You are here: Home / Archives for Operating system

The Windows Operating System Against The Mac Operating System

The Windows operating system is more well-known than the Mac. Although, the Apple has gained popularity more for its phones than computers. Each system does share some common traits. You will find some of the same handy features on both such as the calenders and calculators, along with data/time trackers, and other such useful features. You also have the ability to customize the graphics on both systems. But apart from standard and customization options, the two systems are still infinitely different from each other.

The first big difference most people will notice is the internet browser. For Windows, the default is Windows Explorer. For Apple, it is the Safari. While they share the similar goal of accessing the internet, the browsers are very different in their look and feel. Windows Explorer is still far more familiar to most people and very few have ever heard of Safari. However, this difference can be easily erased by downloading another browser.

Another difference that new Mac users have to adjust to from the Windows system is the placement of many items. Instead of having a start bar, all of the features on the Mac are available at the bottom of the screen. Scroll over to find the stuff you want. This configuration can be changed but those who are used to the start bar in the bottom left will find it a little strange at first. The options to close boxes are also placed on the left hand side for the Mac instead of the right hand side for Windows.

Many of the programs are different as well. Most of the Mac programs come directly from Apple. Which means that the equivalent Windows programs will not work on the Mac. There is also only one real publisher for Apple software and that is Apple.

Filed Under: Operating Systems Tagged With: ,

The Linux Operating System

The Linux operating system is not a well-known product. With Windows and Apple popularity, the Linux system often gets overlooked. This is because the Linux operating system was not created to be a market product. There are no big names behind it. Nor is there an effective marketing campaign. Perhaps, the biggest difference between the Linux, Windows and Apple is that the software is free to use. This means anyone with a computer has access to the Linux programming codes. The free use of this operating system was the whole intent behind Linux.

Linux started out as a hobby by Linus Torvalds. With the help of other developers, the Linux Kernel became the foundation from which Linux’s applications are built upon today. It is the core of the Linux system. Oddly enough, the Linux does have a mascot associated with it. The penguin mascot was designed by Larry Ewing.

Instead of Windows based applications, Linux has a kernel which is the critical component from which the Linux’s applications are built. Many companies have developed programs based on the kernel. The freedom of the Linux system means that creativity has full reign. So, it can be difficult to determine which company has the best Linux application. In essence, they are all different. So it really depends on what programs you need. It also means that what works for Windows or Mac will not work on the Linux system. The operating systems are completely different. It also means that to run Linux-type software, you will need to load and run the Linux operating system.

The relative anonymity of the Linux system means there are far fewer programs than Apple applications or Window products. There are very few games available for the Linux system. However, the biggest advantage it does have going for it is you can get it for free. But for the average user, the Linux operating system is still a complete mystery.

Filed Under: Operating Systems Tagged With: ,

The Three Options For Installing Windows 7

There are two vital ingredients you need before you can install Windows 7 onto your computer. You will need a product key and the software cd prior to beginning the process. Basically, there are three options when comes it comes to the installation. Depending on your set-up and what you want to do, you can start out fresh, update the old, or share with another processing system.

Starting out fresh means formatting your computer so that it can accept the new operating system. It is also important to make certain that you have enough space to handle the new system. Once you have done those two things, pop in the cd. Go to the boot screen and change it so that it will boot up directly from the Cd. After that, a few prompts will show up for you to fill in during the process. The Cd does the rest. It may take some time.

You can also update the old processing system. Basically, the method is the same but it will update your old operating system and replace it. You will still need to check that you have enough room. Also, be aware that some files might not completely transfer during the process. This is usually do to a compatibility issue. It depends on the file on whether it can be fixed or not. You might want to consider backing up your information first.

Finally, you can install Windows 7 as a dual operating system. The memory still has to be available in order for this to work. It has to be free memory and not memory that is tied up in the other operating system. You can use the custom setting if there are things you don’t want to transfer over. If you change your mind, the files can be transferred over later on.

Filed Under: Operating Systems Tagged With: ,

When You Need A Dual Operating System

A dual operating system can come in very handy at times. However, not many people realize that they can accomplish this on the new computer systems. A dual operating system offers the advantages of both systems without having to use two different computers. There are a few very good reasons why you would need the power to choose between operating systems.

