Finding the Best Operating System for the Job (Without Starting a Family Argument)

Choosing an operating system can feel a bit like choosing a football team: once you’ve picked one, you’re apparently obliged to defend it forever, even when it’s clearly having a wobble. But if we park the tribal chanting for a moment, the “best” operating system is usually the one that fits the job you need doing—reliably, securely, and without you having to learn a new set of keyboard shortcuts at 11pm.

So, rather than asking “Which OS is best?”, try this instead: What do I actually need the computer to do?

1) Windows: the Swiss Army Knife (with a lot of attachments)

If you want maximum compatibility—especially in schools, offices, and exam-centre style environments—Windows is still the default choice.

Windows is brilliant for:

Most mainstream software (Microsoft 365, lots of STEM tools, specialist education packages)
PC gaming (the largest game library and best driver support)
Hardware flexibility (build your own, upgrade easily, wide range of laptops/desktops)

Watch-outs:

It’s a bigger target for malware, so security habits matter
It can feel “busy” (updates, notifications, bundled extras)
Performance varies wildly depending on the machine you buy

Best for: general use, school/college, business, gaming, widest software support.

2) macOS: the polished workbench (especially for creative work)

macOS tends to feel smoother because Apple controls the hardware and software together. If your work is video, audio, design—or you just want a laptop that behaves—macOS is often a very sensible choice.

macOS is brilliant for:

Video and audio production workflows (especially if you’re in the Apple ecosystem)
Battery life and standby reliability on Apple laptops
“It just works” factor for many everyday tasks

Watch-outs:

Cost (initial purchase can sting)
Less flexibility for upgrades/repairs
Some niche engineering/science software is Windows-first

Best for: creative production, education admin, people who want stability and a tidy ecosystem.

3) Linux: the custom-built toolkit (for the curious and the powerful)

Linux is where you go when you want control, performance, and freedom—particularly for programming, servers, robotics, and anything that benefits from open-source tools.

Linux is brilliant for:

Programming (Python, C/C++, web dev, AI tooling)
Older hardware (lightweight distributions can revive “obsolete” laptops)
Servers and networking (it runs much of the internet for a reason)

Watch-outs:

Some commercial software isn’t available (or needs workarounds)
Hardware drivers can occasionally be fiddly
You may become the family IT department by accident

Best for: computing students, developers, STEM tinkering, servers, privacy-minded users.

4) ChromeOS: the “get on with it” option (surprisingly good for schools)

ChromeOS is often overlooked because people assume it’s “just a browser”. In reality, it’s great if your work lives online, you rely on Google Workspace, and you want minimal fuss.

ChromeOS is brilliant for:

Schools using Google Classroom/Docs
Lightweight devices with great battery life
Simple setup and strong security by design

Watch-outs:

Offline work is more limited (though improving)
Specialist software is rarely native
Power users may feel constrained

Best for: school/college basics, admin work, web-first users.

A sensible way to choose (without drama)

Ask these questions:

What software must I run?
If it requires Windows, that’s the answer (or you’ll be faffing about with virtual machines).
Am I creating content or consuming it?
Heavy video/audio? macOS or Windows (depending on tools). Web-first? ChromeOS can be plenty.
Do I need maximum control or maximum simplicity?
Linux gives control. ChromeOS gives simplicity. Windows and macOS sit in the middle.
How important are battery life and reliability?
Apple laptops and Chromebooks often shine here.
What’s my tolerance for tinkering?
Be honest. If “tinkering” makes you sigh, pick the boring option. Boring is productive.

My quick recommendations

GCSE / A-Level students: Windows or ChromeOS (depending on school tools)
Computing / programming students: Linux (or Windows/macOS with a Linux setup)
Video editing / music production: macOS or Windows workstation
General family laptop: Windows or Chromebook (simple wins)
Old laptop you can’t bear to throw away: Linux (it might surprise you)

The “best operating system” isn’t a universal winner—it’s the one that lets you do the work with the least friction. And if it starts an argument at home, just blame the printer. It’s usually the printer.

28 February 2026