places cannot afford so much RAM for each Windows 7/8 computer. Therefore, adding so many security features makes them extremely slow. But with Windows XP on the same specs with security, it will perform just fine! Windows 7/8 are mostly good for personal use.

Like most companies, Microsoft has pulled the plug on XP. As of April, they will no longer support XP, leaving millions in the dark. Has Gates lost his mind, or has he fallen and hit his head? I am downloading Mint to my two desktops and laptop computers. Did he really think I would buy another Microsoft product in response to the pullout? No, I will leave Microsoft on the shelf and watch the dust collect. Goodbye, Gates!

4 Windows 10

It is the most secure, reliable, and fastest operating system I have ever had. I have been using it since the upgrade was released, and not a single time has it crashed or lagged. I started with Windows 98 and have used every version of Microsoft OS for a considerable amount of time. This is the only operating system that I've never had to reinstall. You can trust it.

I was on Windows 7 before this, and while I can admit to not being fond of Windows 10 at the start, it grew on me. Windows 10 is the fastest OS I've ever used. It has its own integrated app store, so coupled with the new Windows Defender, viruses will be much less of a problem. Also, provided you have the supported hardware, it includes DirectX 12, which will speed up your game performance! So, yeah... Windows 10 is the best!

Windows 10 fixes most of the complaints that Windows 8.x users had. It is faster and more stable than any previous version of Windows, and I have used all of them back to Windows 1.0! Yes, I really used Windows 1.0 on a system that had two 5.25" drives. I also used Windows NT and Windows ME. I am currently using Windows 10 64-bit Professional.

It's great. It takes the basic format of Windows XP and Windows 7 and gives it a smooth and very slick aesthetic. It also has great processing power. It's really nice how Microsoft replaced the slow, choppiness of Internet Explorer with Edge, which is faster and better in every way. Cortana is also very handy to have.

5 Android

It's really hard to define which is better if people don't know where they really belong. iOS is a pure OS. Most people are just forced into an impure version of Android. Their lack of knowledge about Stock Android makes them desire to have an iPhone. I personally prefer and recommend Android, especially the pure version. But it's best to stick with whatever OS or Android UI you like. Wealth should not affect our preferences. If I had more money, I would just buy the most expensive Stock Android phone.

Other devices with Android include Android TV for televisions, Android Auto for cars, and Wear OS for wristwatches, each with a specialized user interface. Variants of Android can also be found on game consoles, digital cameras, PCs, and other electronics. Most Android applications are written in Java, and as of August 2020, the Google Play Store has over 3 million Android applications published.

Android has seen a number of updates to its base operating system since the initial release. Each version has had a code name, and these are confectionery-themed and in alphabetical order. The first one was Android 1.5 Cupcake in 2009, and the latest version of Android is Android 11, released in September 2020.

Google Play is the Android storefront where you can shop for apps, games, music, videos, and books for your Android device. It offers both free and paid apps. Any items you download from Google Play will also be available on other compatible Android devices you've connected to your Google account.

6 Windows XP Professional

First off, stop telling me how old Windows XP is and that I should upgrade to the latest OS. You should know that Windows XP is the best operating system Microsoft ever created, aside from the security issues it has always had. If you keep it clean and updated, it works. Then Microsoft started making really poor software. We all know about Vista. They tried a bit harder with Windows 7, but Windows 8 is pure junk. It's basically a poor imitation of Windows XP, with annoying tiles and missing many of XP's convenient configurations.

I would rather upgrade to Ubuntu, but it lacks in the software department. And let's not even talk about Apple, Inc. right now. People are going to continue to use XP, just like there are still people who use Windows 3.1, Windows 95, and 98. They need to return to the creation of software that has the stability and usability of XP and remove the tile-based interface found in Windows 8.

