With all the insecurities, viruses, spyware, registry problems in windows XP, I often sit at my desk wanting to throw my computer out the window. But then I realize how much money I would be loosing out on and come back to my senses. To once again have to deal with reinstalling some driver, applicatioin, reconfiguring something, or typing and changing setting that I just changed and saved. ( I get a headache just thinking about it!)

 Well I’m here to tell you that you really don’t have to put up with it any more. ESPECIALLY for all you novice users of the internet and computing. If I didn’t use all these programs like ACT!, Quickbooks and others made only for windows I would have switched over LONG AGO. 

So we have decided to put the top rated Operating systems and put them to our own test. (Since we know it all and invented electricity :)

Now before we get into it. I, John Romano thnk that Ubuntu is going to win the challange.

As I am a "intense office" user working with about 20 windows open at all times. Using Office 2008, ACT, Quickbooks, Audio & Video applications, FTP clients, Dreamweaver for web development and who know's what else is on this thing.

Bizoost Project Manager Arni, thinks that Fedora is going to be the better choice. As Arni is more the "intense developer" using alot of the same programs and others that make your website, database, server better than our compitition in one of the Largest Citys in the U.S. (chicago).

Ubuntu is a community developed operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. Whether you use it at home, at school or at work Ubuntu contains all the applications you'll ever need, from word processing and email applications, to web server software and programming tools.

Ubuntu is and always will be free of charge. You do not pay any licensing fees. You can download, use and share Ubuntu with your friends, family, school or business for absolutely nothing.

Ubuntu is a great operating system (O.S.) and great for basic everyday task. Now I know I'm going to get a tone of expert's out there saying different, but  Ubuntu and Fedora do not come with the ability to EASILY start networking with existing windows based machines (didnt try with MAC). Besides the networking you are going to find that alot of your favorite programs do not work on Linux based systems (Ubunu & Fedora).  The Operating system and navigation however is VERY SLICK!  It really reminds me of the MAC system. 

Final Review:  If your not using quickbooks, ACT, most audio and video applications then this O.S. might be a good choice for you.  I would really recoment it to user that just need Instant messenger and Email and web browsing. Unless you are already very familer with Linux systems and what is available for applications (packages).

Did i mention you will prob never get a virus or adaware with linux systems!

Fedora is a Linux-based operating system that showcases the latest in free and open source software. Fedora is always free for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. It is built by people across the globe who work together as a community: the Fedora Project. The Fedora Project is open and anyone is welcome to join. The Fedora Project is out front for you, leading the advancement of free, open software and content.

The operating system is Fedora. It comes out twice a year. It's completely free, and we're committed to keeping it that way. It's the best combination of robust and latest software that exists in the free software world.

The mindset is doing the right thing. To us, that means providing free and open software and content, at no cost, freely usable, modifiable, redistributable, and unencumbered by software patents.

>>SEE UBUNTU REVIEW^

VISTA -

Vista, Vista, Vista.... where do i even begin with vista. There should really be a whole website (and there is) to reviews on this.  No matter what people say vista has really taking alot of security steps with this new O.S.  Just like MAC and Linux system, vista now has a "are you sure you want to install this application"  pop up window. Which is a great deffense against viruses and other harmfull auto install applications and worms. There's also the fact that Vista takes at least twice as much memory to run. So if your upgrading or running this on anything less then 2 gigs, I would suggest looking for an upgrade on your memory as well.

I am running vista on a quad core AMD processor with 4gig's of memory so there isnt any issues by far.  The only issues that I am really noticing is most applications are all in the beta stage for Vista. I mean Vista is still in Beta stage as well!   For me I constantly have about 10 applications, 15 browser tabs(windows) and at least 5 folder windows open at all times.  I am also running this on an HP machine (which i wouldnt buy anything but HP when it comes to windows based pc's).  In todays market there are a TON of hardware choices and some work better with others. Hp really does a great job with devices that sync well with each other. As well as HP's own software (driver) updates.

Anyway, back to Vista!  the only thing I've really noticed is folders freezing and some applications locking up from time-to-time. For me its HELLA aggervating when I have to shut down an application without being able to save.

Final Review:  Wait for Service Pack 2 (SP2) to be released until jumping the gun on this one if you can. Looks like we are not gonna see it until next year since SP1 is still in beta. Stick with windows XP and Norton antivirus (360) and spysweeper. Also partition your harddrive so you can reinstall quickly without loosing any important files ever.

MAC-

Mac and linux are alot alike although Mac is a bit more "visual" than Linux.  Mac like linux is VERY affective against virus's and adaware. Mac also has much better networking ability and is MUCH more user friendly than Linux (obviously, since its been around longer and geared to mainsteam users).  Another great thing about Mac is that it is MUCH more stable since it doesnt get virus's or adaware. Along with the fact that mac's hardware is all made by Mac and just for Mac.  So there are no issues with ASIO drivers and issues like you will see on windows machines. This is a huge reason why you will see every professional AUDIO and Video enthusiast using Mac (especially live performers).  The down side like Linux is that you will still have issues finding programs that work on Mac that worked on your windows system.  Although you will most likely find a great alternative!

Final Review: I highly recomend MAC for most people. Due to the fact that you wont get viruses and a much more stable operating system. Unless you are a web developer or absolutly need applications made only for windows. Remember that Mac systems are going to be about double in price. So if your a "baller" on a budget then stick with XP and make sure you load it up with security applications like Norton.

If you have any comments on this please dont be shy...