3 Platform Research Essay

In the world of computers, the choice of systems can be a complicated one. There are two competitors out there, PCs and Macs. Everyone has their own opinion on which is better, and there are many die-hard fans in each camp. The truth is, PC 's are far more popular, and for good reasons, yet the Mac system is actually the more durable and useful of the two.

Existing hardware. Our existing hardware can be used for the new Linux OS. This will require reformatting existing hard drives and installing the Linux OS, which is much easier than reformatting and installing Windows OS. Our older servers will still be viable for some time to come because Linux uses less disk space and memory. It also uses less resources, so it won’t slow down the devices or the network like other Enterprise OS can.

Mac is an abbreviation of Macintosh. It is a model of desktop and laptop design by Apple Company and which has its own software.

One of the biggest disadvantages is that it does not have a specific organization which updates and provides services, or software tweaks in a regular manner as Windows does. Another disadvantage is that the lack of graphical user inters faces, or the absence of free tools and software when compared to Windows (Host wisely, 2011).

Servers: They are computers designed to provide services to client machines in a computer network. They have larger storage capacities and powerful processors. Running on them are programs that serve client requests and allocate resources like memory and time to client

Server: Server refers to the local area networking system. It helps the particular organizations of the same local area to share and exchange their information mutually. By connecting several computers in the same networking area, an organization can develop their own server (Groves, Fowler and Couper, 2009).

In 2005, Apple released the MacMini computer module, iShuffle, and Mac OSX version Tiger, billed as the world’s most advanced operating system.

An operating system accomplishes the following tasks: interaction between computer and user, providing an environment of which programs operate, and manages files. Yet, each operating system does it its own way. Hence, it is advantageous to know the pros and cons of each operating system before a decision is made. Any kind of operating system can be utilized in most environments; it's just a matter of difficulty supporting it regarding maintenance, compatibility problems and other concerns. For example, the Mac OS X would be perfect for the graphic design department, but would not work out well in the engineering department, which is better suited for Windows or Linux.

Servers play a fundamental role and are very important part of the Information Technology infrastructure of an organization. Most of the IT activities taking places in an organization such as security, billings and orders are being handled by servers. A server can be defined as a physical computer, device or a program with full dedication in managing the network resources. Irregardless of the type of the server being utilized, a server machine with special hardware specifications is required to perform the demanding tasks.

The most important thing about Linux operating system is its server. Windows operating system was initially designed for single user and in 2003 they made their first server operating system windows NT 3.1 for multi users. However the Linux server is more stable, secure and cost effective as compared to the Windows server. The windows server software, Windows Server 2008 standard in United states costs about $999 and also five CALs(Client Access Licenses). Linux on the other hand is completely free, licensed under GNU deneral Public License which allows free distribution of linux source

The macintosh was the first to use GUI (Graphical user interface) systems. Unlike virtually all other contemporary PCs, the Mac OS (initially designated simply System Software, with a version number appended) was graphically based. Rather than typing commands and directory paths at text prompts, users moved a mouse pointer to visually navigate the Finder—a series of virtual folders and files, represented by icons. Later Mac OS releases introduced features such as Internet file sharing, network browsing, and multiple user accounts. After Steven Job’s departure from Apple in 2001, the company rolled out Mac OS X, a major redesign based on both the NextStep system and Apple’s most recent OS release. OS X ran on a UNIX kernel that offered technical advances such as memory protection, preemptive multitasking, and a convenient graphical “Dock” bar for launching frequently used applications. Updates to OS X added features such as automated backups and a “Dashboard” manager for small, handy applications called widgets.

Linux is used on variety of hardware (e.g. on workstations, mid-and high-end servers and on gadgets), which makes it unique [6]. Linux keeps maintaining its position in the market due to the hard work of both employees and volunteers [6].

Network operating system works on a server and it allows the server to manage other functions on a computer. The main purpose of a

Mac OS X: It was the first ever graphical based operating system and was launched even one year before the Windows

Compare between this two very popular Operating Systems, Windows VS Linux in terms of :