I run outdated software that I've become attached to. For example, Finishing Touch (Primax) TIFF editor from the 1990s offers me functions and results that are not achievable in Photoshop. Even if they were, Photoshop is more complicated. I edit a lot of images, and I merge and create collages. Therefore, I want to keep using Finishing Touch. This simple but effective software does not work on Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Furthermore, the ability to format text using Outlook Express, without needing to be connected to the web, is great. I didn't find this ability on Windows 7 and 8. There are even more advantages, but these are the main points for me. That's why I will keep running XP on a separate, isolated PC for the next 10 years. XP surpasses Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8, which were developed because Windows needed to renew itself. For the average PC owner, these later operating systems may be okay. However, if you work daily for hours with many different programs (most of ...more

I agree with just about all the comments. XP is by far the best OS Microsoft has developed. While it may have been based on an old foundation, like DOS, it worked and worked well. I upgraded to Windows 7 a couple of months ago due to Microsoft discontinuing all support and updates for XP. Since then, I've experienced freeze-ups, slower loading times, and the need for a constant guide to navigate the system. Features that were easy to find in XP are difficult to locate in Windows 7. Many programs and games I used daily on XP won't even load, let alone run.

Microsoft seems more interested in making people spend money unnecessarily than in meeting the needs of their users. Bring back the support and updates for XP and reactivate it!

Yes, XP (Pro or not) is the best for me. It can be hacked to death if you're not careful, but it suits me just fine. I'm an old fart who enjoys playing "back in the day" games and using software from my era. I believe the best approach is to have as up-to-date a machine as possible and run the main drive with Windows 10. I don't like it, and I agree with every negative comment said about it, but it is the future, for better or worse. I partition the drive and run the other part under XP. It's the best of both worlds. Does anyone agree?

7 Windows 8

Windows 8 is a super fast and very elegant operating system. It runs all of "my" XP software even better than XP ever did! (Although apparently there are legacy programs that it does not get along with.) You get all the new features of a touchscreen (or you can just click on it or swipe with your mouse) and iPad-like apps, along with virtually every familiar and useful ability you've known from Windows 3.0 through Windows XP. (Yes, there is a desktop!) As with every new interface, some people need to learn that it takes a little effort and time to access all the new features and find where all the old standards are tucked away.

I got used to the new user interface pretty easily, but I can see why many people wouldn't like it. If you don't like it, stick with Windows 7, which is also a very good operating system. Windows 8 does have many improvements over Windows 7 under the hood, if you can get past missing the Start Button. Better features include improved recovery options, storage pools, and video compression, along with a smaller footprint than Windows 7. If it still had a Start Button, or if people could choose which interface option they wanted in a setting, it would undoubtedly be number one on this list. I own a PC, tablet, and laptop all running Windows 8.1, upgraded from Windows 8. It's best on the tablet, but good on the PC and laptop as well.

Sacrificed some of windows 7's beauty, to be faster... yes it is faster than 7 and vista... the only cons,1- the metro thing, but all what you need to make it user friendly is to install Classic shell... I prefer it to windows 10 as well (I don't need Cortana or the other new services of windows 10), 2- unfortunately won't support many old games, which run easily smoothly in windows xp, without any trick.. Even if you get into compatibility mode, reducing resolution etc... they will never play... on the other hand it worked much better with me on emulating PlayStation and cube box...

It does everything Windows 7 can do and more. Compared to Windows 10, Windows 8 is simpler and more to the point. Essentially, it's Windows 7 with the extra option of apps if you wish to use them. You're not obligated to use the apps, and it has a focus on multiple screen output. Windows 8 is far less of a mishmash of options compared to Windows 10, which has an unnecessary tablet and desktop mode with limited customization.

Most importantly, Windows 8 is far more compatible with your hardware and software. Updates in Windows 8 can actually be customized, and you are in control of them. The Start Menu (Start Screen) is also more slick, with a finished feeling. It's so simple that even my grandmother could use it. Without a touchscreen, as with Windows 10, all you need is a scroll wheel or Classic Shell for a classic menu.

