Best Operating Systems for Graphic Designers

Iconic image of graphic design.
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Graphic designers know that one thing is constant in their world – technology is always changing. With advances in the technological field, there seems to be bigger, better, and faster ways to do just about anything in a person’s daily life. Graphic design is no exception. If you are a graphic designer, then you may be wondering what operating system is best for your work. Here are some options.

Macs

Most graphic designers will tell you that they prefer to work on a Mac. Most design firms use Macs exclusively as their operating system, as developers originally created all the major illustration and graphic design software packages for Mac systems. Many people find a Mac computer easy to use, set up, and maintain. One major benefit of this operating system is that viruses do not target it as often as other systems, so you don’t have to worry about antivirus software like you might if you were on another operating system.

Windows PC

Long-time graphic designers might scoff at this idea, but a Windows PC can actually do some great graphic design work. You can install and operate all the major design software programs, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, on a Windows machine. Since the 2000 version of Windows, the company’s PCs have offered more stable systems, which might help a graphic designer view a Windows PC as an acceptable choice.

Linux

Here’s an operating system that many graphic designers often forget about. Linux can actually be a very user-friendly system, I know many people who are studying through online colleges are using Linux as their operating system. The technology of open source software continues to advance by the day and has actually allowed graphic designers to use a Linux operating system. There are some great open source graphics applications that make the job easier, including vector drawing programs and photo manipulators.

If you’re looking for a new operating system for your next graphic design project, keep the suggestions here in mind.