The first reason is for work purposes. There is always that transition that happens when a new operating system is introduced. While the newest computers have it, the old systems are still on the old one. It can take a company awhile to transition from the old system to a new system. This transition sometimes stretches into a few years. Thus a new home computer system may be incompatiable with your work system. Which means that you might not be able to access your work information from your home computer. A lot of companies that utilize home workers have certain requirements including the type of operating system the home computer has. If your home computer has a newer operating system , the computer will not pass the tests.

Another reason why you would want to consider a dual operating system is for games. The game manufacters produce games to fit within the current operating system. When a new one comes up, it can’t always handle the older games. This is because some aspects of the old operating system that the games used have changed in the new one. Usually, you wind up with an error. This is especially true of retro games which are uncompatiable with new graphic or sound settings. It can be very difficult and frustrating to get your favorite games to work on a new system.

A dual operating system grants all of the advantages of both systems. It still gives you the ability to work or play.

Filed Under: Operating Systems Tagged With:

Operating System: Windows 95/98

Windows 95 was a far better version of windows than the earlier versions of Windows which were just work in progress. The Windows 95 was given a codename Chicago and was going to be named as Windows 4.0. This operating system integrated Microsoft’s earlier operating system, MS Dos into it. The most important improvement in this operating system was the ease of use which was far cry better than any other operating system at this time. The installation was simple because of the development of Pentium CPU’s by Intel which were designed based on the specifications of Microsoft.

One of the biggest improvements in Windows 95 was the graphical user interface. This user interface was designed to aid plug and play features that helped other hardware’s improvements to be made. The earlier introduction of drivers was a huge addition which made huge difference with the improved graphical user interface. The architecture was also upgraded from 16 bit to a advanced 32 bit computing architecture that helped in better graphics.

This was very successful form the sales point of perspective with both businesses and individual users making a beeline for these operating systems. This was the only time that Apple computers started to feel the need of a similar operating system that can be installed to individual as well and for business use. Microsoft continues its success in operating systems with the launch of Windows 98. This was the second release in the 9x family and was the first release which used the Windows Driver model. Thought this was not readily accepted, it was later on adopted at a large scale everywhere. This was the longest running operating system for Microsoft. It also included Accelerated Graphics which gave gaming a boost on personal computers. These few features and many other features were responsible for the increasing popularity of Window’s operating System.

Filed Under: Operating Systems Tagged With: ,

Operating System: Ubuntu

Ubuntu is one of the largest used operating systems that are based on Debian and Linux distributions. This is distributed to anyone who require the need of a operating system but does not want to pay the huge licensing fees to big software giants. This is one of the largest used operating systems after Windows and Mac OS. It has more than 12 million registered users worldwide who assist in its further development and make the Ubuntu experience better for everyone. There are three versions of Ubuntu. One version is designed specifically for desktops which was the first one to be introduced.

Later on a version for servers was developed which had a major difference from other server software manufacturers who charge a hefty amount for simple software that is supposed to be given free of cost. Hence Ubuntu released its server version to help the millions of developers save thousands of dollars. Then there is the latest one is the version designed specifically for Netbooks. This is designed to be touch friendly and to be easily used in tablets too. Ubuntu is sponsored by the Canonical Ltd which is a non-profit organization based in United Kingdom. Canonical generates revenue by selling patents and technical support that is tied along with Ubuntu.

The Ububtu team wanted to design a operating system that is easy to use and keeps improving every six months. The first version of Ubuntu saw the light of the day in 2004. From this time onwards there have been constant updates every six months. The current LTS realease is the Lucid Lynx or Ubuntu version 10.10. A Long tern support version is released every fourth release. Softwares used by Ubuntu are based on Debian’s unstable branch, although both Debian and Ubuntu are not binary compatible, their softwares have to be built from scratch.

Filed Under: Operating Systems Tagged With:

Operating System: Mac OS X

Mac OS X 10.5.4
Image by smenzel via Flickr

Mac OS X is an operating system made especially for computers manufactured by Apple Inc. The operating system is also designed by Apple. Mac OS X is basically a set of Unix based operating systems that are bound together to each other with a graphical user interface. These graphical user interfaces are marketed and developed specifically by Apple. All new Macintosh computer units come with pre installed versions of Mac OS X. There have been many versions of Mac OS X since its continuous release in 2002.