I find the new interface colorful and not an issue. It may be an acquired taste, but everyone has their own preferences. I install my favorite programs ...more

8 Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 is an underrated OS. It is what Windows 8 should have been. The biggest complaint from people who dislike this OS is the Metro Start Menu. Microsoft made a big mistake by ditching their classic start menu for the Metro Start Menu. By then, the high ground was lost in the public's mind to such an extent that the majority never gave it a fair trial. Most people don't even realize that you can install third-party programs like Classic Start and never see the Metro Menu again.

Windows 8.1 is more stable and bug-free than Windows 10, and it handles memory and disk management much better than Windows 10, from my experience. These factors make me continue to run Windows 8.1 today, and I'm not planning on upgrading until Microsoft stops supporting it.

It's the best ever. I still can't figure out what all the bad press is about. I right-click the little window in the lower left corner, and I have the menu that is so missed. I love the tile page. I have everything I need right there, set up the way I like. Now, here comes the best part of all: I get a tablet or laptop with Windows 8.1 on it, and I sign into my account, and there's all my setup just waiting for me. It's great. I was never a Windows fan, but Windows 8.1 got me hooked, and Windows 10 looks like it will be a winner as well. Thanks, MS!

So easy to navigate! Everything you want is accessible right at your fingertips!

Can't find it? Search it by typing right on the screen!

Need fun? Check out the 500+ windows games that comes with it!

Need tools? The included windows apps is right on your start screen!

Too slow? Simply navigate your way around your PC world by a swipe and a click with your mouse!

It may seem different at first, but isn't that with all the new tech stuff?

You control it, you own it, it's the all new latest windows!

I've tried many operating systems, but really, none of them are as fast or as error-prone as Arch. Some are upgrading to Windows 10, but it's still not mature enough to be an OS for daily use. Issues like 100% disk usage at startup and black screens during boot are common examples that illustrate how premature Windows 10 is. Windows 7 was good - really good - with some eye candy, but Windows 8.1 is like the king. It boots up in 5-7 seconds even on an HDD and is compatible with all programs and drivers. As for security, it rocks!

9 Windows 2000

This was the OS my first computer used back in the late 2000s. It was used at the time. It was more stable than its predecessors and had the perfect amount of "old-school cool" from a modern standpoint. It was nifty as heck at the time, and there are still some features I miss as of this writing in 2020. I love how simple everything looks, as opposed to the flashy, "mobile-optimized" operating systems of today. I also like XP and 7, but I have to give 2000 the gold.

A lot of home users had it, even though it was meant for business use.

Why? It was very good for its time, while its home equivalent, Windows ME, was as far from stable as you could get.

Even though Windows 2000 came first, support for it lasted until Windows 7 became popular. Windows ME support was discontinued by the time Vista came out.

Only because there was no support for this OS, and I couldn't do the things that needed to be done, did I have to upgrade to XP. It was the best OS from Microsoft I've ever used. If they had updated it and added new features, I'd still be using it today. I've never liked any other OS from Microsoft, except maybe XP after SP2.

Honestly, the best Windows OS is this one. Yes, it's better than 7, XP, and 98. It was stable, had an awesome UI (though it kind of replicated from 98), and offered lots of support and good drivers. NT executed this OS perfectly and helped a lot with the Y2K scare.

10 Macintosh OSX

If people conducted an honest review of which operating system is the most stable, easiest to use, and most visually appealing, you just can't do better than the Mac. I use both XP and Mac at work, and there is no comparison. The only reason we use Windows at work is that there are thousands more programs available for it than for Mac. This makes it the only option for covering our specific business needs. Most people I know buy a lesser OS for similar reasons - gamers, for example, have to use Windows to access a full range of games. But being forced to use an OS doesn't make it better. If only more people would try out OS X, they'd never look back.

Um, with respect, the person who wrote the paragraph starting with "Yea, the whole reason why Macs never get viruses..." knows nothing at all about Macs. I've been using them for over 25 years, alongside Windows and Linux, and I do know about them. Contrary to popular belief, these days you can do whatever you want on a Mac, and you can do it in a far simpler, more logical way than you can on Windows. And you can do it faster.

