Operating Systems Comparison

Windows has various operating systems targeted for home and business use and offers the largest selection of software applications, but Windows is notorious for security deficiencies and poor technical support. Windows ME contains multimedia applications and allows multiple users to share the same internet connection. Windows 2000 can operate as a server allowing multiple users to access the system concurrently. Windows XP has a "learning" interface that orders applications on the start menu by frequency of use. Windows Embedded is two operating systems: Windows CE is used on handheld computers and Windows XP Embedded enables the use of Windows XP task-specific applications, cable boxes are a common use for Windows XP Embedded. Microsoft's versatility in operating systems and application software gives them a leg-up on competition. (Malaga, 2005)

UNIX is an operating system capable of multiple programming and tasking, but its best feature is its portability and compatibility with other computer systems requiring minimal programming updates. UNIX never became widely used due to the complexity of programming language and learning difficulty. (Malaga, 2005)

Linux operating systems originated from UNIX operating systems, and it has an open source code allowing other programmers to create and add programs and assist in working out kinks. Linux operating systems are the most reliable and user friendly for multiple users, but the best feature Linux offers is that it can be used on even the most inexpensive personal computer, and it is free. (Malaga, 2005)

Macintosh based its Mac OS on UNIX, as well, and has a graphical interface, Aqua. The Mac OS X, the latest version, has support for multimedia application, enabling the user to organize music, digital images, and movies to burn to CD or DVD. (Malaga, 2005)

References

Malaga, R. A. (2005). Information systems technology. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.