8 BEST Operating Systems (2024 OS List) (2024)

An operating system (OS) is system software that manages your computer’s resources and operations. It serves as the interface between your computer’s hardware and software. The OS employs an integrated set of programs that control and monitor the execution of operations.

OS makes computer systems easy to use and navigate. They let users access resources and applications readily. Furthermore, they record the users, mediate conflicts, and grant requests. Your computer needs an operating system to execute applications since the computer hardware and software won’t communicate.

Many Operating systems are available in the market, so choosing one is a quite difficult task. The following is a list of the Top Operating systems with their features, pros, cons, key specs, pricing, and website links.

Best Operating Systems of 2023

1) Windows

Best for Apps, Browsing, Personal Use, and Gaming

The Windows operating system, designed by Microsoft, is one of the best options for personal computers and laptops. Windows OS comes preinstalled on many computers system. It is the best operating system for desktop computers and laptops because of its unity, functionality, productivity, support, and system utilities.

You can easily customize this OS for your desired use. Windows OS has many familiar operating system features to promote security, efficiency, and privacy. Overall, Windows is easy to use, even for non-tech-savvy people. It is fast, secure, affordable, and accessible.

Features:

• The Cortana digital assistant can help you navigate your computer and various applications.
• Windows comes with the Edge browser, which is quickly rising in popularity.
• Task View lets you switch between several workspaces efficiently.
• Windows has a straightforward user interface that you can learn quickly.
• There are two user interfaces: one for touchscreens (Tablet Mode) and another for the mouse and keyboard.
• The Windows start menu lets you access your computer’s programs quickly.
• It reduces your storage footprint by compressing system files.
• The Windows Hello multi-factor authentication technology keeps your device secure.

Key Specs:

Computer Architecture: 32-bit and 64-bit
Supported Platform: IA-32, x86-64, ARMv7 and ARMv8
Security Threats: Phishing, Vulnerabilities in built-in software, Poor native antivirus and malware software, and Viruses
Current Version: Windows 11 – released October 2021
Free Trial: Yes

Visit Windows >>

2) Android

Best for Mobile Devices

The Android OS was designed for mobile devices by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. This open-source software stack allows for vast app availability and customization. These features increase its popularity among smartphone manufacturers. For instance, you can develop a personalized GUI on Android.

There are over 2,000,000 apps available for the Android OS, all of which load and process speedily. Android OS can be found on smartwatches, PCs, cars, televisions, cameras, game consoles, and tablets.

Features:

• The Android OS is highly customizable so that you can create a straightforward, easy-to-use user interface.
• Android supports connectivity to 3G, 4G, 5G, Bluetooth, CDMA, GSM, Hotspot, NFC, UBB, VOLTE, VPN, and WiFi.
• This OS can run multiple services and apps in the background.
• Android offers support for many languages, including Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, and Russian.

Key Specs:

Computer Architecture: Monolithic (Linux)
Supported Platforms: 64-bit ARM, x86-64, unofficial RISC-V support, and 32-bit
Security Threats: SMS Trojan viruses, Advertising modules, Exploits, Malware
Current Version: Android OS 12 – released in October 2021
Free Trial: Yes

Link: https://developer.android.com/about/versions/12

3) macOS

Best for Native OS Network Security

macOS is an operating software system that runs on Apple Macintosh computers. It is known for its reliability and user-friendly interface. It is stable, easy to use, and well-supported. Visiting the Mac app store will show the number of applications available. This OS is frequently upgraded for security and functionality. While still susceptible to malware, macOS updates will tweak the computer system and applications to minimize security concerns.

The clean and straightforward user interface attracts many users to Apple products. Furthermore, apps are heavily tested before receiving full integration, which leads to excellent performance.

Features:

• The dynamic desktop lets you sort files by tag, type, or date.
• macOS has a dark mode to protect your eyes.
• The App Store has over 2 million heavily scanned applications before release.
• Your online profile is made anonymous to prevent websites from tracking your computer.
• Apple Music lets you search for songs by the lyrics.
• The iCloud lets you store images and documents readily across multiple devices.