This person is living in the past and has obviously not used a Mac recently. You can play games on Macs brilliantly. Perhaps I am imagining that? As for users having to "run to the Apple Store because they don't know squat on how to resolve the issue," that's totally inaccurate. I fix all my Macs if they go wrong, which is rare. I even have a 16-year-old Bondi iMac that runs OS X and has never given me a day's trouble. It's a bit slow now, of course, but my point is I've never had a Windows machine last more than 4-5 years before it died.

I teach ...more

Mac OS X deserves to be number 1 or 2, not number 7! This OS has been a trailblazer for many years and will continue to do so. It has great design aesthetics compared to its rivals, Windows and Linux. People who dislike Mac are too caught up in the argument that "Mac is so expensive." While that may be true, you get great quality for the cost. Mac captures something that Windows and Linux still haven't mastered: simplicity, with the opportunity for complexity when needed. Yes, if you're a gamer, Mac may not be for you. But if you're a student, a businessman, a programmer, a designer, a musician, or an internet surfer, Mac OS X is right for you. The only advantage Windows has is its widespread use, making it familiar to many. But Mac is simple to use regardless.

I've used several operating systems, and I would definitely call Yosemite the best OS that has ever existed. It has seen many improvements since the days of Tiger and Windows XP. At that time, I considered XP to be better than Tiger. Then Windows released Vista, followed by the most fantastic Windows OS: Windows 7. In its Pro and Ultimate versions, Windows 7 is the best that Microsoft has ever released. Even though Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 are faster and include features like multiple desktops and Cortana, they can't compare to the beautiful stability, charming interface, and excellent response that Windows 7 offers.

On the other hand, El Capitan has proven to be the best OS in my opinion. It's stable, crash-free, and offers new features. It's incredibly easy to handle and is the fastest OS, even more so than Yosemite. Its Spotlight search is almost instant, and it has top security features. It's also free. Over the last few years, OSX has improved more than Windows. Today, it's ...more

The Contenders
11 Linux Mint

I have most of the top 20 operating systems that I run on VMs to play with, but Mint is still my choice for everyday work. You can load different desktop environments on most Linux operating systems and tweak it to fit your needs.

My cloud servers run on Ubuntu. It helps a lot that Mint is largely based on Ubuntu. With such a huge support base for all major Linux distributions, I will probably never go back to anything other than Linux. I didn't switch to Linux because it was free. I switched because of its stability and speed. The system is rock solid. And don't tell me, Yeah, but what about software? I can do everything I need from Linux, and it is better. You just need to apply your mind and be open to investigating better options for completing tasks.

What you can do, since most Linux operating systems are free, is make a small donation every now and then. Alternatively, you can get involved by doing a bit of coding and publishing it back, or by open-sourcing some of ...more

Linux Mint 16 installed more easily and quickly than any version of Windows I've used. I prefer the Cinnamon desktop interface over Ubuntu, and it performs better on my old laptop than Windows XP did. Best of all, because it's Linux and not Windows, you don't have to deal with things like registries, constant security updates, and maintenance. All the software I need is available for free. Linux Mint breathed new life into my struggling and insecure laptop.

The tech industry doesn't want the general public to know about alternatives like Linux Mint. Old PCs running XP can be revived with Linux. However, the industry would rather have consumers discard their old PCs and buy a new Windows machine or a Mac. For those who can't easily afford this or only need basic functionality, that might be a waste of money. In such cases, I recommend Linux Mint 16. It's more secure and better suited for running older hardware.

I've installed the long-term version of Linux Mint 17 Qiana alongside Windows 7, which I use for legacy programs. The interface is easy to use and fairly intuitive. The system offers a lot of additional functionality, control, and flexibility. It performs faster than Windows 7 on many tasks and is very stable. There is excellent support and updates available from multiple repositories.

