Choosing the best laptop operating system

There are many varieties of operating systems for computers, laptops. You can ask a reasonable question - what is the difference between the operating system on a desktop computer and on a laptop.

In fact, both devices have similar properties, structure, the only difference is the small specificity of laptop computers. Firstly, laptops are portable devices, which means that the operating system requires good energy saving. Secondly, laptop computers traditionally have weaker characteristics than desktop PCs. They are subject to overheating, so the OS should be suitable for these two parameters. And yet, which operating system is best for a laptop?

Most popular OS

In the article, we will consider several OSs at once - from the Windows family, as well as Linux-based operating systems. Both the first and second have advantages, although the vast majority of users still prefer to use the Microsoft operating system.

On the other hand, do not immediately discard Linux. OSs based on the * nix kernel have a number of features. Such OS will be especially useful for programmers, Internet administrators and other people working in IT.

Windows 7 - time-tested, reliable OS for laptops

Windows 7 - stable and reliable

Windows 7 was released back in 2009, and it has become a real discovery for PC owners from around the world. Despite the fact that she will soon be 10 years old, she is still quite popular and widespread, various software continues to be released for her, she supports all new programs and video games. This is the oldest version from Microsoft, which is current at the moment.

Here are the benefits of Windows 7:

1. Windows 7 has a structure and core that are not too new, but they cannot be called old. Thanks to this, most of the old programs that are successfully compatible with new ones are supported.
2. Windows 7 is suitable for older and weaker laptops. Computers released at the time of the release of this system, as well as at the peak of its popularity, were often developed specifically for version 7 of the Microsoft operating system. Thanks to this, all the necessary drivers for the hardware of the laptop are supported.
3. The interface of the “seven” is pleasant, because it looks more familiar than the interface of newer ones.

Windows 7 has a few drawbacks:

1. Lack of official support, updates. At the moment, there is only support left for the latest version of SP1, but it will be canceled in 2020.
2. New applications are released under the new kernel of Windows 8 and 10, so not all programs will run on the old system.
3. Some manufacturers have already stopped releasing drivers for this version.

Technical requirements

To run, you need at least 1 gigabyte of RAM, 16 gigabytes of free space on your hard drive, a processor with a capacity of 1 GHz, a graphics chip.

Windows 8 - Consistent User Acceptance of the New System

Windows 8 Interface

When Windows 8 first came to light in 2012, users had complaints about Microsoft. People did not like the Metro style, which cleaned the desktop and instead had large icons.

The interface was inconvenient, and the developers decided to return the function of switching to the desktop. This OS has both advantages and disadvantages:

1. A new kernel that does not support all old programs.
2. The controversial design, which caused public outcry and protest among users of the operating system.
3. A huge number of bugs and errors. Fortunately, with updates they began to be fixed and they are no longer so critical.
4. Popularity is lower than that of Windows 10 and 7, respectively, developers pay less attention to software development.

In general, there is not much point in installing this version. There is a better option - use an older or newer version from Microsoft. It is the newer version that developers support and develop with swift steps. If you put Windows 8 on your laptop, then the newer version is 8.1.

System Requirements for Windows 8 (Windows 8.1)

For installation and subsequent stable operation, you need to have a laptop with a 1 GHz processor, 1 gigabyte of RAM and a graphics chip that supports DirectX 9. As you can see, the difference in requirements has not changed compared to Windows 7. Despite this, people note a higher speed compared to the old one.

Windows 10 - the most common and reliable OS

Windows 10

At the time of this writing, Windows 10 remains the most popular operating system among laptop owners. More than 50% of people install 10 as their primary OS. It is the latest version of the OS from Microsoft, developers pay the most attention to it. According to the creators, it is the most relevant and safe. Its core is based on the core of Windows 8, therefore, full compatibility with older programs is observed. Advantages of the system:

1. Regular updates, Microsoft fixes all bugs and flaws.
2. New programs and games are created taking into account that they can be launched on Windows 10. Most software developers focus on this particular system.
3. Many new features and applications that are not available on older Windows.

On the other hand, users criticize this system. Basically indicate the following disadvantages:

1. Forced collection of information about the user and his computer. Information may be confidential.
2. Very old programs that were created for Windows XP and earlier versions will most likely not run on this version. If you fundamentally use such programs, then it is better to install Windows 7.
3. Many functions and applications are completely unnecessary for the correct operation of the system, but at the same time unnecessarily load the processor and RAM of the computer.

The system requirements remain the same as for previous versions of Windows. This version is best if you have a weak laptop.

Linux distributions

Penguin - traditional Linux logo

OSs running on the Linux kernel are not often found among laptop owners. They are the most underrated OSes of all the rest. There is a myth that only IT professionals will need them, it's hard to use them. This is not true. All popular distributions can be used without even having special knowledge. Choosing Linux, you get stability and security.

Elementary OS

This is a relatively new OS, which is based on another distribution - Ubuntu. Easy to install and use, suitable for household tasks - watching movies, surfing the Internet, listening to music.

Peppermint os

Peppermint OS is very similar to Elementary OS. The difference is that it was created for weak laptop computers. It has low system requirements, suitable for beginners.

Ubuntu

Time-tested distribution. There is nothing superfluous, just what an ordinary user will need to perform everyday tasks. User-friendly interface, ease of use make the OS the most popular Linux distribution.

System requirements

For Linux, specifications may be even less than for Windows. Each distribution has its own requirements, so it is better to read them at the office. site. There is one problem - some PCs do not have drivers for Linux systems, so good performance is not always guaranteed.