Operating Systems

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Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit OEM - DVD
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Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit OEM - DVD
from $73.00
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Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32/64-bit Retail (USB)
from $129.00
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Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 32/64bit Retail (USB)
from $139.00
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Microsoft Windows 7 Professional OEM 64-Bit
from $139.40
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Operating Systems Guide

If the central processing unit (CPU) is a computer’s brain, then the operating system is how smart that brain is. It’s the common language that you and your computer share so that it can perform whatever task you ask of it. Without an OS, your computer, however gorgeous its specs are, is practically useless.

Currently, there are three major players in the OS arena, namely Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s Mac OS X, and Linux. There are also less familiar names who have joined the fray, but this guide will focus more on the three’s pros and cons as well as the type of person that will most benefit from each of them.

Windows

With its current frontliners, Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft’s OS is the most proliferate system in the world simply because it’s easy to use and supports many kinds of softwares and PC hardware. This means that if you’re knowledgeable enough, you can build your own CPU specs to cater to your own needs and still be able to run Windows’ without compatibility issues. And since more people are into it, you’ll find technical support for OS-related problems everywhere. Windows is also the choice of gamers as it can run many titles.

However, getting the biggest chunk of the market has its downsides; Windows is quite prone to viruses --- or more accurately, more viruses are created for it. You can always download an anti-virus software for free but that can only give you so much protection, which means you may have to purchase its full version. It’s this freedom to choose among a competitive market of third party softwares that gives this operating system both its strengths and weaknesses. In fact, if capitalism was an OS, it will be Windows.

Mac OS X

Released in 1999, the Mac OS version 10-point-onwards, or simply known as the Mac OS X line, is relatively the most expensive operating system in the market. If you have an Apple computer, you’re definitely stuck with it --- not that it’s a bad thing, of course. In fact, Mac users have been known to be quite satisfied with its performance. Since its software and the computer’s hardware are designed to work with – and only with --- each other, Mac users experience less crashes and malfunctions. It is also more efficient in using the computer’s resources. Some will even argue that the Mac OS X’ aesthetically superior interface is reason enough to buy a more expensive Apple computer instead of the cheaper regular PC.

Being a UNIX-based system, this OS is not that prone to viruses. However, it also won’t be able to read executable (.exe) files making it incompatible with many third party softwares like games. Still, its system stability and performance are the key reasons why Mac is the popular choice for multimedia production.

Linux

If you’re not a fan of capitalism, monopoly and piracy, but are confident in your programming skills, then you’ll probably love Linux. It’s the newest player on the field but is quickly gaining popularity because of its do-it-yourself nature and absolutely-free policy. Being an “open source” program, Linux will give you free reign over your PC to configure it according to your needs, therefore making it harder to manage than Windows and Mac OS X. It works much like bit torrent file sharing; developers create useful programs called distributions or “distros” and share them to the Linux community at no cost. Again, choose this OS only if you’re very tech savvy, because its performance depends heavily on its user.

UNIX and other operating systems

UNIX and Windows have been at each other’s throat for decades. However, with Microsoft’s aggressive marketing strategy, UNIX was forced to take the back seat and hold on to its core but very loyal following. This does not mean that UNIX is inferior to Windows in terms of stability and security, though. In fact many computer wizards will tell you otherwise.

What makes UNIX even more enticing is the fact it gives you freedom from both programming limitations and unnecessary expenses. These advantages prompted many developers to come up with proprietary and non-proprietary variants of this operating system, the most notable of which are Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) OS, Linux and as mentioned earlier, even Mac OS X.

2. Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32/64-bit - License and Media - 1 License - Flash Drive - English - PC (KW9-00016) - Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32/64-bit - L
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  ~~$165.00~~ -16%
2. Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Standard - Base License and Media - 16 Core - DVD-ROM - English - PC (P73-07113) - Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Standar
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2. Microsoft Corporation Microsoft P73-07113 Windows Server Standard 2016 x64 DSP ENG 16-Core Brown Box
  Description Microsoft P73-07113 Windows Server Standard 2016 x64 DSP ENG 16-Core Brown Box
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2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64-bit OEM - DVD
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $100
  
  from 13 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit OEM - DVD
  
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3. from $73
  
  from 11 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32/64-bit Retail (USB)
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $129
  
  ~~$149.00~~ -13%
  from 13 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 32/64bit Retail (USB)
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $139
  
  ~~$249.00~~ -44%
  from 8 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional OEM 64-Bit
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $139.40
  
  from 4 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $104.99
  
  from 6 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM CD-KEY GLOBAL
  32 Bit and 64 Bit Both Available, For 1 PC Permanent,Authorized,Global Key Notes: CAN'T upgrade from Home system to Pro system, You should download... More
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  ~~$68.19~~ -69%
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Standard - OEM
  
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3. from $869.95
  
  ~~$1,059.95~~ -18%
  from 11 stores
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2012 5 User CAL
  
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3. from $227.70
  
  from 3 stores
2. Parallels Desktop 11 For Mac Download (PDFM11L-BX1-NA)
  Run Windows on your Mac with Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac. With support for Windows 10 as well as being ready for Mac OS X El Capitan, Parallels... Parallels Desktop 11 For Mac Download (PDFM11L-BX1-NA)
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4. $79.95
  
  ~~$89.95~~ -11%
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 16 Core 64 bit OEM (P71-08651)
  Build Your Future with Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Edition is the cloud-ready, high density operating... Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 16 Core 64 bit OEM (P71-08651)
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4. $5,695.95
  