I love the ability to update most packages and other software without having to reboot the computer repeatedly. I spend 95% of my time on Linux and only switch to Windows for legacy programs like TurboTax, Quicken, and a few others not yet ported to Linux. The operating system is excellent, and both installation and configuration are straightforward.

I'm using Linux Mint 16, which is very stable and fast. You can download it for free or pay approximately $8.20 for a DVD. It can be installed alone, alongside Windows, or in demo mode. The operating system has thousands of printers listed and comes with a fully functioning system. The package manager makes the installation and removal of programs - technically packages - effortless. The system is highly customizable and has extensive internet support.

It also includes chat features, a DVD/CD burner, and it's very easy to update programs quickly. The vast majority of installations require no reboot. System shutdown takes only a couple of seconds. Linux Mint has a terminal (akin to the Windows command line) and supports most Ubuntu terminal commands. There are many repositories available for downloading additional packages. I've been around since the days of CPM and DOS 1, so I'm no stranger to Windows. Except for a few legacy programs, I now use Linux Mint almost exclusively. ...more

12 Mac OS X Leopard

Mac OS X Leopard is a major leap for Apple. It's very good! The only problem I have with it is that Apple doesn't support it anymore, so I updated to Mac OS X Snow Leopard. It's almost just like Mac OS X Leopard, and best of all, it's not obsolete!

Very easy to use, and it even supports Adobe Flash, which is very nice. This is the best one yet!

Awesome, very simple, and reliable - better than Windows. I like it very much.

It's a pity no one uses it anymore. It was very good. Apple has discontinued Leopard. So sad. Sierra is bad.

13 Arch Linux

Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64-optimized Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses 'pacman,' its homegrown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking. Operating on a rolling release system, Arch can be installed from a CD image or via an FTP server. The default install provides a solid base that enables users to create a custom installation. In addition, the Arch Build System (ABS) provides a way to easily build new packages, modify the configuration of stock packages, and share these packages with other users via the Arch Linux user repository.

Other operating systems' customizability pales in comparison to Arch Linux's customizability. You only have to install what you need, making it one of the most versatile modern operating systems you can run. Pacman provides a fantastic experience for installing applications without the need to scour the internet for downloads. The likelihood of getting a virus on Linux is practically nonexistent, and Arch Linux can run lightning-fast. The OS is also updated frequently via a rolling release, and the process of updating one's system is quite unobtrusive.

Arch Linux ARM carries forward the Arch Linux philosophy of simplicity and user-centricity. It targets and accommodates competent Linux users by giving them complete control and responsibility over the system. Instructions are provided to assist in navigating the nuances of installation on the various ARM platforms. However, the system itself offers little assistance to the user.

A nice and stable Linux OS, Arch is like a Lego game. You can build around your kernel what you want, without the need for major hacks. Indeed, it's not desirable for beginners, but it's also not as unstable and complicated as Gentoo. I've tried Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Gentoo, Suse, and Arch - Arch was the winner for me. I hesitated between Arch and Gentoo for a time but ultimately found Arch's repositories more consistent and up-to-date.

14 Windows 95

What happened to the original Windows? The Start Menu was the best invention ever by Microsoft, and they took it away in Windows 8. I mean, I'm a computer tech, and I'll be doing something in Windows 8 and hit some random key that brings up that dumb tile interface. I despise Windows 8, almost as much as I hate Vista and Windows Millennium Edition.

The first-ever operating system in the Windows series to introduce a simple but very useful component called the Start Menu was ridden of and put into damnation by Windows 8.

The UI was very revolutionary, and I still consider it one of the best, if not THE best, Windows UI. Every Windows OS after this one has a UI inspired by it. However, the rest wasn't really great. Installing drivers and plug-and-play was not made easy at all and wasn't very stable.

I really don't know what's wrong with you people. Windows 7 and 8 as the best OSes ever? Windows 95 and XP were the best, and 95 beats XP.

