Ask HN: Which is better–macOS/Windows/Linux?

From an open-source perspective, many would say that Linux is the best. I also agree that Linux is the right answer for servers in most cases. However, rather than being a single unified system, there are likely many branches and distributions, starting with Ubuntu.

However, from an industrial software perspective, the story changes. In a field intertwined with PLCs, vision equipment, barcode scanners, serial communication, and MES, there is simply no realistic alternative to Windows.

The reason Windows is so dominant in the industrial sector isn't that it's a real-time OS; rather, it's because it handles the layers outside of real-time control—HMI, integration, logging, and operations—in the most practical way.

Gaming is quite similar. Taking both the development and runtime environments into account, Windows is by far the most realistic option. When you factor in the user base, GPU drivers, engine support, debugging, distribution, and peripherals, it is hard to even have a conversation without mentioning Windows.

Conversely, by my standards, macOS borders on being the worst development platform. In the past, it was particularly good because front-end development was aligned with Safari on Mac, but I rejoiced when WSL2 support improved, meaning I no longer had to use a Mac. Especially when targeting Apple platforms, Xcode and the Apple toolchain are virtually forced upon you. It isn't open in the slightest, and it aggressively tries to lock developers inside its own ecosystem. Of course, if you want to run local AI, there are practically few choices other than macOS. However, since I personally don't run local AI, I just prefer Windows. It supports WSL2, and gaming works great. A Mac just doesn't provide a very pleasant gaming experience.

I love windows

Probably Linux. It's immensely flexible, you can do whatever you want, and mostly without monetary cost. The Linux-using population is very creative. There's a HN link right now in /newest about Microsoft "bringing a Linux-style window trick to Windows", indicating that even Microsoft looks at the Linux users for inspiration.

Better at what?

Microsoft's software better at spying on you, but Apple's software is better at not letting you do what you want to do.

Question as posed is unanswerable. There is no "best" in general. There are only horses for courses.

Not bothered by tech crap drama head scratchers not using Windows/Linux.

Macs are great for watching cartoons, etc.. But for any serious work, you'll want a real computer.