Unit 2 Computer Systems Operating Systems Windows MAC & Linux
Operating Systems Operating System This is a item of software that runs as the PC starts and effectively manages the whole system – programs, data, screen, printer and all other hardware connected. Without the operating system you would have to talk to each system item in machine langauge. Windows MAC and Linux These are all general purpose Operating Systems aimed at both the business and Home user
Operating System The user goes “through” the operating systems to the hardware. User Many hardware devices (Printers, Cameras, etc.) need “Drivers” to help the OS. Operating System Driver Each driver translates Operating System instructions into its own hardware-specific commands. Hardware
Popular Operating Systems MAC OS X Apple Graphic User Interface Windows Microsoft Graphic User Interface Linux Free OS. “Opensource”
MAC OS X Included with all new Apple Macintosh computer systems. Originally designed as an easy-to-use, low-cost computer for the average user. Mostly used in the media (television/entertainment /newspaper) for its superior graphics and sound capabilities. Less prone to virus and hacker attack. Snow Leopard is the latest version. http://www.macoptions.com/os85/
Windows Microsoft Operating System. Dominates the market -90% of all personal computers Originally designed to match the Apple Mac Graphical User Interface Used in business as well as at home. Often criticised as “incomplete” and more prone to virus and hacker attack. There is much more software available for windows than Mac; and it is much cheaper.
Linux It is a free operating system. It is arguably as reliable as Windows or Mac. And less prone to virus attack. Several versions available: • Ubuntu • Fedora • OpenSuse There are many software applications that are also free: OpenOffice, …. ….. Linux could challenge both Microsoft & Apple in the future
Comparison Linux MAC OS X Windows Relatively new Operating System The original Graphic User Interface Business & Home use Superior Graphic and Media capabilities Improving Graphics & Sound Smaller range of third-party software is available Large range of third-party software is available Good range of FREE third-party software is available