I’m currently using a PC running Windows, thinking about either purchasing a Mac iBook or installing Linux on this computer. These three major operating systems for consumers have different intended audience. I thought about how each OS is different in terms of learning to use it to the max. Here it is.

Microsoft Windows XP

As the most popular consumer operating system, Windows XP makes it easy for anyone to use a computer and access simple data. Its learning curve:

In the beginning, a user can grab a mouse and start clicking any file and start editting the documents they want. While Windows can do more, problems occur. When this happens, the user (sometimes) sees the blue screen of death. Unless s/he gets a tech support to fix whatever that’s broken, the computer is useless. So as time passes on, the user doesn’t learn much about the real deal with Windows. After the user has been frustrated with the errors for a couple of months or years, the will of wanting to fix the problems grows. Then comes all the DOS, Network, and Registry stuff that the user has to learn about before knowing that s/he is being brainwashed by Microsoft by using MSN Messenger, Internet Explorer, and all that other default applications that come pre-installed with Windows.

When a user gets to this level of realization, the thought of alternative applications and even operating systems come into place.

Apple Macintosh

Even though I don’t own a Mac, I’ve had experience with them, as well as other Apple products (iTunes). The learning curve of apple products:

Apple claims Mac OS X as the “most advanced operating system in the world.” It attracts users with its slick interface and jelly-like buttons. Macs are powerful to the extent that many things don’t need to be customized to work, thus giving users a easy step up. However, since most of us are brainwashed by Windows, new Mac users aren’t familiar with its style and usage. Therefore, they once again learn about a whole new world of OS. The result is that the average Mac user is very familiar with the OS.

However, after a while, they realize that something isn’t right. They find that Macs can’t do some things, either limited by the fact that Macs are unsupported by some programs or Macs simply can’t be that compatible. Users once again try to learn, but fail because really, there is not much to learn anymore. That hump in the middle of the learning curve indicates this pro-wanna-be behaviour. Macs are too enclosed. After that, disappointed and discouraged users don’t see much improvement in their favourite OS and don’t learn much either.

Linux

Day to day people (non technical people) haven’t even heard about Linux or Unix. Once the frustration of using a crappy computer forces them to look for reliable alternatives, they come to Linux. At this point, the user’s computer knowledge is up to the point that s/he knows about Open Source and the popular trends on the Internet (ie. blogging). The Linux learning curve:

It requires a lot to start with a *nix system. Knowing the kernal and core applications takes time. Just installing Linux on a PC will teach the user a lot about the system. The user will learn about how a computer works — hardware and software. S/he sees code, programming languages, packages, and compilers. By then, the word geek comes naturally when applied to the user.