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From click to terminal: mastering Linux

Linux, Windows, macOS: which is right for you?

Improve Your Personal Digital Security

Linux, Windows, macOS: which is right for you?

  • What is an operating system?
  • The main operating systems and their market shares
  • Windows: ease of use and compatibility
  • MacOS: integration and optimization
  • GNU/Linux: freedom, control and security
  • Which operating system should you choose?
Let's start this SCU202 course with the basics: your computer's operating system (OS). Not only does it determine your choice of hardware, but also your security, ease of use and ability to customize your machine.
Before going into the technical details of Linux in the next chapters, it's important to understand the major differences between the three most common systems: Windows, macOS and GNU/Linux. In this chapter, we'll study each solution, identifying its strengths and limitations, and then making an informed choice that's right for your needs.

What is an operating system?

An operating system is a set of central programs that acts as an intermediary between the user, the applications (which are also software) and the hardware, that is, your computer. It is the basic software layer that enables the use of a computer's hardware resources (processor, memory, disks, peripherals, etc.).
In concrete terms, the operating system receives, processes and then responds to requests from your software, using the computer's resources as efficiently as possible. It manages the simultaneous execution of several programs, controls the components of the PC, manages connections, allows file management, and ensures data security through authorization and authentication mechanisms.
Without an operating system, each software program would have to include its own way of communicating with the hardware, making interaction between different programs almost impossible. Its role is therefore essential.
That's exactly how early computers operated. The very first operating system, GM-NAA I/O, didn't appear until 1956. It brought in batch processing, which automated task management. The 1960s saw the appearance of multi-programming and time-sharing with CTSS (1961) and Multics (1969), which allowed several users to interact simultaneously with the same system. Then, in the 1970s, the invention of Unix revolutionized computing with its portability, multitasking management and simplicity.

The main operating systems and their market shares

Today, the operating system market is dominated by three major families: Windows, MacOS and GNU/Linux.
According to current statistics, Windows still holds the majority of installations on personal computers, with a market share of around 71%. This dominance is because of a combination of historical, economic and technical factors:
  • Since the 1990s, Windows has been installed by default on the majority of computers sold, generating massive familiarity among the public. Microsoft quickly established a large number of OEM agreements (contracts by which PC manufacturers pre-install Windows), thus creating an inertia that is difficult to curb.
  • Although this trend is evolving slowly, Windows established itself as the standard in the professional world very early on. Apart from specific sectors like tech, almost all businesses still run on Windows-based computers.
  • The broad user base has encouraged developers to prioritize creating their software for Windows, in order to reach the most people. In return, the growing pool of application ecosystem attracts new users, creating a virtuous circle.
  • Finally, this dominance is also reinforced by the perceived image of competing systems: Linux is often considered too technical for the general public (and remains unknown to the majority), while macOS, linked exclusively to Apple products, is often perceived as expensive.
macOS, meanwhile, has a market share of around 16%, and is generally chosen for its optimal integration with Apple hardware. The choice of this operating system has been reinforced in recent years by the performance of Macs, thanks to the introduction of Apple Silicon chips. This major turning point marked the abandonment of Intel x86 processors in favor of ARM architecture, which is more efficient in terms of performance and energy consumption.
Linux remains a minority on personal computers (around 4%), but dominates servers (around 63%) and supercomputers (100%), thanks to its stability and performance.
Source April 2025: StatCounter Global Stats - OS Market Share
Linux is also massively integrated into embedded devices such as routers, connected TVs, smartphones (Android is based on a Linux kernel) and even in the automotive industry. Windows maintains a strong presence in business, while macOS is favored by professionals in certain fields.
→ Important: The kernel is the central component of the operating system: it manages access to hardware (processor, memory, peripherals), arbitrates the simultaneous execution of processes, enforces security policies and offers a uniform interface to programs that masks the complexity of electronic circuits. In other words, it acts as a bridge between the software environment (libraries, drivers, shells, services, administration tools, graphical Interface, etc.) and the hardware.

