OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)

   

The operating system controls the hardware of the laptop, and allows other softwares to communicate with the hardware
It manages all software and hardware,including files,memory and connected devices.
It lets you interact with your laptop and your programs in the simplest possible way.

Some tips - Laptop with pre-installed Windows may require MS Office to be installed separately.
Laptops with preinstalled Microsoft Office usually carry the Microsoft Office Home & Student version, which contains only Powerpoint, Excel, Word and OneNote. if you are looking for other office productivity software such as email systems or project management systems you may have to purchase them separately.

Usages -It is the most commonly used Operating System. However, all Laptops may not come with preinstalled Windows.
A DOS laptops will need separate purchase and installation of Windows.

Compatible software - Any software to be installed on the machine needs to be compatible with its Operating System.
Most common software are Windows compatible.

Preinstalled Software - Trial versions of a few software are preinstalled. Not all Windows laptops come with MS Office full version preinstalled.
Laptops with preinstalled full MS office versions will be called out separately by the manufacture.

Usage -All Apple Laptops are preinstalled with Mac OS.
The Software and hardware on MacBooks are designed by Apple to work in sync,providing a smooth performance.

Compatible software -Any software to be installed on the machine need to be compatible with Mac OS.

Preinstalled SoftwareApple's own software like Pages and keynote are preinstalled. MS Office to be purchased separately.

Usage -Works on Chromebooks. While there are a few offline apps. high quality internet is required to work effectively as it is primarily cloud-based.

Compatible Software -Any software to be installed needs to be compatible with Chrome OS.

Preinstalled Software -Limited software loaded with others available as apps from Google Play store. It has Google's built-in virus and malware protection.

Usage - It is open source operating system commonly used by programmers. However,it is not as intuitive as windows and not advised for most normal users.

Compatible Software -Any software to be installed on the machine needs to be compatible with the Linux distribution. COmpatible software options are usually more limited than for Windows.

Preinstalled Software -May vary by Linux distribution. Easily downloadable open-source software such as VLC.LibreOffice.Mozilla Firefox is available on the Internet.

Usage -Most basic OS. However no other software will operate on the device. The user needs to install Windows or Linux as per her needs.

Compatible Software -No compatible softwares available - needs to have Windows/Linux Installed first.

Some tips -
1. If you are planning on exclusive using windows 10.it is often better to buy a laptop with pre-installed Windows. A standalone Windows license often costs more than the difference in price of a laptop with and without Windows.
2. If you plan to buy a Linux/DOS based machine and later install Windows, make sure tou contact a professional or download the correct drivers only from the manufacturer's website.
3.If you plan to use your laptop for a small business or other professional usage,it might be worthwhile to consider a device with Winodws 10 Pro, which has more advanced security features.However, laptops with Windows 10 pro are usually significantly more expensive.
4. Windows does not mean office. A laptop with preinstalled Windows operating system will still require Microdoft Office installation unless called out explicitly.