Currently, there are a few types of operating systems available for notebooks and tablets: Windows, Mac, linux and android
Windows
Windows is by far the most common OS that you will find. Many manufacturers such as Asus and HP use this. You will find new computers all running Windows 10.
Windows 10
The Newest Operating system out there is currently Windows 10. If you’re coming from previous versions of windows, you’ll find it very easy to adapt to this operating system. It’s the fastest and most efficient version of windows ever made (in terms of both performance and battery life), so you’ll want this version. All the latest laptops come preinstalled with windows 10.
All other computers that come with Windows 7/8/8.1 CAN BE UPGRADED to windows 10 for Free ONLY THIS YEAR. So take advantage of this offer from Microsoft while you have the chance! 😀
Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 is a lot faster than windows 7. The only disadvantage you might face is that windows 8.1 has a new graphical interface and hence is something to get used to, but after that, you would find windows 8.1 a lot better than windows 7.
Mac OS
It is used exclusively in Macbooks. Most applications can run, and Windows 7 or 8 can be installed alongside Mac OS (via bootcamp) so you can have the best of both worlds.
Do note however, that apple tends to overprice their products by a high margin, so if you don’t have the cash and you don’t need a mac, you don’t have to get one. Only certain courses need a Mac. Check here to find out if your course needs a mac
Linux
An open source, free OS that you can download and use anytime of the day. Our poly does not support this OS as many applications cannot run properly here, even with a virtualization application. I recommend to stick with Windows or Mac as much as possible.
Android
Android OS is usually used in tablets with ARM processors, such as the galaxy Tab SÂ and asus transformer prime.
This OS should not be used for notebooks and tablets that you would use in poly as they do not run most applications, such as Autocad, Adobe creative suite, office 2013, codeblocks, etc. It is ok if the notebook you are choosing can dual boot Windows and Android though. However, this feature is extremely rare, as This would require an x86 or x64 processor. Double Check with your seller before you buy such notebooks.
Conclusion: Try to buy a notebook/tablet with windows 8.1 as much as possible, unless you need a mac for your course. Avoid buying Android tablets as they usually cannot run windows and as a result you can’t run many applications you would use in poly. Don’t get a linux notebook either because they cannot run windows applications well.
WARNING:
DO NOT DOWNGRADE YOUR WINDOWS 10/8.1 PC TO PREVIOUS VERSIONSÂ AS MOST MANUFACTURERS ADVISE AGAINST THIS AND DO NOT HAVE DRIVERS FOR PREVIOUS VERSION/WINDOWS 7.Â
MICROSOFT IS GOING TO SUPPORT WINDOWS 10 FOR A LONGER PERIOD THAN WINDOWS 8 or 7, WHICH IS CURRENTLY BEING PHASED OUT.
Aaron Tech Tips | Advise and Reviews for Tech and Audio Gear 💻🎧 