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Interfaces

There are two types of interfaces- a Command Line Interface (CLI) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI). A Command Line Interface is a type of interface where the user issues commands to the programme. It is a type of interface that relies solely on  textual input and output. A Graphical User Interface is a way which you can interact with a computer and you can use items such as Windows, icons, menus which are used by lots of operating systems.

About Mac OS

The GUI was based on work Steve Jobs observed while he was visiting at Xerox PARC nearly five years earlier, and it’s the earliest iteration of all operating systems we use today. The icons used by the original operating system were created by Susan Kare and many are still in use today. OS X is the system that powers all Apple Mac computers. It is built on a solid UNIX foundation and

Apple DOS 3.1 – Released June 1978

This was the first operating system introduced by Apple for their computers.

System 1 – Released January 1984

This was a closed source and offered features that are still used in today’s operating system and by Windows.

System 2- Released April 1985

System 2 offered more features to users and seemed to resolve problems found in system 1.

System 3 – Released January 1986

System 3 saw the debut of Mac Plus. It was a very notable upgrade with a much quicker Finder function.  It was alos the first time a hierarchical file system was used.  Apple also released System 3.1, System 3.2 and System 3.3, each enhanced versions of its previous system.

System 4 – Released March 1987

Few changes were made to this system.

System 6 – Released April 1988

System 6 was the first operating system to have co-operative multitasking.

System 7 – Released May 1991

System 7 was the first OS to require a computer to have a hard drive as floppy disks were too small for it to work with.  It was also one of the first systems to have drag-and-drop  files and the ability to use virtual memory. The next update to follow System 7 was Mac OS 7.6 which was released 6 years later and debuted the operating system’s new name- Mac OS. The name change was due to copyright needs as the OS was appearing on more third-party computers.

Mac OS 8 – Released July 1997

Mac OS 8 is one of Apple’s most successful softwares and helped to modernise the operating system. Mac OS 8 also saw the most changes introduced including the new platinum interface and the ability to customise the themes. Mac OS 8 was also the first operating system found on the first iMac computers. Mac OS 8.1 saw an updated hierarchical file system. The Mac OS 8.5 update focused on the speed and stability of the system and an improved appearance.

Mac OS 9 – Released October 1999

Mac OS 9 was seen as a transition between OS 8 and OS X, the next generation of the operating system. It offered better Airport wireless networking, software updates and a better search feature.

Mac OS X – Released March 2000

After a hard time at Apple, Steve Jobs was appointed CEO and was able to make any changes he felt were necessary. Mac OS X, codenamed Cheetah was then introduced in 2000. The biggest feature introduced was the updated interface which gave the system a more modern appearance. Through time, different versions of the operating system were released, each with a codename of a big cat. The next version to be released after Cheetah was Version 10.1, codenamed ‘Puma’. Following versions were codenamed Panther, Tiger Snow Leopard, etc. Other versions saw different names introduced such as Version 10.9 codenamed Maverick and the most current version OS X Yosemite. Os X was the basis of iOS8 for Apple iPhones, iPods and iPads.

About Windows

In 1975 Paul Allen & Bill Gates start their own copany named Microsoft. In June 1980 Bill and Paul hire one of Gates’ Harvard classmates to help then run the company. The three were soon approached by IBM about a project which was codenamed ‘chess’. MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) was later released as their new operating system. Windows was released in 1985 by Microsoft as a graphical extension to MS-DOS.

Windows 3.0 – Released 22 May 1990

Windows 3.0 was the third version introduced by windows but was the first to be widely used. The Windows 3.0 is the Windows platform from Microsoft offered improved performance, advanced graphics with 16 colors, and full support of the more powerful Intel 386 processor. It also offered a wide range of useful features and capabilities, including program manager, file manager, and print manager. It was a completely rewritten application development environment along with an improved set of Windows icons. It sat on top of MS-DOS.

Windows 3.1 – Released 6 April 1992

Windows 3.1 is an updated version of Windows 3.0 and was also widely used. Windows 3.1 added multimedia extensions allowing support for sound cards, MIDI, and CD Audio, Super VGA (800 x 600) monitors, and increased the speed of modem it would support to 9600 bps.

Windows 95 – Released 24 August 1995

Windows 95 is a consumer-oriented graphical user interface-based operating system developed by Microsoft. It is the first GUI that worked independently (without MS-DOS). It introduced fax/modems, email, the online world, multimedia games and educational software. 1995 also saw the release of Internet Explorer.

