Factors to Consider when Choosing a Sound Computer Operating System

OS, or otherwise the computer operating system, is software designed to execute computer's operations, integrating the functions of application software and the basic input and output system (BIOS) of the computer hardware. It is the speed of the operating system and its user interactive environment that determines the ease of use of the computer and the speed and reliability of the computer programs. When the operating system is not able to guarantee the security of the data stored, block or not be able to offer chances of viral programs, then the operating system is not worth using no matter how user friendly it is. Thus, in order to purchase a trustworthy operating system, the following factors might come in handy:

1. Does the operating system guarantee the security of your computer, the application software and the data you are handling? This question is very crucial because a faulty operation system might mean that your computer and the data you handle might just be destroyed at any time, no matter what antivirus software you have installed

2. The second crucial question, related with the issue of security, is the question of the type of network you work with. Is your computer a home computer for simple application such as word application or a corporate or business computer in which you handle high-tech data, confidential information and financial transactions which require high level security? If yes then you need a more assuring operating system when it comes to security. If for home based simple applications, then an operating system that is user friendly is worth investing in.

3. A third question you should answer when going for an operating system is the memory of your computer. Most current operating systems do not load onto less than 128MB of memory and therefore, for a computer with less memory, old school operating system such as DOS and windows 98 might suffice.

4. Another important factor to consider when going for an operating system is the nature of work you are to do with your computer depending on the level of your computer applications literacy. Most people will prefer not to learn a lot of computer jargon and the use of a user friendly operating system is encouraged.

5. And to add to the list of factors you should consider when buying or going for an operating system, is the ease of use. There are many operating systems that execute programs rather fast but to the end user it becomes cumbersome. Such systems require a lot of codes to be input so that to perform a simple operations. For example, a user need to type long sentences to the DOS in order to perform a simple task like copying a file or opening it. Yet with windows, most of the tasks have been made available on dialog boxes and short cuts. This makes it interesting and time saving even to computer illiterate personnel.

I think the five factors will come in handy as you decide to install an OS in your system or even change the current one. And just a quick note, it is said the next year's operating system will be windows vista and I urge you to charge it on these criteria.