Key Specs:

Computer Architecture: XNU
Supported Platform: 86-64 and ARM64
Security Threats: Trojan.OSX.FakeCo.a, Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Jahlav.d, Trojan-Downloader.OSX.Flashfake.ai, Trojan-Downloader.OSX.FavDonw.c
Current Version: macOS 12.0 Monterey
Free Trial: No

Link: https://support.apple.com/downloads/macos

4) Ubuntu

Best for Downloading, Running Apps, Browsers, and Gaming

Ubuntu is a Linux-based operating system which was designed for network servers, computers, and smartphones. It is the leading operating system for cloud computing and Web servers.

This operating system is fully customizable, so it allows you to personalize the notification sounds, fonts, and system animation to create a GUI that reflects you. Since it is open-source, Ubuntu has a robust community that develops new features for you to install on your OS.

You can translate Ubuntu into 50 languages, proving its vast support. It is fast, secure, and suitable for gaming. Moreover, If you have some programming experience, you can create the best operating system using Ubuntu.

Features:

• Thunderbird gives users access to email clients like Gmail, Hotmail, and Exchange.
• Ubuntu supports various photo viewing and editing software.
• There are drivers available for most devices so that Ubuntu can support many PCs.
• It has built-in antivirus and firewall.
• You receive five years of maintenance updates after downloading Ubuntu.
• Ubuntu supports the LibreOffice suite.
• Desktop Ubuntu supports most Windows standard software.
• The bright searching facility lets you find more content readily.

Key Specs:

Computer Architecture: Debian GNU/Linux
Supported Platform: x86-64, ARM64, RISC-V, ppc64le (POWER8 and later), s390x [4], and ARMhf (ARMv7 + VFPv3-D16) [5]
Security Threats: Malware, Ransomware, Trojans, Remote access trojans (RATs), Kernel-mode rootkits, Worms, RansomEXX/Defray777, and Erebus.
Current Version: Ubuntu 20.04 LTS
Free Trial: Yes

Link: https://ubuntu.com/

5) Solaris

Best for Large workload processing and managing multiple databases.

Solaris is an open-source, Unix-based operating system known for its scalability and security features. You can complete many operations with a single command, making it user-friendly.

This leading operating system has a vast community that develops various operating systems based on Solaris, which maintains the security and implements new features regularly. Solaris has a hybrid kernel that lets you run native and foreign applications. If your company needs to process plenty of information, consider installing Solaris for its data management capabilities.

Features:

• Solaris protects user data through constant encryption.
• You can use Solaris to increase performance on the web, database, and Java-based software.
• This OS offers virus protection software as well as secure cloud storage.
• It provides advanced security features that monitor user rights.
• You do not need to modify the OS for outstanding network performance.
• It has a massive capacity to manage files and data.
• This OS has built-in compliance testing and database hosting.
• It offers backup and restores facilities for your data.

Key Specs:

Computer Architecture: Monolithic (Linux)
Supported Platform: SPARC and x86-64
Security Threats: Denial of Service Attacks, Buffer Overrun Exploits, IP Spoofing, and Snooping and Replay Attacks
Current Version: Solaris 11.4 – released in 2018
Free Trial: Yes

Link: https://www.oracle.com/in/solaris/solaris11/downloads/solaris-downloads.html

6) Cisco NX-OS

Best for Businesses

Cisco NX-OS is a data center-class operating system designed for exceptional scalability, resiliency, and flexibility. It can help your business accelerate business operations through automation and visibility.

This OS works best with network-based data fabric architecture, an integrated data layer that gets enabled from data sources. An abstraction layer gets placed over data components, making insights readily available to businesses. It reduces the amount of data science analysis you need to perform on your information.

There are multiple editions of Cisco NX-OS, and the flexible subscription model means you can choose all of the features you need. The three key features are data center networking essentials, advantage, and premier.

