Root with no password

Apple made the news today, and not in a good way. It seems that their latest version of macOS, "High Sierra", allows anyone to sit at a machine and gain access to administrative functions (guarded by a name-and-password dialog) and enter the name "root" and a password of ... nothing.

This behavior in macOS is not desired, and this "bug" is severe. (Perhaps the most severe defect I have seen in the industry -- and I started prior to Windows and MS-DOS, with CP/M and other operating systems.) But my point here is not to bash Apple.

My point is this: The three major operating systems for desktop and laptop computers (Windows, macOS, and Linux) are all very good, and none are perfect.

Decades ago, Apple had superior reliability and immunity from malware. That immunity was due in part to the design of macOS and in part to Apple's small market share. (Microsoft Windows was a more tempting target.) Those conditions have changed. Microsoft has improved Windows. Malware now targets macOS in addition to Windows. (And some targets Linux.)

Each of Windows, macOS, and Linux have strengths, and each have areas of improvement. Microsoft Windows has excellent support, good office tools, and good development tools. Apple's macOS has a (slightly) better user interface but a shorter expected lifespan. (Apple retires old hardware and software more quickly than Microsoft.) Linux is reliable, has lots of support, and many tools are available for free; you have more work configuring it and you must become (or hire) a system administrator.

If you choose your operating system based on the idea that it is better than the others, that it is superior to the other choices, then you are making a mistake -- possibly larger than Apple's goof. Which is best for you depends on the tasks you intend to perform.

So think before you choose. Understand the differences. Understand your use cases. Don't simply pick Microsoft because the competition is using it. Don't pick Apple because the screen looks "cool". Don't pick Linux because you want to be a rebel.

Instead, pick Microsoft when the tools for Windows are a good match for your team and your plans. Or pick macOS because you're working on iPhone apps. Or pick Linux because your team has experience with Linux and your product or service will run on Linux and serve your customers.

Think before you choose.