Operating Systems

Operating system (OS): Arguably the biggest decision you have to make about your new device is what operating system it will run on. For traditional computers, your main choice will be between Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS, though Google’s Chrome OS is gaining traction in the marketplace and, for the technically savvy, so is Linux. If you find a tablet fits your needs, your big options are Android, Windows or iOS.

The main difference between the operating systems is style, but feelings can run strongly for each choice. Spend some time talking to friends and others, read online information and compare features and costs, but what will be probably most helpful is to go to a store and try them out for yourself to see what feels most natural to you. The other important factor in choosing an operating system is which programs or apps you are already using or plan to use as not all operating systems support all apps and programs.

But if you’re having problems with your computer, you may need to repair an existing installation of Windows. Keep in mind, though, that Startup Repair can’t correct hardware failures, such as a failing hard disk drive that corrupts files, or completely remove a virus.