2.5 Selection and acquisition of operating systems

The selection and acquisition of an operating system (OS) for a computer or computing environment is a critical decision that should be based on the specific needs, hardware, and software requirements of the users or organization.

Factors to consider when choosing an operating system;
1. Compatibility with hardware: Ensure that the selected OS is compatible with the hardware you have. Consider processor architecture, memory requirements, storage space, and peripheral device support.

2. Software compatibility: Evaluate the compatibility of the OS with the software applications you intend to run. Ensure that essential software is available for the chosen OS or that there are suitable alternatives.
3. User requirements: Consider the needs and preferences of the end-users. The chosen OS should provide a user-friendly interface and features that support their tasks and workflows.
4. Security features: Assess the security features of the OS. Look for built-in security mechanisms, access controls, encryption options, and the OS’s track record in terms of security updates and vulnerabilities.
5. Licensing and costs: Review the licensing model and associated costs of the OS. Determine whether the OS is open source, proprietary, or freeware and consider your budget and licensing requirements.
6. Support and maintenance: Investigate the availability of support and maintenance services. Check whether the OS vendor or community provides regular updates, security patches, and technical support.
7. Scalability: Consider the scalability of the OS. Will it accommodate future growth and expansion of your computing environment, or will you need to migrate to a different OS as your needs evolve?