3 Reasons Why EVERY OS Fails as an OS

3 Reasons Why EVERY OS Fails as an OS

I recently read a post regarding Windows’ failings as an operating system and decided to call out some issues with every OS in the same format. I’m only going to focus on the three biggies: Windows, OSX, and Linux.Moreover, I’m going to focus Linux on the distros with the most market share. Given the top two share a common base, I’m gonna stick with Ubuntu. 1)      Recognition of Files

a.       Windows recognizes files by extension. Things have to be named correctly or it’s going to get very confused.

b.       Linux and OSX also recognize files by extension. If you double click on a .dmg or a .deb file in OSX or Linux, respectively, and it’s a text file, the OS is gonna get confused and drop an error.

c.       If you’re writing applications, you should do pretty to call any file with any extension as long as the application knows to render the file properly.

2)      Single Point of Failure

a.       The Registry is Window’s biggest flaw. If it corrupts, the whole OS is going down.

b.       Linux has many of its config files in a single place (/etc, sometimes /proc). If either of those folders have any sort of corruption, the OS can fail pretty quickly.

c.       OSX has the properties lists. They do a better job of separating everything into different places, but if something breaks, good luck finding what you need.

 3)      The OS is Spyware

a.       Windows 10 has some pretty controversial things in its EULA. It can look at your keystrokes and it can look at your files. It’s kind of terrifying.

b.       Linux has its own very similar demons to Windows:

i.      Ubuntu “may also send your keystrokes as a search term…” to Ubuntu servers, and selected third parties to help your search be successful. If you use their dash search.

ii.      Error reports can also contain personal information.

iii.      Some of these have opt-outs, others don’t.

c.       OSX’s EULA has its own terrifying section:

i.      Section 2 sub P states that “By using the Apple Software, you agree that Apple may download and install automatic updates onto your computer and your peripheral devices.” Essentially, Apple controls your updates, and could theoretically brick peripherals it doesn’t like. You don’t control any of that. (Sound familiar?).

ii.      Sections 4 and 5 essentially cover all of the ways Apple can access and manipulate your data. And, that you agree when using some services, your data is sent to Apple. (Don’t forget that using many of these also requires you to agree to the AppleID License agreement, which is a whole other beast).

 The long and short of it is that no OS is perfect and you should always read EULAs. It’s just the way the world is. Keep an eye on what’s going on around you, pay attention to what you agree to and be careful how you use your tech. That’s really what matters. 

Oh yea, Have a pleasant day.