Mac OS X is just a Unix based operating system that was developed by technologies developed by NeXt. From the release of Mac OS X x 10.5, Leopard, which run on Intel based computers, Apple has obtained Uniz )# certification. The first version was released in 1999 which was meant only for severs. The desktop version was released in 2001 with the code name Cheetah. All releases are given named after big cats. Like Snow leopard, Tiger, and etc. Both the desktop and the server versions of Mac OS X are similar and give access to network services. Apple since 2007 has begun releasing a mobile version of its Mac OS X for use in its smartphones, music players, tablets and TV streamers.

Mac OS X is based on Mach Kernel based unix. Parts from FreeBDS and Net BDS that were borrowed by NeXT from Unix are still found in today’s Mac OS X versions. NeCTStep was similar to DOS in Windows and it was an object oriented operating system that Steve jobs himself developed for his company NeXt in 1985. After a lot of failures, the Apple manufacturers were successful in creating a stable version of operating system. This version was incidentally the tenth try by the company, hence the roman numeral X for ten has been stuck along with the name since its first release in Mac OS X.

Filed Under: Computers, Operating Systems Tagged With: , , ,

GNU/Linux

Linux is a name given to universal operating systems that are Unix like in nature and use the Linux Kernel. These operating systems are represented by a happy penguin, hence the next time you see a penguin associated with an operating system, it is definitely a Linux based operating system. The specialty about Linux based Operating systems is that they can be installed virtually in any computer or even a cellphones. Linux has been successfully installed din supercomputers, tablets, computers, smartphones, and video game consoles. This flexibility and scalability is the reason Linux is so popular among every software designer and even among hackers. Some of the world’s largest and the most number of servers run on Linux based operating systems. Nay development of Linux is under the free and open source software collaboration and will involve no profit sharing for selling the right of these softwares to another person. All code can be used freely and modified. The modified code can also be submitted to the community to be included into the free and open source software. They will be covered under the GNU or General Public License. Some of the most popular linux distributions include Debian, Fedeora, Redhat and openSuse. These are all available freely to download and use for any kind of further development.

Linux was originally developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991. The name Linux comes from his name. The first basis of the GNU began with the development of libraries by Richard Stallman. These have formed the basis of the Free software foundation. Linux has been instrumental in many technological developments. The internet could not have been what it is today without the aid of Linux. Agreed that Windows made it popular, it was Linux which gave internet its form. Without Linux you wouldn’t have been reading this article which is based on a server which runs of a Linux operating system.

Filed Under: Operating Systems Tagged With: , , ,

Best Linux OS

Official Ubuntu circle with wordmark. Replace ...
Image via Wikipedia

There are numerous reasons that people opt for linux based operating systems instead of the more flash and well publicized operating systems such as Windows and Mac OS X. The ease of use, the flexibility, the number of free softwares and the software repository. These few attributes are just a beginning to a huge list of advantages that Linux based systems have over other. But when a first time user decides on going for a Linux based operating system, he is poured with so many choices, that making one choice becomes increasingly tough. But the choice of one linux distro does not mean another person will like it too. Tastes change with requirement with the particular distribution. Hence look at the below distros that are set according to the level of sophistication required to use them.

Ubuntu is the most user friendly linux based operating system that can be found. Ubuntu is single handedly increasing the knowledge about Linux throughout the world. It is creating new Linux fans where ever it goes. This is a magic operating system that can install itself in any hardware. Its minimum requirements are minimum and there is no problem with compatibility, configuration and installation of softwares thereof.

Fedora is another easy to use distro that is loved by many developers for its blazing fast speeds and its simple architecture. It has many features similar to that of Ubuntu which include great hardware support and refined desktop. It is developed by the same people who have developed Red Hat and hence it is loved by all linux fanatics around the world. The problem with this OS is that if you want to run MP3, AVI and PDF files, you will not be able to run them because of unavailability of software that can be installed in this OS> But there are many open source alternatives that you can opt for instead of these.

Filed Under: Computers, Operating Systems Tagged With:
Newer Posts »