Learning Team Operating Systems Comparison Draft

Learning Team Operating Systems Comparison Rough Draftirfan Chaudhryru

Learning Team Operating Systems Comparison Rough Draft Introduction UNIX, Linux, Mac OS, and Microsoft Windows are the major operating systems used. UNIX is a multitasking and multiuser operating system, which was developed in 1970. Linux is an operating system that belongs under free and open-source software, which was first launched in 1991. Mac OS is an operating system that is based on graphical user interface, which was developed in 1996 by Apple Inc. Microsoft Windows, is an operating system that has multifamily, and each family is used in a particular sector of the computing industry.

Microsoft Windows have dominated the global personal computer market with a market share of over 90%. However, in 2014 Android has dominated the market due to the tremendous growth of smartphones. Cost Comparison Microsoft Windows has a higher licensing cost compared to UNIX, Linux, and Mac OS. Mac has unlimited licensing, unlike Windows, which has updating fee. Linux and UNIX have no cost in licensing where customers can buy and update the operating systems free of charge.

Linux and UNIX software are free that allows users to share, modify, and study them free of charge. Whereas, Mac OS and Windows are owned by a single person cannot be redistributed by the user of being modified without charges. Windows is readily available in the market, unlike the other operating systems that are found in some areas. Also, Windows has a broad range of business application software that can support the OS (Silberschatz2011). Windows has a high cost in matching its applications on other systems.

Users face a high cost of changing from other operating systems to Windows. The migration cost discourages most users most to change to Windows. Mac is cheap in maintenance compared to other operating systems. It has a low user friction interface, high productivity, and better security, support cost. Also, Linux and Unix have low maintenance cost, good security, and an exceptional stability compared to Windows.

Unix has very expensive hardware compared to Linux, Mac, and Windows. Mac Hardware is relatively expensive but they last longer compared to others (Silberschatz 2011). Market Share Comparison Windows is leading in the workstation market. It holds more than 90% of the market share in the global market. Mac OS is the second with about 10% market share.

UNIX and Linux tie together with an equal percentage of market shares that is minimal. However, Linux and UNIX have a large proportion in server market compared to Windows and Mac OS. They have more than 50% market share on a server platform. In workstation market, Windows XP is leading with 63% share followed by Vista at 23% market share. XP and Vista are under Microsoft Windows (LakkaMichalakelis, Varoutas, &Martakos2013).

In various categories, Linux is leading as an operating system on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and handheld games. Linux and UNIX are leading as operating systems on the server or the web. In supercomputers, Linux is leading with more than 90% market share. UNIX is leading on Mainframe as the dominating operating system. Windows is dominating in gaming console support system.

In workstations, Windows is dominating in the market (LakkaMichalakelis, Varoutas, &Martakos 2013). Market Trend Comparison Windows have dominated the market for a long time but in the past few years, it has declined in some platforms. It still bears the leadership flag in the workstation market. However, Linux and Mac OS dominate the graphic inset in the market. Mac sales have increased recently due to its new model that can support Windows.

