Industrial control computers (ICCs), specifically designed for industrial control, automation management, and data acquisition, are characterized by high performance, high reliability, and good stability, and are widely used in manufacturing, power, transportation, and other industrial sectors. Compared to general-purpose computers, ICCs are more specialized, therefore the selection of their operating systems must take into account the specific needs of industrial applications.
Generally, the two most commonly used operating systems for industrial control computers (ICS) are Windows and Linux. Within the Windows ecosystem, versions like Windows XP and Windows 10 can be used as ICS operating systems for industrial PCs. However, since Microsoft has stopped updating and maintaining Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 10 are considered better choices. Windows 7 is a mature version, widely used in industry, and enjoys extensive support and services. Windows 10, on the other hand, is an advanced version with better compatibility, security, and new features. It's important to note that when choosing Windows as the operating system for an industrial PC, professional versions, such as the Windows Embedded series, should be prioritized, rather than the Windows Home or Windows Professional versions commonly used by personal users.
Unlike Windows, the Linux operating system is completely free and open source, demonstrating superior performance and stability. A significant advantage of Linux is its ability to be installed on various industrial control computer hardware platforms, meeting the needs of diverse application areas. Because Linux is open source, its source code can be modified to suit specific user requirements, resulting in greater customizability. Currently, Ubuntu, Red Hat, and SUSE are among the most widely used Linux distributions for industrial applications, and their usage is becoming increasingly prevalent.
When selecting an industrial PC operating system, specific application requirements and equipment compatibility must also be considered. Some widely used PLC programming software in industrial settings only supports Windows operating systems, necessitating the selection of a suitable Windows version. For industrial PC applications involving real-time data acquisition, high-speed signal processing, and other specialized needs, a dedicated embedded operating system is required.
For industrial PCs, choosing a suitable and widely applicable operating system is crucial. Windows and Linux are two main options, and users need to choose based on their actual needs, while also considering specific application requirements and device compatibility. Attention must also be paid to system updates and upgrades, as well as hardware configuration and device compatibility, to ensure the efficient, stable operation and optimal performance of the industrial PC.