Windows 98 – Released 25 June 1998

Windows 98 is the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumers Windows 98 is the first version of Windows designed specifically for consumersWindows 98 is the first version of windows specifically designed for consumers and is described as ‘Works Better, Plays Better’.  This system introduced the Quick Launch bar.

Windows XP – Released 25 October 2001

In 2001, Windows XP was released with a new look and became one of Microsoft’s best-selling flagship products. There are two versions of XP; a home edition designed for use at home and a professional edition which offers features for business and advanced home computing. The release of this system also saw Windows Messenger, Windows Media Player and Windows Movie Maker being introduced.

Windows Vista – Released 30 January 2007

After a six year reign of Windows XP, in 2007 Windows Vista was released to the public. With an updated look with a redesigned start button. There are several editions of Vista, such as Windows Vista Ultimate, each with different features. Many users found faults with this version of Windows.

Windows 7 – Released 22 July 2009

Windows 7, released in 2009, was designed with the digital wireless world in mind. It saw new ways to work with Windows to the make the experience more fun for users. Windows 7 also marks the debut of Windows Touch which allows touchscreen users to interact with the operating system.

Windows 8 – Released 26 October 2012

Windows 8 was first released in August 2012 to manufacturing and was later released in October 2012 to the general public. Microsoft describes Windows 8 as ‘a reimagined operating system’ with a new interface and with a new tile Start screen layout offers a new experience for users.  Apps are introduced and are available at the new Windows Store. The system functions as a tablet but also a PC. Along with Windows 8, Microsoft also released Windows RT for tablets and PCs, designed for ‘sleek’ devices and a longer battery life and is exclusively run from Windows Store.

Windows 8.1 – Released 17 October 2013

Windows 8.1 is an upgrade from Windows 8, although it was released nearly a year after Windows 8 made its debut. Windows 8.1 saw the return of the Start button and is more suitable for users on a PC rather than a touchscreen tablet and enhancements

About Linux

Linux first began in 1991 when  21 year old Finnish student Linus Torvalds began a personal project to build a free operating system. The system is an open source which means its source code is available for anyone to see and allows them to change it, subsequently allowing them to make customisations.

Linux Version 0.01 – Released September 1991

In 1991, Linux was first released to the world and put on the web.

SLS – Released October 1992

In 1992, the first standalone Linux was released.

Linux 1.0 – Released March 1994

Samba 2.0 – Released January 1999

This version allowed Linux servers to provide services to Windows networks.

2.4.0 Kernel – Released January 2001

OS Comparison report

In this report I will be comparing three operating systems- Mac OS X, Windows 8.1 and Linux.

Ability to customise

OS X offers the ability to change the desktop, use custom icons, install your own alert sounds, change the account icon, logon message, menulets and the screensaver. Using the BumpTop feature, users can turn their desktop into a 3D environment where files and folders can be pinned onto ‘the back wall’ and desktop items can be placed into piles on the ‘floor’. Windows users can change the background, general colour scheme and fonts.  On the lock screen, users can add their own pictures or set a slideshow. The tile layout of Windows 8 allows users more customisation. Linux is an open source operating system so users of can rewrite the code to customise their desktop to make it personal to themselves.

Support for the user

Users of Mac OS X can find support on the apple website where a range of answers and help is given. Users can book a meeting with a Genius in an apple store who can offer help, advice and a resolution if they have a problem. Microsoft Windows 8.1 includes its own help section, has vast amount of available online documentation and help, as well as books on each of the versions of Windows. As Windows is so popular, users can find forums online where they can find help from other users and experts on the problem that has occurred. Although it may be more difficult to find users familiar with all Linux variants, there are vast amounts of available online documentation and help, books, and support available for Linux.

Connectivity of portable media

With Mac OS X and iOS8 on iPhones, iPods and iPads, your devices can work together. iPhone calls, iMessages and SMS text messages can be sent and received on a Mac even if the iPhone is in another room. Mac users who also have another apple product can start an email, document or browsing session and instantly continue it on their other device. It is also possible to turn on the Personal Hotspot on your iPhone right from the Mac it is connected with meaning the user can get online instantly. If you want to use a second display with your Mac, just plug it in — no configuration required. If you have an Apple TV, you can use your HDTV as a fully functional second display over your wireless network. Users of Windows 8.1 can use Windows Media Player to sync music, videos and pictures between their computer and device. Linux doesn’t have as wide a range of support for connectivity but users can download a software development kit which improves the systems connectivity abilities.

