Comparing Operating SystemsIn this report I will compare my three chosen operatingsystems; Linux, MacOS and Windows looking at their singular strengths andweaknesses in their functions and features.
I will then explain what one is thebest and why for each different function and feature. Linux: Strengths: Unlike MacOS and Windows, Linux is not controlled by a certain organisation, its fate is controlled by its users and what they can alter and publish the operating system to be. Linux is an open-source operating system unlike the two other operating systems, which allows the user to alter the source code of the base Linux operating system. By using this as a base for a new operating system, the developer will avoid the work of coding the basic functions of the operating system. Users can add any function possible to the OS, meaning there are endless opportunities to make it as full as features as Windows and MacOS.
Linux is free and doesn’t need a license key to run which means you can install it on as many computers as you want whereas with MacOS you will have to pay a small fee to get a license key and download discs and with Windows, it is very expensive when buying directly from Microsoft. Linux is much more secure than its competitors Windows as it has privilege levels which make it much harder for malware to break through and be executed. Windows however will execute most things downloaded in the back ground without checking its contents, this can however be solved by paying for an antivirus software which will help to stop most breaches into your computer. Equally Linux has available antivirus software’s, although there is a much smaller market for them on Linux as it is architecturally more secure as well as having less users to target. MacOS: Weaknesses: MacOS has a lot of compatibility issues with a lot of programs and games which mean they are not able to be run, whereas with Windows these will work perfectly fine.
This helps Windows get an upper hand on this competition meaning it gets a larger market share in this area of the OS market. MacOS is made specifically for Apple computers which means it is very hard to install on the hardware and specs of a normal computer. Apple devices contain very high spec components configured in the best way to allow for MacOS to run on them, the OS would not work if it was installed on a standard work desktop computer as it would not have enough power to run it. In comparison, Linux and Windows operating systems allow for their OS to be installed in any computer whether it be a budget computer or a high-end computer. Although they still do have minimum specs which is recommended but are very low.
Strengths: MacOS has good privacy as it goes to the extent of refusing the FBI access to all its customers and users account and data. Windows, meanwhile has had spyware issues in its past as well as also having a EULA which states that it will give law enforcement access to data and accounts if the correct legal process is taken. Windows: Strengths: In Windows new release, Windows 10, it offers a new built in feature called “Virtual Desktops”, this allows for the user to have open more sets of programs at the same time while keeping different tasks apart. For example, keeping work programs separate from personal programs. MacOS and Linux also has this feature, although Linux base does not come with it, but has support for it to be coded in.
Features and Functions Linux MacOS Windows Conclusion/Comparison Machine/Peripheral Management The Linux Device Manager allows users to view BIOS information, current firmware version, memory configuration, CPU info, and everything else related to components and the system unit. There is also a display to show the amount of free storage space remaining, which is very similar to the Windows task manager. The MacOS operating system only recognises products which are built specifically for use with the mac.
Info on the peripherals connected can be found in the menu of the home desktop page. On a Windows machine the user has full access and control over the machine and its peripherals connected. The user can easily find a list of peripherals connected on the Windows control panel, to perform updates on drivers or check the status of the peripheral. All 3 operating systems allow the user good access to system statistics and peripheral management menus. The menus are very similar in function, although they do look different in the GUI of each OS.
Customisability Out of all 3-operating systems Linux is the most customisable because it is open-source which means any user can edit its code to add lots of extra features, as well as being able to changes its GUI to look completely different. It also includes base customisability features such as changing the desktop background or size of icons. Linux users can also create programs for other Linux members to use whether it be a whole other variant of the OS or just a useful app. This customisability also allows for the OS to be more secure as there are too many variants of the OS for a malware programmer to cover all of them (Compatibility wise). MacOS is by far the least customisable out of these operating systems as it requires special software to be installed to complete the desktop customisation which Windows has. The base MacOS only allows the user to change the desktop background image.
Although MacOS, like the other 2 operating systems does allow the user full access to their system preferences e.g. default playback devices, printer settings, etc. Users using Windows can change the default settings of the computer. They can also change the basics such as background colour, and background image.
Physically they can change the peripherals they use whereas with MacOS they must stick to certain ones made for that product. This OS also allows for users to download and use almost any program needed. This OS overall has a very customisable GUI. Overall Linux is the most customisable OS, although it is not the easiest as it requires the user to know how to code into it. The easiest and most customisable is Windows because of its simple GUI which allows a lot of customisable features to mess around with. MacOS is not very customisable although is with downloaded programs. Port Connectivity A lot of drivers are not supported by Linux OS as there is not as much demand for Linux compatible drivers.
Although these drivers don’t work normally, there is software which can help improve this compatibility issue. MacOS supports most portable media with a driver compatible with the OS. It supports the use of USBs, Flash memory cards and phones which are plugged in via the USB port. Windows supports all forms of portable media. It includes ready in system drivers which communicate with older peripheral devices. Windows is the best for port connectivity as it supports all ports and installs peripheral drivers automatically when plugged in, MacOS is slightly behind limiting the use of some peripheral devices which are not made by the “Apple” brand. For Linux a lot of ports are not supported as the peripheral companies do not think it’s worth wasting time creating drivers for the Linux OS. Reliability Linux is by far the most reliable OS out of the 3 listed.
This is because it rarely crashes or needs to be rebooted due to its high security infrastructure which stops virus and malware breaches which would affect the computers performance. MacOS is not as reliable as Linux although like Linux it is not easily infected by viruses due to its specificity to a certain computer, such as an Apple Mac. It is also designed in combination with its hardware and the same organisation which means the hardware and OS work in unison more efficiently than the others, increasing performance. Windows is the least reliable out of the 3 operating systems as it crashes often due to the user opening to many programs at once. It is also susceptible to viruses and malware as there is no default block for these breaches. Unlike Windows, MacOS and Linux are extremely reliable and less susceptible to security breaches, which means its overall performance on the computer’s hardware is more efficient and reliable.
Overall I can see that all three of the operating systems areequal in the amount of features they are better in, although Linux is betterfor customisation and not as good for a range of different peripheral devicesto use. Windows is not very reliable and can crash often if too many programsare open at the same time but has a good customisable GUI and offers very goodport connectivity and peripheral device driver support.
