Every few years, new operating systems are released for computers that promise new features, greater security and usability.

Mac OSX Leopard 10.5.2 and Windows Vista Service Pack One were both released in February of 2008. Linux Ubuntu released the latest version of its operating system, nicknamed Hardy Heron, in April. I tried out each of these three operating systems to see how they compared.

The first thing I looked at is the price. Windows Vista Home Premium currently retails at $129.95 on Microsoft's website, while OSX Leopard sells for $129.00 on Apple's. Ubuntu is an open-source project and is available for free download from one of many sites or mirrors. Winner Ubuntu.

Next, what sort of software is available for each system?