Desktop operating system vs Mobile operating system
The tech world is divided by a single debate. Which one is better? For the personal computer, Windows or Mac OS? For the mobile, Android or iOS? Everyone has personal opinions and preferences when choosing between Windows or macOS and Android or iOS. Every individual chooses an operating system based on individual preferences and features of the operating systems. In this article, we will discuss the five most popular operating systems that are used in the computer and mobile devices. Among the five, three operating systems are for the personal computer and two operating systems are for the mobile devices. But before diving into the discussion of these five operating systems, we will shortly discuss what is operating system and difference between the desktop and mobile operating systems.
An operating system is a system software that is written in low-level language that manages and controls the computer hardware, software, and programs. Through the operating system, application software can interact with system hardware. The application software requests services from the operating system through the application program interface (API). All of the components of an operating system are stored in a system software called kernel. To run any program or application, every computer or mobile device needs to have at least one operating system.
Difference between the Desktop operating system and Mobile operating system
What is the desktop operating system?
The desktop operating system is designed for personal computers. It helps to manage the system hardware and software resources. It supports the basic features including memory management, processor management, device management, file management, printing, I/O, peripheral control, and memory allocation.
To run a desktop or personal computer, a user needs an operating system, which acts as a bridge between the programs and system hardware. Some OS needs to be installed manually when some are pre-installed on the devices. Windows, MacOS, and various Linux distributions are examples of the desktop operating system.
What is the mobile operating system?
A mobile operating system is designed to run on mobile devices. It is similar to the desktop operating system but lighter and easier to use. Besides, all of the mobile operating systems are designed with the support of touch control as mobile devices need to control using the touch control, whereas the desktop operating system can be touch control supported or not. A mobile operating system needs to integrate with cellular support and integrate the sim tray for phone and internet services. Mobile operating systems are pre-installed on the mobile devices. Android, iOS, and Symbian OS are examples of the mobile operating system.
Comparison between the Desktop and Mobile operating system
In this section, you will learn about the key differences between desktop and mobile operating systems. There are some comparisons between them are below:
Desktop operating system | Mobile operating system |
It is designed for using the personal computer | It is designed for use the mobile devices |
It requires a huge memory to optimize | It needs less memory to optimize |
Both hard drives and flash drives are used for desktop operating system | It uses the flash drive to store the data |
It takes a higher boot time | It takes a lower boot time |
It requires a higher amount of power compared to mobile operating systems to handle the functions | It is designed to be power efficient while handling the function |
It runs through input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, etc. | It runs through touch screens and touchpad devices |
Examples of desktop operating systems are Windows, MacOS, various Linux distribution | Examples of mobile operating systems are Google Android, Apple Ios, Symbian OS |
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TOP 5 operating systems
Microsoft Windows
Windows is a proprietary product of Microsoft and a closed-source operating system. Proprietary products mean it is designed and developed by Microsoft and they sell them. Only they can modify the operating system’s system. Windows was first released on November 20, 1985. Over the years, different versions of Windows have been released. The latest version of the windows is Windows 11. Microsoft adds new features and functions to the latest version every year. Windows is the most popular and used operating system in the personal computer world. The total market share of Windows is 72.13%. Microsoft sells Windows to different personal computer manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and many more. The different versions of the windows are Windows Vista, windows XP, windows 8.1, windows 10, and Windows 11.
Windows is popular because of its wide range of available software, especially in the gaming sector.
MacOS
MacOS is a proprietary product of Apple and closed source operating system. MacOS has head-to-head competition with the windows. Unlike Windows, Apple does not sell its operating system to any 3rd party companies. They use their operating system for their computers. MacOS first released in 2001. Before that, apple used the Macintosh operating system known as classic MacOS from 1984 to 2001. MacOS is popular and beloved for its ease of use and simple user interface. Additionally, MacOS provides various useful features, especially for professionals. In addition, It provides a seamless connection with Apple’s other hardware such as the iPhone, Apple TV, Home pod, and many more. MacOS holds a total market share of 15.46%. The different versions of the MacOS 11(Big Sur), MacOS 12(Monterey), MacOS13(Ventura), and MacOS14(Sonoma).
Google’s Android
Many companies, including Samsung, OnePlus, and Google, use Android to power their mobile phones. It is based on Linux distribution and other open-source software. Android gained popularity day by day for its features and function. Besides, it is the only alternative to the Apple mobile operating system iOS. Android was initially released on September 23, 2008. The different versions of the Androids are Android 12, Android 12L, Android 13, and Android 14.
Apple iOS
Apple developed its mobile operating system to use on its iPhone. Like the MacOS, they do not sell their mobile operating system to any 3rd party companies. Users love it for the unique user interface and its ease of use. Besides, it provides a strong ecosystem with Apple another operating system such as MacOS. Apple iOS was initially released in January 2007. The different versions of Apple iOS are iOS 14, iOS15, iOS16.
Linux operating system
Linux operating system is different from Windows and MacOS. It is not proprietary software and free source. Anyone can modify it and distribute the Linux system. It’s free and popular for its ease of customization. For the person who knows how to customize the operating system and is interested in back-end work, Linux is an idle choice. Linux was initially released on September 17, 1991. There are different distributions available for Linux such as Kali Linux, Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, and many more.
Conclusion
There are more operating systems present for both desktop and mobile. However, the above-mentioned operating systems are popular because of their functions and features. The best one depends on the user’s needs and preferences. There are no unmixed blessings in this world. Every operating system has some advantages and disadvantages too. With technological advancement, all the operating systems are becoming more functional and feature full day by day.
