I have written this from the perspective of a security system integrator or advanced DIY user. If you are building a surveillance system, the two most popular "brains" for your operation are Blue Iris (software running on a Windows PC) and a Hikvision NVR (a dedicated, embedded Linux box). Both can record Hikvision (and ONVIF) cameras, but they operate very differently.
If you value power , buy Blue Iris. If you value sleep , buy the Hikvision NVR.