FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE SELECTION OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM PAUL KINYUNGU COSC 513 PRESENTATION INSTRUCTOR - Dr ANVARI

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION DISCUSS FACTORS AFFECTING OS SELECTION SAMMARY CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION Objective: to discuss the factors that influence the selection of an OS Factors include: Type of job, Organization size, Features, Performance, The vendor, Available resources, Security and Cost. Factors are limitless and have a huge range. Factors interrelate and overlap

TYPE OF JOB the type of processing to be done in an organization influences the OS choice. For example long complex computations such as the resent mapping of the human genome would need an OS which works well in a main frame computing environment while an internet ‘kiosk’ would need a more user(non skilled) friendly OS.

SIZE OF ORGANISATION the # of concurrent users the average volume of processing for each user.

INTEGRATION ability to integrate with other application software ability to run programs written to run in other OS’s compatibility with other computers with different OS’s versatility - support for newer hardware devices and new media forms

FEATURES different OS offer various special features. The addition of features can provide increased production and better control over the operation of computer systems. Example - plug and play - faster loading etc different org’s find different features in different OS more suitable for their needs.

PERFORMANCE how fast an OS is able to update records can be the most important criteria for some org’s such as the airline and credit card companies. Rapid recovery facilities in emergencies how much main memory is required to execute the OS

THE VENDOR the size, reputation and financial stability is important. Some vendors are well respected in the industry and have a large staff support personnel to give assistance if required. Well established OS companies are more likely to remain in business. More application and utility software for established companies.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES current hardware current application and utility software current skilled labor

SECURITY stability security features privacy and password security loopholes virus succesibility recovery

COST initial costs maintenance costs additional hardware/software costs skilled labor costs

SUMMARY Factors influencing the selection of an OS include: The type of job, Size, Integration, Features, Performance, Vendor, Available, Security and Cost Factors are limitless and interrelate.

CONCLUSION When selecting an OS, one should look carefully at all the various factors that might affect their decision. The selection of an OS should then be based on which of the factor/s is/are most important to the organization and which are least important while also taking into account that some factors inter/co- relate.

CONCLUSION Due to the range of activities done in an organization, it might be better for a company to use a combination of different OS’s to run in different aspects of it’s computer systems.