Operating Systems for the Ministry

In the modern computing world, there are basically three options when it comes to operating systems. The vast majority of people use Microsoft Windows by default, simply because that's what Best Buy or Wal-Mart had when they went to buy a computer, or that's what came with the computer that so-and-so gave them. It's unwise to be picky when someone gives you something, but when it's time to pick out and buy your own computer, you have to make the decision for yourself, and it helps to be educated on the topic.

Linux

The least-known of computer operating systems, Linux is a light-hitter when it comes to consumer computing. However, it also happens to be the only mainstream operating system that's completely free. (we Baptist like the word "free") Linux is also very sparing on resources, so you can run some distribution of Linux on almost anything that will boot up.

Linux is "Open Source," meaning that the entire program and its source code are freely available to anyone to use, modify and share as they please. Linux comes in many different flavors, from Red Hat to Ubuntu to Debian and others. Ubuntu is the most popular distribution of Linux currently.

The things that Linux lacks currently are software and hardware support. There are many different programs available for Linux, but sometimes the available options aren't what people in the Ministry want. If you simply want a machine that can get on the internet, send and receive email, type prayer letters and map your trips, then Linux is probably all you'd need. However, if you want to get into more complex things, such as presentation and design, Linux is likely not the system for you. Supporting some hardware is also an issue, as drivers for different equipment have to be developed and released by unpaid members of the community. It's also a somewhat more complex process to install those drivers that are already available as well.

Windows

Microsoft Windows is the most ubiquitous operating system on the market at this time. Windows runs on almost any computer platform, and there are thousands of pieces of software for the pastor or missionary to choose from. From many Open Source applications to commercially-released software, Windows users can rely on being able to find an application that will let them accomplish what they need to do.

Microsoft Office is an expensive though full-featured set of applications that will let you design flyers and prayer cards, publish letters and documents, create complex databases, build spreadsheets and organize a multimedia presentation. Microsoft Office is available for Windows, and can be pre-installed on some machines for a discount. Open Office (openoffice.org) is a free alternative to Microsoft Office; it allows you to import and edit almost every file type that Office uses, but at no cost to you.

Most external hardware is designed for Windows, from printers and scanners to projectors and displays. Simply connecting to the internet to download the drivers, or installing the drivers with the included CD will get your system up and running with your new peripheral.

However, there are drawbacks to a Windows system. Windows is susceptible to thousands of viruses and spyware, so without an often costly anti-virus software, your computer is at risk. Windows also has a tendency to become slow and unstable after long use; frequent restarts are a normal occurence. Microsoft's latest version of Windows, Vista, has been touted the worst Operating System in years, based on stability, hardware recognition and conflicts, user response and outrageous resource use. Windows has addressed many of these problems with a Service Pack update, but many users still complain about Vista.

Mac OS X

In the past, Apple computers have been viewed as nerd machines, or only for professionals. Many people still think that Apple computers (Macs) aren't suitable for the general consumer. However, in the last 8-10 years, Apple has opened up the Mac to much development by building an OS on an Open Source foundation and supporting adn integrating Open Standards in their systems and applications. Apple's Operating System, known as Mac OS X (pronounced "oh-ehs ten") is widely regarded as being the most stable commercial OS in existence. To date, no viruses exist for OS X, and the OS is built on a rock-solid UNIX core (developed by computer hackers) for optimum stability and security.

Mac OS X was designed for a multi-user environment, and allows limitless control over accounts and access options. OS X comes with support for thousands of peripherals built right in, so many things that would require a lengthy install on a Windows system are Plug-and-Play on a Mac. Mac computers have advanced options for networking and internet sharing, including two built-in firewalls for ultimate security.

There are thousands of apps available for OS X, one being Apple's own iWork suite that has a word processor and page layout app, a world-class presentation application and a spreadsheet program. Every Mac comes with iLife, Apple's award-winning group of applications including GarageBand (useful for recording audio including music and sermons), iPhoto (simple yet feature-packed photo cataloging app), iMovie (allows you to record and edit professional-looking videos), iWeb (design and upload easy web sites), and iDVD (create beautiful DVD menus). Other apps are available, as Apple enthusiasts have developed thousands of applications for Mac OS X over the years. Microsoft Office is even available for Mac, if you prefer to use that.

Overall, Apple computers have the lowest cost of ownership, while Windows computers are more prevalent, and Linux systems are the low-cost option. Being an Apple user myself, I could never advise anyone to buy anything other than a Mac, but your ministry is your ministry, and you must make that decision for yourself.