Windows, macOS or Linux: which one for your use?
There is no best system, only one better suited to what you do. Here is a quick guide, without dogma.
Office work and everyday use
All three do the job very well: browsing, mail, documents, video calls. Windows and macOS offer maximum compatibility with commercial office software. Linux is perfectly suitable if your tools live in the browser or work with LibreOffice.
Gaming
Windows remains the reference: almost every game runs there, with the best graphics card support. Linux has come a long way thanks to Proton, but a few games with anti-cheat remain incompatible. macOS has a smaller catalogue.
Creative work (photo, video, audio)
macOS and Windows dominate thanks to professional suites. On Linux, free alternatives (Kdenlive, Krita, Ardour, Blender) are excellent, but switching takes adjustment.
Development
Linux and macOS offer a native Unix terminal, very handy. Windows is catching up with WSL2: see the WSL2 guide to get Linux inside Windows.
Old PCs
This is Linux's strong point: a lightweight distribution brings back to life a machine Windows can no longer handle. Our distribution choice guide points you in the right direction.
Privacy and control
Linux gives the most control over what runs and what is sent. Windows and macOS let you limit data collection through their settings, with less control.
How to decide?
- List your must-have software and check its availability.
- Try Linux from a live USB, without installing anything: create a live USB.
- If you hesitate, start with dual boot: Windows + Linux dual boot.
The right system is the one you will want to use every day.