How do you handle multiple OPERATING SYSTEMS?

Question

Several years ago, my company delivered a computer system to a customer that consists of Linux servers and Windows 7 workstations that we still have to maintain. My company laptop just got updated to Windows 11 and my personal laptop is running Windows 10. My phone and tablet are Android, while some of my relatives run Apple IOS on their iPhone or iPad (and they sometimes ask me for help in how to do something).

It's a struggle to keep it clear how to use each operating system, since there are many key differences. The user interfaces are different, and it's especially difficult when troubleshooting and/or updates are needed.

Do you have to deal with multiple operating systems? If so, how do you handle them all?

Constatine · Accepted Answer

i have little knowledge of computers only how to work with them.

Yes. I have an apple with mac os ( naturally ) but on there is also a sandbox type of environment which runs windows. So it is windows running on mac. { no a dual boot thingy } because i need to be able to switch between the two instantly. Sometimes they all run together at the same time.

Mac software on screen 1 , the sandbox which runs windows which runs a modeling program. Runs on screen 2 and the 3 screen is dual monitor for the win or mac software. You need a heavy machine but i can't work with multiple computers on my desk.

Why : Because there are still software programmers / manufactures who will provide software for just only one type. ( mac / windows ) .

And al the software is needed.

For the handling part: i have a kind of personal IT person on standby. If something breaks, need an update or something is wrong I call Her even if it is in the middle of the night.. she uses a remote hotline from computer to computer to fix things 😁 because i can't...

bolverk · Accepted Answer

I only use WIN7 Pro on my PC & Laptop, and Android on my phone & tablets, I cannot be bothered to 'update' to WIN 10/11 as there is too much bloatwear and telemetry on, them along with a whole new GUI on both I cannot understand why Microsoft seem to think that 'new' is better when older customers just have WIN 10/11uninstalled and a copy of an earlier WIN OS they like and understand.
And Android on my phone & tablets because it gives me 80%+ of the capabilities of Apple IOS without the horrendous cost of Apple hardwear.
Also PC/Laptop hardwear is easier to work on than Apple hardwear as Apple insist in solder just about every damn thing to the motherboard.

I’ve used other OS and found the easiest to keep it clear how to use each operating system, is to build a ‘Cheat Sheet’ of the key differences, how the user interfaces are different, especially when troubleshooting/updates are needed, all you need are a set of ‘Paper Brains’ that can give your memory a jog, as sometimes that’s all you need.

Nikki1989 · Accepted Answer

There are workarounds. I still have a laptop running Windows 7 without any real issues.

NamerOfStars · Answer

Poorly. Most new programs don't support Windows 7 any more, and increasingly it's going from "not officially supported, but still works" to "totally nonfunctional". Since it'll be a cold day in Hell before I put Windows 10 on a computer of mine (I thought that whole "Windows is a service" bluescreen message was a joke, up until I saw it on a monitor in a store), it was time to switch to Linux- and boy, the people who did that years or even decades ago were DETERMINED people, if all these years of struggling for compatibility has produced so little.

Going from a system I was using before I learned to read to something entirely new has been very bumpy, to say the least.

_no_one_ · Answer

I personally use "Barrier" on a local network with all my devices connected to it. For mobiles i either use "Your phone" for photos msgs and stuff or a "VNC server" to keep my workstation have a centralized control.

And to actually switch OS i keep a cheatsheet for keybinds or i use any personalized keybinds app to configure it to my preferences just like a video game but with time i feel no problem switch between ecosystems at all. it just takes a couple weeks to get a habit.

Blueeyes81 · Answer

I run machinery each with a different operating system. I have to deal with 16 different ones. It was a struggle for the first couple of years and is the major reason why my job has a high turn over rate. The learning curve and the stress of constant troubleshooting that needs to be done asap drives most to quit. Add a manager breathing down your neck (who knows 0 of the operating sytems) asking what the hold up is and you ger a lot of stessed out employees. I have machines that are 40 years old whose interface is controlled with a keypad (think of a pay phone) to brand new straight from Germany. (We received zero training on the operating system. Just had to figure it out on the fly). It sucks but it definitely takes a different breed to be able to switch between interfaces and do so compentely. How do I handle it, I cuss a lot. Lol

lightbulb27 · Answer

I used to do and have that scenario, it's even worse today... which makes me thankful I'm stairing at grass growing.

Just do the basic of what you need to do on each system and get that to work well.

If you have to have software work on all of them, then you have to test for each platform. feel free to sunset versions that you cannot support.

going to have to write a lot of checks to make it all work, learn to say no, etc...

exitseven · Answer

I have to deal with this all the time. It is like anything else, it takes time to get to know how each OS works. Oddly enough I can use an iPad okay but an iPhone gives me trouble. Maybe because my cell phone uses Android.

Open the settings Apps on there devices and get used to the functionality. Google anything you do not understand. There is plenty of info on the web.

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

Most desktop operating systems have very similar functionality, same goes for most mobile device operating systems.

I've found that each one does something the others can't, or does it better or safer than the others, but some of those niches are just not useful to me, and its left me with just the simpler ones to deal with.

Because of this, I no longer have to learn new operating systems anymore, and all the ones I'm used to I know well enough to do any task I want.

zagor · Answer

Yes, I've worked with product development and customer support for Windows, Linux and Unix. Mac's are now Linux-based which makes that easier.

You just need to keep straight what you are working on, and take advantage of the tools available.

minaed · Answer

Sometime handling mltiple OS s is a headacher; but once you get the basics ; you will see them all have the same idea; you just have to be flexaible.
and of course the internet and Google is a friend on call for you :)
I'm an IT Engineer, and one way or another i have to deal with them to fix my employees issues.

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

Like This!

DryGermanGuy · Answer

Heterogenous hardware/software environments are rather the norm in larger corporations, I would say. 🤷‍♂️

OfMiceandMen · Answer

You just get used to them after awhile. Things update on their own when they can, so it's no big deal.

Sublime45 · Answer

My household is a Linux house. Stopped using windows after xp came out. I also use Linux for working with IT stuff..

msc545 · Answer

I can manage Windows (10 and 11), Linux, Android, and Unix (Don't ask), I never ever will touch an Apple device so their junky OS's are not an issue thank God.

LiamJHayden · Answer

I do, but I am immersed in them (Ubuntu, MacOS, Windows) daily so to me it is second nature.

MaxUsefull · Answer

Why? Why multiple os?

rigmarole · Answer

GRUB

How do you handle multiple OPERATING SYSTEMS?

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