Operating Systems

First we have Linux a simple, free, downloadable operating system. With its windows-like design and its ability to operate like the Mac OS X, it's an operating system that is contending with the leading companies. Linux have made their operating system easy to use and given it a child like design, it's an operating system that is meant for college and university. With the software being free to download, it's perfect for the use of school work and quick easy projects but for harder more daunting tasks its difficult to produce good pieces of work with the simple applications it has on it. In conclusion it's a great operating system to have on a laptop for students and in schools but it's not an operating system you would use in your day to day use at home and at work.

Microsoft Windows is a great piece of kit to have when typing and producing spreadsheets. It's also the biggest at the moment so to download or buy software for this operating system it's easy. Microsoft has produced some of the best operating systems, but it is expensive. It still has a basic look and feel to it but the new Windows Vista has started the revolution in the windows design. In the office when typing it's great to use and does everything you need. In conclusion this is an operating system that can work in any environment from a school to offices. This is because of it ability to cope with any software downloaded to it. However, because it is so widely used it has been targetted for viruses and malware.

My personal favourite, the Mac OS X. This is an operating system purely designed and built for style. This is the biggest factor in the sales of Mac OS. Mac uses the design factor on their computer models but also on the applications on their operating system. Mac have produced some of the best image, video and music editing suits in their 'i life' software but they have also got some excellent presentation, spreadsheet and writing software in their 'i work' programme. This is a great operating system to have at work and at home.

So if you're thinking what system to get you have to think about what you're going to use it for and what you're willing to pay. With all this software there's always a price.

For an okay system with simple features - Linux
Great for work e.g. numbers, typing and specialised software - Microsoft Windows
Design and graphics work with great programs for all uses especially presentation - Mac OS X

Daniel Hamilton