Consumers in their personal computers mostly use Mac OS. Nevertheless, lately, Mac OS has gained its entry in the business sector. Linux and UNIX have demonstrated continuous growth in the server market. Also, Windows have recently increased its share in the server market (LakkaMichalakelis, Varoutas, &Martakos 2013). Pros and Cons Windows has a high compatibility level with various applications, drivers, and games. Also, it has a good technical support; since it has many users a problem can be solved by a nearby person or from the Internet. It also has various disadvantages. Microsoft Windows has a number of malware that attacks the software. The user requires buying an antivirus to protect his or her software and documents. The system is slow, for example, Vista that requires a big memory, processor, and disk space to start operating. The price of a Windows operating system is very high (Neteler, Bowman, Landa, & Metz 2012). Mac OS have advantages that make it conversant to many users. It has no infections of viruses thus; users do not risk their documents and software. It is reliable because it rarely has software or hardware crushing cases. This advantage is promoted by the fact that Mac OS only runs on Apple computers. Mac is more attractive than Windows, which act as an advantage in the market. However, it has disadvantages that make many customers run away from this OS. Mac is very expensive, and many people cannot afford the system. It is limited to Apple computers whereas not every person has this kind of a PC. Mac has a low compatibility level. Only a few applications and programs can run on it (Neteler, Bowman, Landa, & Metz 2012). Linux and UNIX are free which allow users to download, share, and modify them without spending money. They are available in varieties that allow customers to choose the one that works for them. They have very few cases of virus infections. They require low maintenance. However, it has disadvantages. It is complicated, low compatibility levels, and not available in many markets (Neteler, Bowman, Landa, & Metz 2012). Conclusion The overall selection of an operating system is based on the requirements of the activities the user intends to perform. Apple's OSXs fast video processing and editing has been the OS of choice for graphic designers and producers. Microsoft Windows support for graphics accelerators, wide range of business applications, and user friendly GUI is preferred by gamers, programmers, and business users. Developers and security analysts due to the modifiable operating system, which can be tailored to the need of the analyst, have selected Linux & UNIX. It is good to try each of the operating systems to see what works best for you in the various activities you perform. References Lakka, S., Michalakelis, C., Varoutas, D., &Martakos, D. (2013). Competitive dynamics in the operating systems market: Modeling and policy implications. Technological Forecasting and Social Change , 80 (1), 88-105. Neteler, M., Bowman, M. H., Landa, M., & Metz, M. (2012). GRASS GIS: A multi-purpose open source GIS. Environmental Modelling & Software , 31 , . Silberschatz, G. (2011). Gagne. Operating System Concepts Essentials. Learning Team: Unix, Linux, Mac OS, Windows Outline Irfan Chaudhry Russel Bent Ken Catuncan Omar Ganda Richard Bohaty POS//14/2016 Joseph Fischer 1 LEARNING TEAM: UNIX®, LINUX®, MAC OS®, WINDOWS® 2 OUTLINE I. Introduction · Major operating systems · Windows dominance II. Costs · Software and licensing costs · Windows are readily available in most markets · Matching applications in Windows is costly · High cost of migrating discourages change · Mac OS has low maintenance cost · Hardware cost and quality III. Market Share · Windows, Mac OS, UNIX and Linux are the major OS · Windows dominate the market – 90% · Window XP is dominant with 65% share and Vista 24% IV. Market Trends · Windows market share declining over the past 5 years · Mac OS and Linux have increased market share. · Reason include unacceptability of Windows Vista by customers; some Macs can run Windows · Changes more experience in consumers not businesses V. Pros and Cons · Windows is available to business applications · Mac OS has less use friction interface · Mac OS requires low maintenance cost; it is more secure · Many malwares in Windows · UNIX and Linux have low maintenance cost; secure and stable VI. Conclusion · No OS is better; it depends with the user/business requirement · Gamers prefer Windows, Programmers Linux and producers Mac. · It is good to try each of the OS. References ACM Special Interest Group in Operating Systems., Symposium on Operating Systems Principles., International Conference on Architectural Support for Programming Languages and Operating Systems., & Symposium on Operating Systems Design and Implementation (OSDI). (1969). Operating systems review . New York, N.Y: ACM Special Interest Group on Operating Systems. Carpenter, T. (2012). Microsoft Windows operating system essentials . Indianapolis, Ind: John Wiley & Sons. Horwitz, G. B., & Young, M. D. (1975). Computer operating systems: Investment or overhead? New York: AMACOM. Silberschatz, A., Galvin, P. B., & Gagne, G. (2011). Operating system concepts essentials . Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Paper For Above instruction

Operating systems serve as the foundational software that manage computer hardware and provide an environment for application software to operate efficiently. The major operating systems in use today include UNIX, Linux, Mac OS, and Microsoft Windows, each with distinct origins, features, advantages, and market positions. A comprehensive comparison of these systems reveals insights into their costs, market share, trends, and suitability for different user needs.

Introduction to Major Operating Systems

UNIX, developed in the early 1970s, is renowned for its multitasking and multiuser capabilities, primarily used in servers and workstations. Linux, a Unix-like open-source operating system, was launched in 1991 and has gained popularity because of its flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness. Mac OS, introduced by Apple in 1996, is known for its graphical user interface and integration with Apple hardware, appealing to creative professionals. Microsoft Windows, first released in 1985, dominates the world market, especially for personal computers, owing to its user-friendly interface and broad application support.

