This week, the major consumer operating systems, namely Mac OS X, Windows and Linux, all have new versions for us to choose from and use. Mac OS X started it with Snow Leopard launched a few weeks ago. Microsoft, of course, had Windows 7 on beta since last year but launched it last week. Linux, particularly Ubuntu, will have 9.10 available for download anytime now. So, for us consumers, this is great news -- more options to choose from.

Whilst I am no Windows user, I did test Windows 7 Professional. I must say that I’m impressed with how much it has improved over the crappy Vista. Windows Vista shouldn’t have made it out of beta, imho. Anyway, whatever issues you had with Vista, Windows 7 definitely addressed it. If you are still living in the past with Windows XP, I honestly think that it is time to upgrade to Windows 7 IF you have the budget for it, of course. Unfortunately, if you are on Windows XP, there is no easy upgrade path to Windows 7 without getting a third-party utility -- so you are better off reformatting the HDD before installing Windows 7. Vista users can upgrade right away, though.

Ubuntu, as of this writing, has 9.10 Release Candidate ready for download. Unfortunately, though, the 9.10 Netbook Remix did not work on my kids’ MSI Wind, I have yet to try the full desktop version on it and see how it performs. Anyway, just like any new version, 9.10 comes with new features and optimizations. Faster boot-up time, cloud services aware, new Intel video drivers, new Linux kernel (of course!), new file system default (ext4!) and other security features, are just some of the new stuff coming with 9.10. Just like any other Ubuntu distribution versions, this comes FREE.

I have written about Mac OS X Snow Leopard already so I will not highlight it here, except perhaps to remind you that the Mac is the only platform that can legally run Mac OS X, Windows 7 and Ubuntu Linux, among others, on the same hardware.

SO what is your upgrade path like?

If you do not have the funds for a new OS (Windows 7) or a new computer (Mac), then your best option is to get Ubuntu 9.10 and keep up with the latest and greatest version available today.

If you have Windows Vista running on your computer, Windows 7 is a MUST HAVE. Dump Vista! However, if you are using Windows XP, you have other options. One option is to back-up your data and then reformat your HDD and install Windows 7. However, that means having an entirely new environment to work on. Another option is - why not go get a Mac instead? At least Snow Leopard comes with every new Mac now, so no need to pay for it separately. And if you don’t have enough funds for a new Mac, save your money and go Ubuntu! You are reformatting your HDD anyway, so why not donate your money to the Red Cross and then go Ubuntu! Get WINE if you have Windows applications that you cannot live without.

The Mac OS X, of course, provides a better user experience than any of Microsoft’s operating systems PLUS Linux reliability and stability, due to its Unix lineage. The Mac OS X is simpler to use the Linux, of course, AND it costs money as opposed to a free download.

What to look out for?

Just like any new operating systems, there are incompatibilities that come with it. Your favorite application or your peripheral might not work until the developer or manufacturer releases a new version or updates the drivers for the particular OS. Whilst it may be easier to keep backward compatibility for every new OS version, it, imho, hinders progress. What needs to be kept compatible are your data, of course. No point in keeping it hostage - the same way MS Office does with your documents.

Another thing to look out for is the time it takes doing the upgrade. You need to set aside the time to back-up your data before the upgrade. After the upgrade, you also need time to restore your data from your back-ups. Wouldn’t it be great if we all have a fast broadband connection so we can have all our data on the cloud? Maybe the Congressmen and Senators will also make it our legal right to have at least 1Mbps connection at home - just like in Finland. :)

So what are you waiting for? UPGRADE NOW!