What is the Most Popular Operating System?
An Operating system serves as one of the basic backbones of any computer device and smartphone. They are responsible for controlling the way hardware and software communicate with each other. Additionally, they are helping the systems to execute the tasks properly and also initiate stringent measures to improve the computability of the system. But what is the most popular operating system in the modern world? In this blog, we are going to answer this question for you and your system.
Table of contents
What is an Operating System, and What is it Used for?
An operating system is a system that is specifically installed to manage software and hardware resources. They are also known to help manage other parts of the computer and make them work in tandem with the needs of a user. It also acts as an intermediary between software and hardware components. They help in:
- Memory management of devices
- File system management
- Controlling all the device drivers properly, etc.
They also serve as an essential component in doing the following:
- Managing hardware resources as the OS ensures that memory and disk space are efficiently allocated for separate functions.
- Most of the operating systems have a GUI or a Graphical User Interface that allows easy interaction of files and the applications.
- The OS is also taken as the cornerstone element in launching many applications or engaging in smooth management of space.
Top Operating Systems
The usual debate over what the most popular OS is already occurring, and it is essential to note that there are a handful of such systems. We will discuss all the major operating systems in the market in this section of the content.
Microsoft Windows
If you ask what the most common desktop operating system is, then the answer is pretty straightforward: Microsoft Windows. With the popular releases from this operating system, it is easily one of the top contenders, and it takes the top position.
Windows is primarily known for its compatibility with any of the systems and also presents a vast array of software and hardware. Ultimately, it serves as one of the crucial and most effective ways for computers, corporate systems, and gaming systems to use the application.
Windows and its widespread features make it one of the most important and easy-to-use interfaces and provide a network of robust security features for people. Thus, for anyone asking what is the most popular OS in homes and as well as offices, the answer simply comes as Windows.
LINUX
LINUX is quite popular for its reputation as the second most used operating system (OS) for a variety of applications.
LINUX is very important in the genre of server development, cloud computing, and cloud development. LINUX is kept as an open-source system, and thus, it is mainly used for many businesses in diverse forms as per their needs.
Although for personal computers, you will not find that many people are comfortable using LINUX, it is mostly a favorite among software developers and organizations seeking flexibility in the process. Many users have also reported that LINUX provides a higher security measure for users and helps with proper software development.
LINUX Distributive
Different versions of LINUX are available for software enthusiasts to use. Some of the popular forms of LINUX that are common among most of the users are as follows:
Ubuntu
This is one of the most popular LINUX distributions, and it is known for its simplicity of usage. It offers a very clean and intuitive interface for the developers and provides frequent updates. With such frequent and strong software updates, this is one of the popular answers to the question of what a popular operating system in the LINUX domain is.
LINUX Mint
LINUX Mint is popular due to its lightweight features along with a clean desktop environment and good use of home or office customizations available. This is just a great UI at a competitive price point and good for any kind of user. If you are trying to find an answer regarding what is the most popular OS, then this is one of the best ones.
Debian
Debian is one of the top-featured and oldest stable LINUX distributions that you can utilize. It is the foundation for many other distributives as well, for example, Ubuntu. Debian is quite popular in the software world due to its reputation for being one of the best servers, providing enhanced stability to tech-savvy users, and meeting their heavy or lighter system needs.
Fedora
Fedora is one of the popular LINUX distributions, and it is known for its cutting-edge technology and features. The system is capable of provisioning testing grounds for features that usually make the system one of the best. Fedora serves as a great user interface for UI developers and software testers who like the newest technology upgrades and are comfortable with advanced customizations.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is not unlike any of the LINUX distributives. However, this was specially developed by Google and built on a LINUX kernel. It serves to run applications that are widely used for educational environments. Apart from that, you can opt for its simplicity, affordability, and integration with Google's suite of applications. When you are discussing what is the most popular OS for schools and universities, Chrome OS is one of the major contenders.
macOS (Macintosh)
Apple developed macOS and it serves as one of the major contenders for its premium feel and is favored for creative illustrations. Although this is not the perfect OS to be nominated for, one with the largest market share, it has some involvement with its OS. The primary feature that is helpful for Apple Fans is its enhanced security and data processing speeds, which are significantly higher even after running multiple applications at once.
iOS
The quest for what is the most popular operating system in the world does not end without ever mentioning the name for iOS. It serves as one of the most important in its class and is primarily responsible for most of the OS utilization for Apple Phones and tabs. iOS is dominant in the Apple world if you are coming out of devices like laptops and smart computers.
Android
Developed by Google, Android serves as one of the popular suitors, and it is the most common OS in smart TVs and phones. With more than 60% of the market share for phones and their operating system, it serves as a popular choice for users to use. Many phone developers like Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi use the Android platform for their devices.
Operating Systems Market Share
If you are trying to find an answer to the question of what is the dominant OS in the operating system market, the most obvious answer to date is Microsoft Windows. For smartphones and other similar devices, it is seen that Android is the most used user interface service provider for people.
In workspaces, Windows keeps a huge offer, with macOS limping along and Linux making up a more appropriate OS. However, in critical pieces, especially in server conditions, we can see that LINUX is the best OS we have to date. If we were to talk about versatility, Android environments are the most appropriate for phones, with iOS holding a significant piece of the niche market.
Desktop and Mobile Share
For more than 75% of the desktop users' software OS, we can see that Windows is the most used, and it is helpful for the users as well. However, if you are trying to get a contender for mobile phones, then over 71% of the market is already stagnant with Android.
Thus, we can easily point out that Windows continues to be one of the top contenders for OS manufacturers. For mobile OS, Android is always going to be at the top unless something better approaches the market.
This will be the formal answer to what is the most popular operating system in the world. However, please note that this is just a consideration from our end as people may also seek other software suits and tools, and it entirely depends on the needs and the work that is being done with the tool.
A Short Conclusion
Overall, we can suggest that what is the most popular operating system depends on the context of the users. If they need an easy-to-use and friendly piece of OS, then Windows is the most important contender.
However, for software development, LINUX is one of the top pinafores, and in the case of mobile devices, we can vouch for the Android system. However, that does not mean iOS is not used; it is popular for everyday use in the niche market as well.
Article FAQ
- Is Windows 10 the most popular operating system?
- Windows 10 is the most popular for desktops, personal computers, and even businesses.
- What is the most popular operating system on mobile?
- With more than 61% of the market, the Android operating system is considered one of the top OS for mobile devices due to its simplicity. Additionally, they are pretty cost-effective.
- What is the best OS right now?
- If you are looking for the best OS right now, then the obvious answer to the question is Windows for desktops. Additionally, in the case of mobile phones, as we have seen, the market is filled with the Android OS, and it runs seamlessly. However, that does not undermine the use of iOS in many of its uses as it serves niche customers.