The Operating System is the interface between user and hardware and so runs the applications on the computer. The OS is also co-ordinates and manages the processes that the computer needs to do along with the resources that need sharing. There are 3 main OS’s and they all offer a varied number of functions and features, these are listed as follows.
Windows 7 – It is the most recent in a line of Microsoft Windows operating systems which have far been the most popular OS’s throughout the computing world and has been since its introduction in 1985. Windows 7 is the most user friendly version of Microsoft Windows as it has many more customizable features that allow the user to access what they wish to more regularly with greater ease. One reason people stick with Windows is that it is relatively cheap when compared against its main competitors and also has greater compatibility with many software manufactures. Windows 7 also has easier wireless connection software built in to it and many people now used wireless internet in their home and when they are out and about it means that many more people do not find it and issue anymore. Windows 7 contains greater ‘tweaking’ options so if the user wishes to do so they can ‘tweak’ the computer through the OS rather than only in the BIOS. Windows 7 also has a much greater ‘Help centre’ and so many people when they are stuck can find the answers they are looking for from within the OS; and if not than Microsoft also has the biggest customer support services on offer.
· Windows 7 has greater connection to both WLAN and Wired connections from within the home or outside.
· It has the greatest customer support of the 3 Operating Systems.
· It comes with the greatest number of pre-installed software as standard so you do not need to splash out on un-necessary software straight away; or never if you are sensible.
· Most hardware available is compatible with Windows 7 and if not it will be compatible with a driver update.
· Has an easier layout than previous Windows Operating Systems so many people have upgraded or gone across to it.
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| Windows 7 desktop |
Linux (Ubuntu 10.10) – Linux has never been the friend of the everyday, home computer user as it is complicated to understand where you are going. However, it has steadily got better and the latest version, 10.10, has a lot better interface to make it more available to people. The major advantage to Linux is the fact that it is free and so for many people when they are building their own computer Linux is the cheapest way to get it running. Another upside to this that it is what is known as ‘open source’. This means that you can get into the bowels of the system and change the code and play about with it. However, not everyone will want to do this, many will want to play games and watch movies; something Linux cannot do well. Linux is a very cheap but very specialist set of Operating Systems as they are highly customizable, to those who know how to do it, but lack many basic functions that Windows and Apple MAC can do.
· It is highly customizable to the technically literate, but to the average user it is far to complicated.
· Has some basic programs already installed so you can use it out of the box before you go to the application website through Linux to get other software.
· It has advanced security software and because it is so rare there are virtually no known viruses for Linux.
· The wireless connection is not great but you can use a remote log on.
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| Linux Ubuntu 10.10 Desktop |
Snow Leopard X (Apple MAC) – It is the most user friendly and appealing Operating System that is available to buy, but it is a double-edged sword. It is very good at user customizability and the desktop is very nice but it is the most expensive software by a country mile. You can only get the Operating System with Apple products which start at £600 but that is without a monitor so is ‘bare bones’. Snow Leopard X is very popular with people and companies that are in the media industry and so work with photos and video. Although Snow Leopard X is very expensive many people buy them as Apple products are “cool” so many people buy them just because people like the look of them. This means that Snow Leopard has not been made purely for functionality, it has also been made to look good. Snow Leopard X does have good features and comes with ample software pre-installed onto it. Apple also offer a range of there higher priced software at a marked down price if when you buy your computer you choose to pre-install it so the customizability is high before you even turn it on. Microsoft Office is also now available on Snow Leopard X so many people will finally go over to Apple because their company will use Office and they can now take their work at home into work.
· Great customizability and looks
· Easy to connect to WLAN or Wired LANs.
· Very expensive but very fashionable.
· Comes with a range of high-end software that you are able to buy with the computer or later on.
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| Snow Leopard X desktop |
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