Features:

• The Data Center Networking Essentials has both NX-OS and ACI management and operations.
• You will find the Essentials and some advanced capabilities in the Data Center Networking Advantage feature, making it suitable for multiple data centers and clouds.
• This OS has scalable workloads through VXLAN EVPN.
• The Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller supports complete integration and comprehensive management.
• ASIC telemetry and granular flow let you optimize your network.
• The multi-tenancy uses network resources efficiently.
• Configure the OS easily with industry-standard APIs.
• Control plane visibility and telemetry help you prevent network outages.
• You can choose overlay technologies using VXLAN and segment routing.
• NX-OS integrates fully through DevOps automation tools.
• You get protection against cyber-attacks through MACSEC encryption.
• VXLAN multi-site allows for business continuity and disaster recovery.
• You get native docker support and streamlined tooling.
• The 802.1X authentication can secure workloads and endpoints.

Key Specs:

Computer Architecture: NX-OS
Supported Platform: Nexus 7000, Nexus 5000, Nexus 4000, Nexus 2000, Nexus 1000V, and Cisco MDS 9000
Security Threats: CVE-2022-20650, CVE-2022-20624,CVE-2022-20623, and CVE-2021-1586.
Current Version: Cisco NX-OS – released January 2008
Free Trial: Yes

Link: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/ios-nx-os-software/nx-os/index.html

7) Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Best for Commercial Data Centers

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is an open-source, versatile, and robust operating system. RHEL lets you scale existing applications and release emerging technologies. It works with virtual, bare-metal, cloud, and container environments.

This enterprise Linux OS is certified by many vendors and clouds. It offers a consistent foundation in many environments and tools that deliver workloads and services faster. RHEL lets you deploy applications quickly while reducing costs.

The Red Hat Enterprise Linux OS enables collaboration, development, and innovation. There are built-in security features to protect your computer system from threats. It extends hybrid cloud infrastructure across thousands of nodes globally.

Features:

• You will get optimized images, interruptions, and more efficient system updates.
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux supports NVIDIA GPUs and virtual machine workloads.
• It has container tools that let you build, find, run, and share containers with compatible tools.
• You can use Podman, a command-line daemon-less tool, to manage and create container images.
• This OS lets you work with non-Linux users through the web console.
• Focus on security and compliance with built-in controls.

Key Specs:

Computer Architecture: Monolithic
Supported Platform: Alpha, ARC, ARM, C6x, C-Sky, H8/300, Hexagon, IA-64, m68k, Microblaze, MIPS, Nios II, OpenRISC, PA-RISC, PowerPC. RISC-V, s390, SuperH, SPARC, x86 And, Xtensa
Security Threats: Malware, Ransomware, Trojans, Remote access trojans (RATs), Kernel-mode rootkits, worms, RansomEXX/Defray777m Erebus
Current Version: 20.04 – released in 2020
Free Trial: Yes

Link: https://www.redhat.com/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux/try-it

8) SteamOS

Best for Gaming

Running Valve’s Steam and Steam games, SteamOS is a Linux-based operating system that draws from Debian 8. This OS supports standard GNU/Linux graphics and audio drivers. If you are a programmer or develoepr, you can customize the operating system since it is free and open source.

Gamers will benefit from SteamOS since it is designed for gaming. You can enjoy the latest games through the excellent features and performance. Once you have SteamOS, you can install more content and software.

This operating system is primarily on Steam gaming consoles. It is ranked as one of the best gaming OSs for laptops and PCs. It supports NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel graphics processors, making it compatible with many drivers. Additionally, Valve is working with streaming companies to bring these services to the operating system.

Features:

• Those interested in PC gaming can have a console-like experience.
• SteamOS is designed for laptops and PCs to work with Steam games.
• This OS is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.

Key Specs:

Computer Architecture: Monolithic (Linux)
Supported Platform: x86-64
Security Threats: CVE-2016-5237, CVE-2013-7128
Current Version: Brewmaster 2.195 – released July 2019
Free Trial: Yes

Link: https://store.steampowered.com/steamos

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Best Operating Systems of 2023