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Desktop Operating Systems

Multi-OS options like dual booting and virtualization software have made it easier than ever to use whichever OS is best suited to the task you need to perform. Here's our take on the strengths and weaknesses of the major contenders.

Scott Spanbauer, PC World

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Windows XP PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated:

Windows XP

Interface: Good, Security: Fair, Software: Excellent, Hardware price/performance: Excellent, Virtualization: Good, Overall: Very Good,

Bottom Line: By now, you know it and you either love it or hate it. If you're okay with XP, there's no pressing need for you to switch.

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Windows Vista PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated:

Windows Vista

Interface: Very Good, Security: Good, Software: Very Good, Hardware price/performance: Fair, Virtualization: Good, Overall: Good,

Bottom Line: Get it if you're buying a new PC; XP users, though, have few urgent reasons to upgrade.

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Mac OS X PCW Rating: 91.0PCW Rating: 91.0PCW Rating: 91.0

Last Rated: April 01, 2007

Mac OS X

Interface: Excellent, Security: Very Good, Software: Very Good, Hardware price/performance: Good, Virtualization: Excellent, Overall: Excellent,

Bottom Line: If Apple's hardware fits your price range, you'll get a nicely designed machine running a beautiful OS, plus you'll be able to switch to any other environment at the drop of a hat.

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Linux PCW Rating: PCW Rating: PCW Rating:

Last Rated:

Linux

Interface: Good, Security: Very Good, Software: Very Good, Hardware price/performance: Very Good, Virtualization: Very Good, Overall: Very Good,

Bottom Line: If you're tired of fighting Windows malware and viruses, it's simple to find out whether Linux will meet your needs--just grab a bootable CD and give it a shot.

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