Quad Bootup.

Windows

Most likely you’re reading this article on a Windows computer, why do I say this? Simple, because Windows XP/Vista are the most used OS’s on the market currently, ahead of OSX and Linux. Since Windows comprises more than 80% of computers in the world, this means that it has the most widely available support and software available. It also means that because of its wide spread use and more unsecure build, that it’s most prone to spyware and viruses. Windows is by far the greatest choice for gaming, as most games are developed natively for windows and windows systems being generally less expensive.

Mac OSX

If you’ve been paying attention to your TV lately it’s very likely that you’ve at least seen one Mac Vs PC commercial. Apple’s OS has been gaining strength over the years and for good reason too. Mac OSX is much more secure to Windows because it’s a UNIX based operating system. These means that there virtually no spyware and virus applications currently affected Mac OSX systems. OSX is also much friendly for the casual user, as it’s designed for less technically users and is generally seen as much more fun experience. A downside to OSX is that you must ‘legally’ buy a Mac machine to run it. You can’t buy an OSX computer from a third-party vender such as Dell. This means that Apple’s computers tend to much more expensive than Windows set-ups.

Linux

Linux? What’s a Linux? You might think that Linux is some new operating system just because you’ve never heard of it, but the first iteration of Linux was actually released in the 1970’s. Why hasn’t Linux caught on? Many of the pros of Linux can also be considered a con is the easiest way to explain its popularity. Linux is the most technical of the three main OS’s. Literally anything and everything in Linux can be changed to match your desired wants; you just have to figure out how to do it. It’s not for casual users; however, as many casual users have a hard time figuring out how to even install Linux on their system. Something great about Linux is that it’s highly compatible and runs on just about any hardware. It’s also even more secure than OSX, which is very impressive considering that safety is one of Apple’s strongest selling points.

Which OS is right for you? Well that question is impossible to answer without knowing what kind of user you are and what you’re looking for. Chances are, Windows is fine for most people that are reading this article. It’s never a bad idea to consider using Mac OSX or Linux, however.

Photo Credits: foskarulla

Originally posted 2009-11-30 03:13:29.

Linux

1. It’s difficult to use- One reason that Linux has not caught on as the operating system is that it’s perceived as being difficult to use. This is true to a certain degree as the installation and general ways to use the system are much more complicated than that of a Windows and OSX system. If you’re willing to learn, however, Linux is a very powerful operating system and may be perfect for you.

2. You Like Your Current Operating System- Linux offers many things that the other two operating systems don’t, but one thing that it can’t change is how much you’ve grown to like your current operating system. If you don’t want to go through the pain of reinstalling programs and copying files that’s good enough reason not to make the jump to Linux.

3. Support- One reason that average users should steer clear of Linux is the lack of support that they may become faced with. If you’re someone who relies on getting your technical support from Best buy, you may as well just go to the store and buy a Windows computer instead, because Linux isn’t the OS for you.

4. Compatibility- Many programs are starting to offer Linux support and many open source developers are filling the void left by not having some of the world’s most popular applications. Even with these signs of hope, however, it doesn’t mean that you will be able to go the store and buy a Windows based video game and be able to run it. Its problems like these that will haunt beginners.

5. Your Work Uses Windows- If you’re buying a new computer for the workplace it’s probably a good idea to stick with your Windows machine. If you’re required to run any program that is not natively supported under Linux it could become a pain to find an open source alternative or perhaps even impossible.

Linux isn’t a bad operating system by any means, and if you’re someone who likes software development it may be the perfect platform for you. If you are someone who simply wants a computer that works and will run common applications while having support readily available, then Linux is not for you.

Photo Credits: Extra Ketchup

Originally posted 2009-11-10 03:47:34.

Registry

Registry is a database warehouse of information related to our computer and its configuration. It keeps a copy of all files and folders that we use everyday. Thus the size of registry grows everyday by keeping record of all important and unimportant files. Thus the registry needs a cleanup session at regular intervals to keep up the performance of our computer system. It degrades our computer and may also cause problems in the use of various softwares. It removes clutter thereby letting the computer to run at the fastest possible speed. A Registry can come in handy to retrieve a data that would otherwise have been lost from the operating system.

There are two ways of cleaning the Registry: Manually and by Registry cleaning softwares.

The manual method of cleaning Registry is quiet risky as one may delete files that are actually wanted. It’s a taxing job to relate important files to respective applications and manually filter wanted files from the unwanted ones. The removal of any important file can cause the operating system to crash. So it is always recommended to use authorized software specially programmed for cleaning registry.

Use of software for cleaning registry is the most preferred and popular way.

Tips for safe registry cleanup

Since registry cleaning is a risky process, some safety measures can help avoid crashing and damaging your computer. It is also helpful in proper cleaning process to achieve the best results out of this activity.

Always create a backup of all files before the start of cleaning process. This can be done either manually or by use of tools. This tool is inbuilt with a registry cleaning software.

Even in the case of cleaning through software, it is recommended not to use auto cleaning option. For extra safety one can create a second back up.

It is important to close all open applications because new files keep on generating on registry every time a tool is running.

Once the software is done with the scanning process, it is better to allow the cleaner software to eliminate errors at the safest and lowest level. One can scan at an extensive all-inclusive way at a later stage. It is highly recommended to avoid using the option of auto cleaning as it might delete important files.

The fastest way to check the scan result is by looking for files that seem to be familiar. It will be easy to decide if they are wanted or unwanted ones.

After an initial round of clean up, one can go for higher level intrusive clean up after a gap of few days. The software will scan and group them on basis of their usefulness. One needs to be very careful with important usable files.

After the final instructions, it will start cleaning the registry. This brings us to an end of the cleaning process.

The cleaning process my sometimes delete few important applications, the best way is to recover them from the back ups that were created.

Cleaning registry once in a month is highly recommended.

Photo Credits: Takuya Oikawa

Originally posted 2010-04-24 03:59:20.