15 FreeBSD

FreeBSD is one of the best OSes out there, able to rival the likes of Ubuntu and Windows 7.

It takes a bit of effort to set it up since it has no UI at first and needs drivers set up for it, but let me tell you, it's well worth installing.

Though it doesn't have much compatibility with apps, that's mostly because it's fairly esoteric in comparison to more mainstream OSes like Windows. Just install Wine, and those apps will work fine.

FreeBSD is an operating system used to power modern servers, desktops, and embedded platforms. A large community has continually developed it for more than thirty years. Its advanced networking, security, and storage features have made FreeBSD the platform of choice for many of the busiest websites and most pervasive embedded networking and storage devices.

One of the absolute best operating systems. It just works, no matter the load. In the running now is also an illumos-based OS called OmniOS.

The most stable Unix variant compared to RedHat and Solaris (which are quite good too).

16 Windows 98

Best OS ever, even if it is manually done. It may not be a user-friendly OS like Windows 8 and Windows 7, but for me, it is the most perfect OS ever created. You can do anything in Windows 98 manually if you have the knowledge to do it. It may not have the best graphics like modern OSes and other stuff, but it's still a wonderful OS if you know how to use it. And I don't usually like the "loading stuff" every time I do something (Vista, 7, 8).

Windows 98 is generally considered the best OS in the world from Microsoft because you can do anything you want with it. It's totally open, understandable, and the fact is that all other Windows OS versions have this core inside them, with more or less new features. Also, it's hard to track over the internet, and you can also install it with a few tweaks on any modern computer.

It was a great OS for the longest time and is still my default MS OS to run on older machines. The downside is, just like its previous generations, all it is, is a fancy GUI for DOS (7.10, IIRC). The nice thing about the DOS-based OSes is that you have full direct access to all of your hardware with a basic command prompt or basic code. Anyone remember "restart in DOS mode?"

A basic OS that gets stuff done without a lot of eye candy. I prefer that in an OS. If it were interlaced with NT-type security, it would most likely be the best OS you could use. Microsoft forgot how to build a good, functional OS that just works without a bunch of goofy features and complicated menus.

17 Chromium OS

Chromium OS is a free and open-source operating system designed for running web applications and browsing the World Wide Web. It is the development version of Chrome OS, a Linux distribution made by Google.

Chromium OS is an open-source project that aims to build an operating system that provides a fast, simple, and more secure computing experience for people.

Can't run it on my 64-bit system, but it looks good, fast, secure, and crash-free. Also, Chromium is better than Chrome.

You can only access the internet, but that's good for browser gamers!

18 Mac OS X Lion

Unlike Windows, it just works, is reliable, and easy to use. Contrary to common belief, it can run most popular games, such as most of the Call of Duty series. It can do this better than Windows solely because it's Apple!

Most stable, powerful, and intuitive interface in the world. It's the smartest computer, easiest to use, and simply the best around. Nothing beats good ol' Apple!

Great version of OS X! It's excellent in many ways, although they shouldn't have gotten rid of Rosetta (the ability to run PowerPC apps on Intel).

It's the best OS I've ever used. I've tried Ubuntu, Red Hat, and all versions from Microsoft.

19 Slackware Linux

I have been using many varieties of operating systems in my work and lifetime, from the early CP/M days through IBM DOS, MDDOS, OS2Wrap, Mac OS, Windows, FreeBSD, and Linux. Each has an application that matches the needs of different user types.

Slackware has been around longer than most operating systems out there, and it doesn't come with a fancy GUI, etc. Instead, it forces you to think and learn how to build a tight, faster-than-most OS and customize it according to your preferences. Slackware is not suitable for newcomers to Linux who have migrated from Windows (which is where it gets its reputation of being hard to deal with). However, if you're seeking to understand the nitty-gritty of Linux, get a book or ebook on Linux administration and a copy of Slackware. By the end of the book, you will understand Linux and easily pass the Linux Admin Test, as well as be able to manage a system inside out, from the custom build of the OS to the graphical interface ...more

I have no idea how Slackware earned its reputation for being difficult. If you know anything at all about Linux or any Unix, Slackware isn't difficult at all. It's amazing how many people are scared off by booting to the command line initially.

