| An operating system (abbreviated OS) is | | | | constant security updates, made safer from |
| essentially the path through which a computer | | | | hackers. |
| accesses files, games, the Internet, and all | | | | |
| vital stored information. The OS is the most | | | | Pros and Cons of The Big Four |
| important program on a computer because it | | | | |
| runs all of the other programs. The major | | | | Every operating system has its positive and |
| operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Mac | | | | negative elements. There is no perfect |
| OS X, Linux, and Unix. The operating system | | | | operating system. Keeping this in mind, |
| is essential to the computer, and so extreme | | | | consider the most common operating systems |
| care should be taken when choosing an | | | | (Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, and Unix). Mac OS |
| operating system. | | | | X is great for keeping out hackers and for |
| | | | graphic design. However some problems are the |
| Consider Its Use | | | | fact that certain software is not available |
| | | | for Macs. If the OS is for a college student |
| Consider what operating system will be used | | | | who would rather play Half-Life 2 than study, |
| for. If the OS is for a business, an | | | | then Mac OS X is not the best choice. Windows |
| operating system that can handle important | | | | is very good for compatibility, since most |
| business data should be selected. If the OS | | | | consumers use Windows. Windows also comes |
| is for a college student, one might consider | | | | with applications like Microsoft Word, |
| an OS that is optimal for gaming, yet still | | | | PowerPoint, Excel, and Internet Explorer. |
| has a nice word processor. Finally, if the | | | | Unfortunately, Windows is weak against |
| operating system were for a new computer | | | | viruses and can get bogged down easily. Unix |
| user, then a user-friendly, simple OS would | | | | is good for networks, especially if for |
| be best. Knowing this, one must also consider | | | | businesses. Unix has also been around for |
| what software is available for the operating | | | | almost 30 years, so it is quite dependable. |
| system. Some software is only available on | | | | One drawback of Unix is the cost, which can |
| certain computers. This often leaves | | | | sometimes be a bit expensive. Unix is also |
| Macintosh OS X, Linux, and Unix in the dark | | | | complicated, which can confuse beginners. The |
| because most of the computer market runs on | | | | final OS, Linux, is free and completely |
| Microsoft operating systems. Most computers | | | | customizable. However, one major drawback is |
| come standard with a certain operating system | | | | the extreme scarcity of applications for |
| (Apple computers have Mac OS X and most PCs | | | | Linux. Microsoft and other software |
| have Windows XP). Therefore, it is sometimes | | | | developers are often very reluctant to |
| important to consider the OS even when | | | | release their products for Linux. |
| selecting a computer. | | | | |
| | | | Conclusion |
| Security | | | | |
| | | | Whatever operating system one chooses, it |
| Security is the biggest priority for many | | | | needs to be the system that will best fit the |
| computer users, especially businesses. Some | | | | needs of the consumer. All operating systems |
| OS have stronger security than others. | | | | have good and bad elements. Understanding how |
| Macintosh has been called "the iron man of | | | | each system works, and the system's pros and |
| operating systems" because of its ability to | | | | cons is a must for anyone deciding on a |
| keep hackers out, while Windows has been | | | | computer and OS. An OS selection based on |
| criticized for being easy to hack. Do not let | | | | research and understanding will certainly |
| security completely deter you, however. Most | | | | yield the highest satisfaction. |
| operating systems can be "hardened" and with | | | | |