So you’ve looked at the options and decided it’s time to go ahead and switch operating systems. The linked post gives you all of the nuts and bolts explaining the benefits of one OS over another. Yet despite all of the raw info, there is still the main decision as to whether or not it’s worth going ahead with a change or sticking with what you know. To address this conundrum, I think it’s a good plan to really look at what you’re using the computer for in the first place. I mean if you spend your day using a lot of Microsoft products, work with a Microsoft shop (a company that uses a lot of MS programs), then clearly switching a way from the Windows OS might be overkill.

Examine your needs

Taking stock of what you need is fairly important. Try the following to  help you make the best decision possible when looking whether or not it’s worth it to switch your operating system.

1) Does the new OS you’re looking into support the tasks you need your computer for?

2) If the native applications you’re used to are unavailable, are there readily available alternatives that you feel comfortable in using? Have you tested these apps out?

3) Do you feel comfortable stepping outside of your norm, into something completely new? How about when this is something you have to use everyday?

If you can answer yes to most of this, you might be in a good place to try a new operating system. And assuming the operating system you’re looking into meets the criteria above, you could be in a good shape.

cc licensed ( BY SD ) flickr photo shared by Titanas

Do you need to switch in the first place?

I’m all for people trying new things, but sometimes switching to a new operating system is done in haste. I say this as I watch a lot of people get angry at Windows, shake their fists at it and promise to try OS X or Linux instead. After reviewing the fact that they’re already using a new computer, buying yet another one to run OS X seems a bit silly. So these folks try Linux. Because they’re using Linux for the wrong reasons, they gripe and complain that exe files aren’t working with it and Linux “sucks” because it doesn’t work like Windows does.

The above is an example of a person who should have just take a break, calmed down, then really taken stock in the fact that their current operating system is what they actually want. Switching operating systems based on emotion is a big no-no. My advice is this. If it’s not broken, why fix it? All operating systems offer up instances of irritation. And truth be told, it’s rare that switching is going to really make things better.

The best time to switch is when you’re wanting to take on a new challenge. This means you understand that this isn’t going to be an easy, no hassle experience as learning anything new takes time and patience.