Linux for non-dummies. Climbing the learning curve to get it running forces you to know Linux from the inside out and to know Linux 100 times better than most people.

Best OS (Linux) and best Linux distribution ever. I started with it (so it's not true that it's not for beginners), and even after trying other distributions, I always returned back to Slackware. It seems to be the only distro that's easy to administrate and use.

20 Fedora

I've used many, if not most, of the operating systems on here, going back to Amiga OS and DOS. I have lots of good feelings and nostalgia for many of them. Fedora 30 KDE, however, feels like an OS revolution in every way: fast, bleeding-edge, beautiful, easy to use, great for productivity and gaming, easy to download software, open source, and it never crashes unless you've done something to mess things up. It's highly optimizable. It's an operating system that I actually find fun to use - like I want to be "productive" using it. Why do I want to use it? Because everything is exactly where I want it to be, when I want it to be, how I want it to be. It gets out of the way and lets me work.

Fedora! Very sweet, compact, and stable! Stunningly fast on even the most modest PC! Secure! Excellent package management, much software. The list goes on and on! I do, however, give the EXACT same praise for CentOS. The two are very much alike. And yes, Cinnamon Mint and XP are very sweet! Microsoft has done well with Windows 7, but it's lacking now. Again, laugh out loud!

Fedora is definitively the best operating system out there. All software is out of the box, and with Boxes, you can install multiple operating systems into Fedora. There is no reason not to use Fedora over anything else.

Fedora is the most open and free (as in freedom) operating system listed here. What is the use of a fancy, polished UI? What is the use of the ability to play games? What is the use of the ability to play various media types, so that we can watch porn? Computers are not toys. Only kids use Windows or OS X. Grown-up people use Fedora!

21 Microsoft Windows 3.1

Aside from MS-DOS 6.22, this is the first operating system I've learned and loved. It is a great leap from DOS, or even Windows 1, because of its multitasking capability. It is not limited to 640 KB of memory and takes advantage of the Intel 386 microprocessor. You can't appreciate this unless you've lived back in time.

This is where it started. True, you had to upgrade Windows and DOS separately, but you had fewer crashes and it was easier to repair. Win 95 and 98 weren't bad. Then we got XP through 8.1, with each version getting more and more bloated, requiring huge amounts of RAM just for the OS.

The last Windows version that didn't claim to be more than what it really was: a fancy toy. It had a lack of applications, crashes, loads of viruses, bugs, and no real support. We had to wait years for device drivers. Win 3.1 was the most perfect reason to create Linux!

I love this OS because I started my career with it. At that time, only a few people had computers. There was no internet and no search engines. You had to learn from your mistakes, so I love it too.

22 Google Chrome OS

My Chromebook boots in 7 seconds, so the difference between starting from off and from sleep is imperceptible. It's an ASUS C100PA-DB02, and it weighs less than 2 pounds. It has a great touchscreen, folds into a tablet, accepts freehand text input, and rotates the display as I rotate the screen. The screen is beautiful, and the keyboard only has keys for operations that I'll actually need to use. I can easily go for 2 days without having to charge it. I don't have to worry about virus protection or installing OS and application updates. Switching between apps is as simple as clicking on a different browser tab. Any printer visible on the network can be used as a cloud printer. I get 100 GB of free Google Drive storage for 2 years. My SSD is silent and cool and is far superior to a magnetic disk drive. Very high-quality apps are available, and they're usually free of charge. Best of all, it's so pleasant not having to constantly fight and fix Windows.

Awful OS. It basically cannot run any applications other than Chrome ones. The settings are reduced by a large amount, and the UI is ugly.