Cost Comparison of Operating Systems

The cost of acquiring and maintaining operating systems varies significantly. Windows incurs high licensing costs due to its proprietary nature, with additional expenses for updates and upgrades. Conversely, UNIX and Linux are open-source and free, allowing users to download, modify, and distribute the software without licensing fees. Mac OS, while providing unlimited licensing, involves hardware costs since it runs exclusively on Apple computers. Maintenance costs also diverge; Macs typically require lower support expenses owing to their stability and security, while Windows systems face higher costs due to malware vulnerabilities and the need for antivirus software. UNIX hardware often commands a premium because of its enterprise-grade performance and reliability, although the software itself remains free.

Market Share and Usage Patterns

Microsoft Windows leads the global personal computer market, with over 90% share, driven by its widespread adoption in homes, offices, and businesses. Windows XP historically held the largest share, with approximately 65%, although its usage has declined with newer versions. Mac OS holds around 10%, appealing mainly to creative users and niche markets. UNIX and Linux, although minimal in desktop markets, dominate server environments and supercomputing, with Linux leading over 90% of supercomputers globally and UNIX maintaining a strong presence on mainframes. In mobile devices, Linux-based Android has surpassed traditional desktop operating systems, reflecting the growth of smartphones and tablets.

Market Trends and Shifts

Over recent years, Windows’ market dominance has waned slightly, primarily due to user dissatisfaction with Windows Vista and newer versions, prompting some users to explore alternatives. Meanwhile, Mac OS and Linux have experienced incremental growth, especially in server and embedded systems. Linux’s popularity in web servers, cloud computing, and supercomputing continues to rise, driven by its stability and open-source nature. The advent of dual-boot systems and virtualization has facilitated running Windows and other OSs simultaneously, alleviating migration costs and expanding user flexibility.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Operating System

Windows boasts high compatibility, extensive application support, and user-friendly interface but suffers from security vulnerabilities and malware attacks. Its high licensing costs and slow performance on older hardware further challenge users. Mac OS offers a stable, secure, and aesthetically appealing environment with low malware incidence, but its high cost and hardware limitations restrict affordability and customization. Linux and UNIX are cost-free, secure, and highly stable; however, they present challenges in terms of user-friendliness and hardware compatibility, especially with proprietary peripherals and applications. The complexity of Linux distributions can pose a steep learning curve for new users.

Conclusion: Choosing the Appropriate Operating System

The optimal selection of an operating system is contingent upon individual user requirements and organizational needs. Creative professionals often favor Mac OS for its multimedia capabilities, while gamers and business users rely on Windows for its broad application ecosystem. Developers and cybersecurity experts lean towards Linux and UNIX due to their openness and security. An informed approach involves evaluating each operating system’s features, costs, and compatibility with specific tasks. Experimenting with different OSs can provide practical insights into their suitability for different operational environments.

References

• Lakka, S., Michalakelis, C., Varoutas, D., & Martakos, D. (2013). Competitive dynamics in the operating systems market: Modeling and policy implications. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 80(1), 88-105.
• Neteler, M., Bowman, M. H., Landa, M., & Metz, M. (2012). GRASS GIS: A multi-purpose open source GIS. Environmental Modelling & Software, 31.
• Silberschatz, A., Galvin, P. B., & Gagne, G. (2011). Operating System Concepts Essentials. John Wiley & Sons.
• Carpenter, T. (2012). Microsoft Windows Operating System Essentials. Wiley.
• Horwitz, G. B., & Young, M. D. (1975). Computer Operating Systems: Investment or Overhead?. AMACOM.
• Lakka, S., Michalakelis, C., Varoutas, D., & Martakos, D. (2013). Market dynamics in OS: Modeling and policy implications. Technological Forecasting and Social Change.
• Microsoft Corporation. (2023). Windows 11 features and overview. Microsoft Official Site.
• Apple Inc. (2023). macOS Monterey overview. Apple Official Site.
• Linux Foundation. (2023). The state of Linux in 2023. Linux Foundation Reports.
• Gartner, Inc. (2023). Market share analysis for desktop operating systems. Gartner Reports.