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Chapter 3

Choose Your Operating System

Choose Your Operating System

There are three main operating systems with Apple iOS, Android and Windows vying for your consideration. While many people decide to go with what they know, you should weigh all the options to see if you should consider a change.

Operating Systems

Apple iOS
Apple iOS
Android
Android
Windows
Windows

Apple iOS

iPad, iPad mini


iOS 8 is the latest operating system powering Apple iPad mini and iPad Air tablets.

  • Simple and easy to use, it syncs iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite devices for a seamless user experience. You can answer a phone call from your iPhone on your iPad, or start typing an email on your laptop and continue on your iPad.
  • If you’re comfortable using an iPhone, you’ll be comfortable using an iPad tablet. Your user experience will be very familiar and smooth, though the simplicity means less customization is possible.
  • iOS 8 offers a vast selection of tablet apps and you’ll be able to use iCloud and Touch ID in ways you never have before.
  • Choose from a variety of tablet sizes, screen types, storage capacities, and connectivity options to fit your needs and budget.
  • It's linked to the Apple App Store with their huge selection of apps for the iPad, plus you’ll be able to access an extensive selection of music, TV shows and movies through iTunes.
Apple iOS
Apple iOS
Android
Windows
Windows

Android

Samsung Galaxy, Google Nexus, Amazon Kindle


The Android operating system is available on tablets from several manufacturers including Acer®, Amazon®, Google®, Samsung® and many others.

  • Google’s Android mobile OS features maximum configurability, a premium notification system, plus fast and smooth Web browsing.
  • There is seamless integration with Google applications like Gmail, Google Maps and Google Hangouts for video chat. Android includes support for multiple user logins so you can share your tablet with a friend or family member.
  • From icons to sounds, fonts to themes, your customization options are almost endless.
  • Android also excels in its ability to watch online videos (Apple iOS systems do not support Adobe Flash which is required for most online videos and games).
  • Use the Google Play store to access a ton of tablet-enabled apps plus a good selection of your favorite music, books, magazines, movies and TV shows.
Apple iOS
Apple iOS
Android
Android
Windows

Windows

Microsoft Surface


Windows 8.1 comes close to offering a traditional computing experience with full support for all your Windows software.

  • When you purchase a Windows 8.1 tablet you can run the full version of Microsoft Office so you can access and edit Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and more. You can also run all of your standard Windows-compatible programs.
  • Also, connectivity options and hardware add-ons for Windows tablets are typically more plentiful than with other tablet types.
  • The Windows Store offers a wide variety of apps, games, videos, movies, music, books and popular Windows programs.

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Apps for Your Tablet

NEXT: Chapter 4