Windows: ease of use and compatibility

Windows is a proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft. It is installed on most of the personal computers in the world. Historically, it was appreciated for being easy to use and intuitive Interface. However, that advantage is questionable now: the Interface of macOS is also very accessible, and many Linux distributions have a Interface suitable for the general public (we'll return to this in the following chapters).
For inexperienced users or those with limited needs (office work, multimedia, web browsing), Windows can be a simple entry point, benefiting from extensive documentation and fast learning curve. But in reality, the only field in which Windows clearly outperforms macOS and Linux is video games.
One of Windows' key strengths is the richness of its software ecosystem: almost all commercial programs (office suites, professional software, video games and hardware drivers) are compatible with Windows. For users looking for a ready-to-use solution with minimal configuration, this can be a logical choice.
However, this accessibility comes with a cost. Windows is a proprietary, centralized system with no public source code. No independent verification is possible, which presents clear limitations in terms of transparency and security. Furthermore, data collection (telemetry) is widespread in Windows and often activated by default, without any real informed consent or possibility of control.
In terms of security, Windows is a prime target for malware. Its popularity and certain historical structural flaws partly explain this situation. Efforts have certainly been made in recent years (notably with Windows Defender and UAC), but overall it remains designed more for ease of use than resilience and user control.
In my opinion, Windows occupies an unasserted central position: it can be secure, but less than Linux and macOS; it allows a certain amount of control, but much less than Linux; it is neither as powerful as macOS, nor as simple as Chrome OS or some beginner-friendly Linux systems. It's average in all aspects, without being truly bad in any area (except privacy, by default).
When it comes to digital sovereignty and technical mastery, Windows quickly shows its limitations. Its model is based on an unbalanced relationship between the user and the publisher, to the benefit of the latter. For those who deeply want to understand, personalize and secure their computer, it's not a very suitable operating system.That is why, we won't dwell further on Windows in SCU202.

macOS: integration and optimization

macOS is the operating system developed by Apple for its Mac computers.It is a system that inherits from Unix, via the NeXTSTEP system, which was acquired by Apple in 1997. macOS is based on a kernel called "XNU", which combines elements of BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution) and a Mach microkernel.
This solid foundation provides good stability, efficient resource management and a relatively secure architecture by default. Added to this is a particularly polished graphical interface, designed for a smooth user experience.
One of the major strengths of macOS lies in the vertical integration of hardware and software. Apple controls the entire chain, from processor design to the smallest details of interface. The result is a generally reliable system, with few hardware bugs and optimized for performance.
However, this integration has the disadvantage of being increasingly locked into the Apple ecosystem. macOS is a partly proprietary system (with mostly closed source code) that only runs on hardwares manufactured by Apple. Users have little control over updates, advanced system configuration options or choice of hardware components. Hardware is difficult to modify or repair, and is often software-locked.
In terms of privacy, although macOS is less intrusive than Windows, it remains tied to a logic of data collection, cloud synchronization and dependence on centralized services. Most of the system's advanced functions rely on a permanent connection to the Apple ecosystem (iCloud, App Store, Siri...), which limits the user's independence.
macOS may suit users who value the performance, stability and comfort of a well-integrated system, without having to dive into the technical details. On the other hand, when it comes to digital sovereignty and control of your IT environment, it's too closed, too dependent on a single company, and not conducive to fine-tuned customization. That's why we won't discuss it further in this SCU202 course.

GNU/Linux: freedom, control and security

GNU/Linux distinguishes itself strongly from the previous two by its free and open-source model. Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux is not developed by a single company, but by a worldwide community of developers. This community model guarantees transparency, security and flexibility. Linux offers total control to its users, which allows a complete personalization of the work environment. This is particularly interesting for advanced users, developers or those who wish to perfectly master their digital environment.
Linux's main assets are its robustness, stability and high level of security. Being open source, its code can be audited by any user or organization, which greatly limits the risk of malware or backdoors. Linux is very powerful, generally consuming fewer resources than Windows, and is particularly well suitable for modest hardware configurations or intensive use such as computing, server administration or cybersecurity.
However, Linux also presents a certain complexity for beginners. The large number of Linux available distributions can be confusing for uninitiated users. Similarly, the initial handling of the system, although simplified by some distributions, may require some prior learning to master it properly, particularly in view of the regular use of the terminal (command line). And that's just what this first part of the SCU202 course is all about!

Which operating system should you choose?

Your choice will depend primarily on your needs and expectations:
  • If you're looking for simplicity, extensive hardware and software compatibility (especially for video games), as well as general-purpose use, Windows may be a good option. However, you need to be aware of its limitations in terms of performance, security and privacy;
  • If you're looking for optimal integration between your hardware and your system, a refined and user-friendly interface and relatively good security without the need for advanced configuration, and you already own or wish to adopt the Apple ecosystem, macOS is a natural fit;
  • Finally, if you're looking for security, stability and performance above all and you also want to deeply control your digital environment, while being ready to invest time in learning how to use your operating system, Linux is an excellent option, especially in a context where technical autonomy and digital sovereignty are priorities.
In the next chapters of this section on operating systems, I'll be taking you deeper into Linux, precisely because it enables this increased control over your personal digital environment.
Quiz
Quiz1/5
What's the main drawback of the macOS ecosystem?