Operating System Comparison free essay sample

This paper will discuss three main operating systems, Windows, Linux, and OS X. All three of these operating systems have features which are unique unto themselves. Although there may be arguments as to which one of these three operating systems is better it really all comes down to what features are needed for each user. This paper will describe the features that each of these operating systems has to offer. First, Microsoft Windows. Microsoft began its dominance in the early 80s by developing DOS also known as disk operating system. This is the first operating system made for a PC. Then came Windows 9X which was later called Windows 95. Then it had its predecessors of Windows 98, millennium edition, and Windows 2000. When Windows 95 came out Microsoft became the leader in operating systems. By 1998 Windows held 82% of the market shares in operating systems (Windows 9x,  n. d. ). What made Windows unique at this time was that it introduced the graphical user interface or GUI was a giant leap forward in how users would perceive their desktop experience. We will write a custom essay sample on Operating System Comparison or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page As PCs became more popular it became necessary to refine features of the operating system. Concerns about security, networking, and the use of various peripheral devices as well as various programs had to be user-friendly. It was not until Windows XP was released that it was finally very user-friendly to add or remove hardware or to have a higher level of capacity to run various programs on the machine. And then release of Windows XP Microsoft greatly improve the performance, extensibility, portability, and probably one of the biggest ones reliability. It came at a time when consumers were getting tired of the slower and less reliable operating systems that Microsoft had been releasing prior to Windows XP. Second, Linux. Unlike the Microsoft operating system whose code was securely guarded and never released for the public to see, Linux was free source code. This allows any user to peek into the deep inner workings of his or her operating system. This was a great advantage because minds from all over the world are now able to not only see the source code and to improve upon it and make changes to meet the many varying needs of each individual user. Originally called MINIX it was originally designed to run on the Intel 8086 microprocessors (10 Linux Features Windows Should Have By Default,  2012). One thing about LINUX is that it has been able to keep up with changing market of technology ever since its inception. And those commanded the following because flexibility to keep up with the changing times and stay ahead of other companies to be compatible with new technologies. What most users probably dont know are the features that LINUX has over Microsoft windows. With LINUX multiple users can be logged in at the same time. With Windows you have to switch users in order to be logged in. Another thing that helps LINUX to stay ahead is the predictability of updates. Users never know when Microsoft is going to have an update for any part of their systems. Linux users however can mark it on the calendar when their next updates are going to be available. Another thing that Microsoft likes to do is to make the consumer pay more money for different versions of their product and for the additional programs that a user generally needs in order to have a fully functioning system. Right out-of-the-box Linux comes with a full software package that its users immediately benefit from without ever having to pay anymore for it. About the only thing that Microsoft includes with its operating system is a web browser and media player. Usually even those programs need to be updated by the time you install the operating system. These are just a couple of the features that Linux has to offer, however, Microsoft could take a lesson and look at these features and try to incorporate them within their own operating system. Finally, Mac OSx. Mac had a slow beginning. One thing about it that has not changed, however, is that it is generally more expensive to purchase a Mac system than it is a Windows system. Despite this Mac has continued to gain popularity in the market. Its programs have proved to be more stable than Windows, as a result of this hardware for the systems generally last longer as well. This is due to the fact that Mac systems have more features that monitor and regulate the activities, temperatures, and functions that can wear a system down faster. Mac computers also become known for their vivid aqua screen. Because of this many graphic designers, special effects editors, and even musicians have switched to using Mac computers. Even despite their price, which to this day remains higher than the competition, Mac still shares a steady part of the market and its popularity continues to grow. One of the biggest things that has kept Apple very competitive in the market is their version of the tablet. They have also developed the iPhone and the iPod. Apple was the first to not only create these devices but also they made these devices work with each other in a way that no other company has done with any of their devices before. Three operating systems discuss in this paper each have their advantages and disadvantages from one another. The biggest advantage for Microsoft is the widespread use and compatibility with most every type of program out there. If youre a Linux fan then you appreciate not only the price which is usually free but also that it is open source software that if you have any programming ability you can make changes to it and improve your own experience and share with others. And Apple has some of the best programs for graphic designers and special effects. They also have their interoperable technology that makes it easy to share devices and view photos, music, and documents all in one centralized location on every device. In the end though it is still up to each individual user to assess their needs, their budget, and their preferences as to which operating system they choose to run on the computer.