Boots in 7 seconds. Incredibly stable. Offers the lowest cost for speed and power. No need for antivirus software. Never lose stuff - it's in the cloud. Software updates don't require the user to download or install anything. Device performance doesn't degrade over time. Google Cloud Print eliminates the need to download or install printer drivers and works from any device. Great support for Google Remote Desktop and Chromecast. No Windows registry.

I have a school Chromebook, and it's painfully slow. Not to mention, it randomly connects and disconnects to Wi-Fi at the most inconvenient times, turning it into a $250 paperweight. Also, I hate how you can't do anything that doesn't involve the internet on it. I'd much rather use Windows ME than use my crappy school Chromebook.

23 Windows Vista

Amazing operating system. Most people who disliked Vista were using it on underpowered computers. If you use it on adequate hardware that can fully utilize Vista's features, it's an amazing experience.

Vista was also very important in paving the way for newer versions of Windows, with many elements of that path still visible today. Windows 7, which is highly rated, would be very different without Vista.

With Service Pack 2, Vista became a great replacement for XP and an excellent OS in general. Unfortunately, it received heavy criticism from tech critics and users alike when it first launched, and for good reason. It ran slowly on most hardware, was buggy, and was packed with excessive features. However, issues were patched and features were streamlined, making it a great OS in the end.

All in all, Windows Vista is an amazing operating system that was sabotaged by a mediocre launch. I would definitely give it the number one spot, not for being the best, but for ...more

Vista 64 was my first and only positive experience with a Microsoft OS. I purchased the 64-bit home premium retail box version the week it released in January 2007. The OS installed in 15 minutes and had perfectly working 64-bit drivers for every piece of hardware in my system, without the need for updates or additional driver/install software. I updated to proper drivers shortly after.

I didn't experience the problems that most people complained about. I suspect that not enough consumers understood the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processing and hardware, along with its ramifications. My Vista system has been in daily use for the past eight years without a single software crash.

I don't understand why Vista is generally viewed so poorly. I question the reliability of surveys that include two different versions of Windows XP, which I consider to be bloated, unstable, patch-happy, and slow. I haven't seen a BSOD in a decade. Can any XP user claim the same?

Such an underrated OS. It has a better UI than Windows 7 and runs most older games better than 7 as well. Most of the problems with Vista were caused by people expecting it to run on their old XP computers.

Those who had trouble with Vista were trying to use it on inadequate hardware. I have been using Vista since its inception. It is stable and fast. Unfortunately, many software vendors are neglecting Vista when making upgrades. I have used every version of Windows beginning with Windows 2.0. I have Windows 7 on my notebook but prefer Vista. Windows 8 (all versions) sucks. How can they call it Windows when the applications all run full screen?

24 Mac OS X Mountain Lion

I've tried all of the top ten options right now, and Mountain Lion is the best. It has a Boot Camp feature, and you can install any operating system that you want. However, you must create a second Mac partition, which you can do using Disk Utility if you want both Mac and the other OS.

It's more stable and more reliable than XP, and it's also fun. So far, it's the best system I've tried. I liked Snow Leopard, but this is a definite upgrade. Using Mountain Lion with Parallels for Windows applications is smooth as silk.

Although I like OS X Mavericks better, Mountain Lion was a great leap from Lion, which was definitely necessary. Otherwise, OS X Mavericks wouldn't be here.

Mountain Lion was a great update for OS X. It added features like Messages and more. So, it was one of the best Apple systems until Yosemite's release.

25 GM-NAA I/O

The GM-NAA I/O input/output system of General Motors and North American Aviation was the first operating system for the IBM 704 computer. It was created in 1956 by Robert L. Patrick of General Motors Research and Owen Mock of North American Aviation. The system was based on a monitor created in 1955 by programmers from General Motors for its IBM 701.

The main function of GM-NAA I/O was to automatically execute a new program once the one that was being executed had finished (batch processing). It consisted of shared routines for programs that provided common access to input/output devices. Some version of the system was used in about forty 704 installations.

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