Security

On Mac OS X there are a number of functions that offer security for its users. Gatekeeper makes it safer to download and install apps. FileVault safeguards data using powerful encryption. Sandboxing protects your system by isolating apps from each other, as well as from your system and your data. Find My Mac helps you locate your missing Mac on a map, set a passcode remotely, and more. Customizable privacy settings keep your personal information under your control. Windows Defender and Windows SmartScreen can help guard users’ PC against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software in real time. Family Safety gives children some independence while parents can still monitor what they do. Users of Linux have lower-level privileges, meaning viruses have less ability to affect the whole computer. Because Linux is so diverse, it is harder for a virus to target a user as there are so many platforms and technologies. It is much more secure than Windows.

 

Reliability

Only with a Mac do you get a system built by the same people who make the OS, the applications, and the computer itself adding reliability to the operating system. Windows can be seen my many as unreliable as it often crashes/needs to be rebooted. Windows Vista was seen as Window’s most unreliable system, crashing often and slowing down machines. Windows 7 was soon released after. The majority of Linux variants and versions are notoriously reliable and can often run for months and years without needing to be rebooted

Ease of management

On Mac OS X, the operating system software and applications update automatically. Due to the popularity of Windows, people are very familiar with the way it works. It is fairly easy for everyone to use. Due to Linux being an open source, it is harder to manage as the user would need to know how to write programming to alter settings.

Associated utilities

Thanks to the built-in support for iCloud, whatever the user of Mac OS X does in apps such as iTunes, Mail and Contacts on their Mac happens on their other devices too. Windows is the most popular operating system and therefore has a much wider range of utilities. Linux is a Unix-derived OS. It offers a wide range of utilities available to download.

Cost

Mac OS X is completely free. The cost of Windows 8.1 in the UK is £99.99 (including VAT). Linux is free to download.

Machine and peripheral management

Users can connect cameras, printers, camcorders or phones to their Mac and start using them right away. This is because Mac OS X comes prepared with the drivers for most peripheral devices—just about any device that uses USB, FireWire, Ethernet, or Bluetooth. The Device Manager is a Control Panel applet in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It allows users to view and control the hardware attached to the computer. When a piece of hardware is not working, the offending hardware is highlighted for the user to deal with. The list of hardware can be sorted by various criteria. There is a smaller selection of peripheral hardware drivers (for printers, scanners, and other devices) in Linux though many new Linux hardware drivers are constantly being added.

File management

Mac OS X has ‘Spotlight’ and ‘the Finder’ which are both tools for finding and managing files. File Explorer (previously called Windows Explorer) helps users work with files and folders on OneDrive, PC and network. Windows 8.1 uses File explorer to help the uses to manage files and folders. Linux files are organised in a logical fashion for ease of administration. There are hundreds of directories that are located in larger containers called the file system. Linux uses codes to search through directories.

Stability

As Mac OS X is only available of Apple Mac computers, the system is only programed for those devices. Because the writers of the software also make the hardware, they work extremely well together making the OS very stable.

Software Utilities improve the performance of computer systems because they help get rid of malware that is slowing down its performance or cleans up the system, removing any unneeded/useless files and items that are stopping the computer system from working efficiently and delivering maximum performance.

Types of malware

Virus – A virus is a type of malware (malware being short for malicious software) which is spread through user action.  Viruses have the ability to self-replicate by infecting other programs and files on your computer. These programs can have many effects ranging from wiping your hard drive, displaying a joke in a small box, or doing nothing at all except to replicate itself.

Worm- A type of malware that has the ability to spread to other people’s computers. They can find information required to do this by entering the user’s files and emailing the contacts found. It can also be done by the worm replicating itself onto other computers using the same network.

Trojan- A Trojan is a type of malware that appears harmless and a useful function but actually contains hidden software.

Antimalware/anti-virus software

Antimalware often called anti-virus software protects machines from threats by identifying them and destroying them. One way that the software detects the malicious matter is by searching for thousands of digital fingerprints which are then looked up in a database of known viruses. If the fingerprint found matches an already identified virus, it is moved to quarantine. However, this method isn’t always successful as the database only holds information of known viruses. In the 1990s, a new type of virus was created – a polymorphic virus. A polymorphic virus changes its signature (i.e. its binary pattern) every time it replicates and infects a new file so it won’t be identified by anti-virus software.  Because of this, new anti-virus software now looks at the actions of potential viruses. How does this utility improve performance? Viruses can cause lots of harm to a computer as it can remove important data, slow down performance or even shut down a computer. Therefore, by having a utility which removes and blocks the harmful viruses, the performance of the computer has less chance of being a virus victim.A computer with security can speed up the performance.

