What's My Favorite Operating System?

by Philip Guo (philip@pgbovine.net)

The Short Answer

All of the software I use can run on all major operating systems. Thus, I can get my daily computing work done on any major operating system (e.g., Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, other UNIX variants). Thus, my favorite operating system is the one that just feels the coolest and makes me feel the best while using it. Thus, my current favorite is Mac OS X.

The Slightly Longer Answer

I am not bound to any particular operating system or hardware platform. Why not? Because my data is mostly in formats that can be viewed by software on any major OS, and the software I use can run on any major OS. Here are some examples:

• Web browser
• Email client
• Text editor
• Command-line terminal interface
• 'UNIX' command-line tools (lots of them!)
• File synchronizer
• PDF viewer
• Instant messaging client
• Digital music player
• Digital video player
• Digital photo viewer

All of these pieces of software are freely available for Windows (with Cygwin installed), Mac OS X, Linux, or other major UNIX variants. Yes, I mean free, as in, these do not cost a cent to legally download and install! I try to use as much software as possible that is platform-independent, and to keep my data in open formats that can be read by software on all major operating systems. This way, I have the most freedom in choosing what kinds of computers I use (e.g., choose the one that makes me feel the coolest) and can remain adaptable when conditions arise such that it is easier for me to use one OS over another (e.g., if machines in my office are all set-up with Windows and backed by Windows-certified IT staff, I won't gripe about how I can't just re-format and install the latest 1337 NetBSD distro on them).

My current favorite operating system is Mac OS X, not because I think that it makes me orders of magnitude more productive, not because I think that it is philosophically or practically far superior to the alternatives, not because I am an Apple zealot, but simply because using it just makes me feel cool. Yes, that is a very superficial reason for liking an OS, but I feel that it is a legitimate reason because, all else being equal, I am indifferent as to which operating system I use (because I can access my data and use the necessary software on all major operating systems). The user interface engineers at Apple have really done a superb job at paying attention to so many little subtle details in interface design; the end product just feels good in some indescribable, visceral way. I could get along in my everyday computing tasks just as well on Windows or Linux, but it just wouldn't feel as pleasant. Since I spend many hours each day in front of the computer, having a good feel is definitely important.

Feel free to send comments, suggestions, questions, or rants to me via email: philip@pgbovine.net