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2. Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit New Re install Operating System Boot Disc - Repair Restore Recover DVD
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4. $15.95
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Standard 64-Bit OEM
  
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3. from $684.69
  
  from 7 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate, 64BIT EN
  Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate, 64BIT EN,SOF-MS-WIN7-ULT64,SOF,MS,WIN7,ULT64,SOFMSWIN7ULT64,SOF MS WIN7 ULT64
  
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2. Windows 10 Professional 64 Bit Re-Install,Repair Recovery DVD
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2. Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade
  
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3. from $299.95
  
  ~~$329.95~~ -9%
  from 2 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home Retail CD-KEY GLOBAL
  Permanent,Authorized,Global Key; Support Both 32 Bits And 64 Bits; One Key For 3~5 Different Computers More
3. Store:
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  ~~$146.66~~ -75%
2. Windows 7 Home Premium & SP1 32/64 Bits Product Key & Download Link,License Key Lifetime Activation
  Windows 7 Home Premium & SP1 32/64 Bits Product Key & Download Link,License Key Lifetime Activation Windows ESD-Version, consisting of a Key (no... Windows 7 Home Premium & SP1 32/64 Bits Product Key & Download Link,License Key Lifetime Activation
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2. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional With Service Pack 1 32-bit - License - 1 PC (FQC-08280)
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2. Microsoft Windows XP Home
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $48.62
  
  from 1 store
2. Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
  
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3. from $129.95
  
  ~~$159.95~~ -19%
  from 1 store
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32/64-bit
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $128.13
  
  from 2 stores
2. Parallels Desktop 12 For Mac Bilingual (PDFM12L-BX1-NA)
  Run Windows on your Mac with Parallels Desktop 12 for Mac. With support for Windows 10 as well as being optimized and ready for mac OS Sierra,... Parallels Desktop 12 For Mac Bilingual (PDFM12L-BX1-NA)
3. Store: Canada's #1 Trusted Online Shop since 2011!
4. $89.95
  
  ~~$99.95~~ -10%
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Datacenter 2 Core Open Business (9EA-00128)
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4. $947.95
  
  ~~$1,028.00~~ -8%
2. Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R.2 Standard 64-bit - Complete Product - 10 CAL - Standard - Box Retail - DVD-ROM - English - PC (P73-05967) - 0 / 1
  DescriptionSoftware Sub Type: ServerSoftware Name: Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard 64-bitLanguage Supported: EnglishPlatform Supported: PCLicense... More
3. Store:
4. $1,692.13
  
  ~~$1,859.00~~ -9%
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 32-bit License (oemw10pr32b1pk)
  Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 32-bit License (oemw10pr32b1pk)
3. Store: Canada’s Technology Source Since 2003
4. $57.99
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Essentials 1 License
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $493.30
  
  from 7 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Retail CD-KEY GLOBAL
  Permanent,Authorized,Global Key; Support Both 32 Bits And 64 Bits; One Key For 3~5 Different Computers More
3. Store:
4. $39.59
  
  ~~$146.66~~ -73%
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2012 1 User CAL
  
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3. from $49.95
  
  from 3 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro 32/64Bit DVD Retail
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $69.99
  
  from 3 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 8.1 64Bit DVD OEM
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $139.75
  
  from 2 stores
2. Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM CD-KEY GLOBAL
  Permanent,Authorized,Global Key, For 1 PC Enjoy the return of the start menu and the Aero Glass surface, which many users have been missing in Win8... More
3. Store:
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  ~~$136.39~~ -87%
2. Windows 7 All Versions 32/64-bit SP1 New Full Re install Operating System Boot Disc - Repair Restore Recover DVD
  Re-Install, Repair or RESTORE your Windows operating system Effectively setting like when it was NEW! it back to factory fresh condition,... Windows 7 All Versions 32/64-bit SP1 New Full Re install Operating System Boot Disc - Repair Restore Recover DVD
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4. $5.11
2. Hewlett Packard Enterprise 748919-B21
  Hewlett Packard Enterprise 748919-B21
3. Store:
4. $422.72
2. Microsoft Corporation FQC-06988
  Microsoft Corporation FQC-06988
3. Store:
4. $252.96
2. Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Datacenter 2 Processor License
  
  Compare prices for this product - Microsoft
3. from $6,599
  
  ~~$6,799.00~~ -3%
  from 1 store
2. HPE Windows Server 2016 Standard ROK - Base License and Media - 16 Core - DVD-ROM - Reseller Option Kit (ROK) - Engli (871148-B21)
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3. Store:
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2. Lenovo Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard - 2 Virtual Machine, 2 CPU - Reseller Option Kit - OEM - Multilingual - PC (4XI0E51596)
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3. Store: Canada’s Technology Source Since 2003
4. $912.99
2. Windows Server Enterprise 2008 R2 With - SP1 x 64 English 1 pack DSP OEI DVD 1-8CPU 25-Client (P72-04458)
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  Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise x64 Server & 25 CALs - Microsoft
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4. $4,356.00
2. Microsoft Corporation Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Standard 64-bit - Box Pack - 5 CAL - DVD-ROM - English - PC (P73-07041) - 11 / 10
  DescriptionSoftware Sub Type: ServerSoftware Name: Windows Server 2016 Standard 64-bitLanguage Supported: EnglishPlatform Supported: PCLicense... More
3. Store:
4. $1,465.65
  
  ~~$1,619.00~~ -9%

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