Back-up utilities

Back-up software is a type of computer programme used to perform backups. The use of backups is critical in ensuring that data is safe and secure. The back-up software makes copies of files and databases and stores them in a separate location, in order to be able to restore the files if they were to be lost. An example of a backup program is Symantec System Recovery.

How does this utility improve performance? By being able to restore files, it saves the user lots of time and possible money. Back-up utilities allow the computer to be restored back to how it was a lot easier and quicker.

Compression utilities

Files can be split up amongst the hard drive, taking up space. A compression utility is a computer program that has the ability to compress files in order to save space or transmission time. The utility also has the ability to ‘uncompress’ the data. After being compressed, the data uses around 50% to 90% less space.  WinZip is a popular Windows program that is used to compress files. ‘7-Zip’ is a well-known software used to compress files.

How does this utility improve performance? By compressing data, the computer’s storage capacity will be improved. By having more organised files, it will take less time to access them and also offers more storage space. Once the process is completed, the data is retrieved faster and the space allows future installations to be installed in one place.

Registry cleaners

The registry on a computer is the database that stores all configuration data for the hardware, software and user. Editing the registry can be dangerous and it can break the whole computer system. The registry sometimes gets cluttered with things it doesn’t need which can slow down the computer’s performance. If there are incorrect entries in the registry, it can cause programs to not work as they should. Registry cleaners are used to remove unneeded files and to fix any problems with the registry which can improve the speed of the computer. An example of a program that offers a registry clean is CCleaner. How does this utility improve performance? By removing unneeded files, the computer’s space capacity is removed resulting in a quicker performance. Because the registry database keeps everything organised it means the computer runs more smoothly and improves the performance due to the fact it delete old data that is no longer useful to the user and creates space on the hard drive.

Data Synchronisation

Data synchronisation is where the same data, placed in different locations is synchronised to work together. This can be done with different devices such an iPods, MP3 players and phones and data such as music and photos can be synchronised from one device to another. This process can involve physically plugging in the devices using a USB cable or using a ‘cloud’ service such as iCloud and OneDrive.  Data synchronisation can be done using cloud facilities by transferring data from one device to the cloud and then retrieving it from the cloud from another device. How does this utility improve performance? Data synchronisation gives backup and improves the productivity of the computer.

Disk cleaners

When a file is deleted on a computer, it is automatically sent to the recycle bin where the user has the option to restore it or permanently delete it. This can be beneficial to the user if they accidentally deleted the file and want to get it back. However there are disadvantages of this function. While the file remains in the recycle bin, it is taking up space on the hard drive. Also, if the user deletes the file and it remains in the recycle bin, it may allow others to get hold of the file.  A disk cleaner utility writes over the data so it can no longer be accessed. How does this utility improve performance? By cleaning up the disks on the computer, the speed performance of the computer is improved.

System monitors

A system monitor is a utility designed to inform the user of their computer’s activities. Data such as statistics for CPU, disk, memory, network, system temperature.  Below is a screenshot of a system monitor for Android. The monitor displays information, such as memory available and battery level, using statistics and graphs.

How does this utility improve performance? Because the system monitor displays lots of information about the system, the user can identify where they can improve their computer. For example, if the ‘memory available’ section is showing as very full, users can link this with the speed of the computer to see that the less space capacity, the slower the system. Therefore if the user makes changes to the memory capacity, they will notice on their system monitor that the speed performance of the computer has improved.

Screen savers

Initially, screen savers were introduced to prevent phosphor burn in on CRT monitors. A moving image appears on the screen after a certain time of inactivity. The fact that the image moves stops any still image from being burnt into the screen. Below is an example of a screen saver. The bubbles seen on the screen move around. Screen savers are not really used anymore for the same purpose due to the improvements in technology.

How does this utility improve performance? Some screensavers appear and put the computer system into ‘sleep mode’ which essentially saves energy. When screensavers were used for their original purpose, it prevented still images from being burnt onto the monitor therefore screensavers improved the visual aspect of the system.