New Operating Systems Will Use Fewer System Resources
Published by Gregg Housh on 2009-12-02 23:00:26
It's easy to look back warmly on the era of MS-DOS. In the distant past, a simple series of characters was all you needed to launch a favorite program. This command dealt with all of the related dependencies that allowed the code to function. Basically, you only had to type a string of characters on a black screen with a single cursor. The shiny operating system developed as a response to public demand to click on a graphical icon. To the casual compter user, this seems much easier than typing a command. In reality, though, this transition birthed a whole new wave of headaches to the computing experience.
First of all, graphical representation of your software environment ties up system resources. While this may seem insignificant for the average user, this can be a major problem if you hope to stress your computer to its full abilities. As more consumers began to purchase these operating systems, software developers began to include more services that anticipate the user's software needs. If an operating system were built with your favorite software in mind, this would make for a much smother computing experience. Unfortunately, many software designers took on the impossible task of trying to anticipate every last possible application that any user anywhere might choose to try. All of this added capability slows your computer down much like having extra programs running.
Linux has always remained a successful option because it permits for builds that do very little. Many versions of Linux operate in minimalist fashion, you have to select programs and dependencies as you need them. While this might feel too difficult to manage for most users, it's amazing when you intend to use your machine to its fullest potential. Many experienced users prefer a lighter operating system. However, if you are looking to jump head first into your favorite programs without much work, the resource heavy systems will support more of what you want to run.
Microsoft's Windows Vista was arguably the perfect example of the bloated operating system. Its massive code base anticipated nearly any software function. Ironically, this led to an opposite inspiration for Windows 7. Windows 7 has a streamlined, resource light structure that can finally compete with the lightweight Linux.
Recent tech trends appear to be inspired by the desire to do more with less. In the future, developers will push the limits of technology to satisfy both of these desires. The latest operating system releases by all of the major competitors in the field seem to speak to this public demand. There will always be a need for a clever balance between compatibility and operating system resource use.
Fortunately, we are lucky enough to have a robust market of operating system providers. Each generation of operating systems offers different advantages. There are reasons for using every modern operating system which depend heavily on their intended use. When choosing your preferred operating system, you must carefully research its synergy with software that you intend to use. Each operating system looks to satisfy a specific niche market. You will likely be served in at least one of the major releases at any time. Look to others who have similar needs to your own for advice on which operating system to install.
Geek Choice is a nationwide computer repair company that seeks to help consumers get the most out of their computers. Slow computer performance could be the fault of spyware, malware, or viruses, or it could just be a matter of using the wrong operating system or hardware to meet your needs. Geek Choice offers on-site service for any computer problem. If your operating system is interfering with your favorite programs, give us a call at 1-800-GEEK HELP (433-5435).
