JODIAN JARRETT

S.SAWYERS
BTA3O0-A
SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Computer Case Study #3

Operating Systems
An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to
communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.
Without an operating system, a computer is useless. The three main common operating systems
for a personal computer are:

Microsoft Windows
Apple Mac OS X
Linux

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI ,A Graphic User Interface lets
you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on
the screen using a combination of graphics and text.
Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different
operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are
designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are the same.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. Over the years, there
have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 8
(released in 2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes
preloaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in
the world.

Mac OS is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes preloaded on all new
Macintosh computers, or Macs. All of the recent versions are known as OS X
(pronounced O-S Ten), and the specific versions include Yosemite (released in 2014),
Mavericks (2013), Mountain Lion (2012), Lion (2011), and Snow Leopard (2009). Apple
also offers a version called Mac OS X Server, which is designed to be run on servers.

Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means

they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from
proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that
owns it (Microsoft). The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many
different distributionsor versionsyou can choose from. Each distribution has a
different look and feel, and the most popular ones include Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora.
Linux is named after Linus Torvalds, who created the Linux kernel in 1991. The kernel is
the computer code that is the central part of an operating system.

CHOOSING A PERSONAL COMPUTER FOR MRS.SAWYERS

Choosing a personal computer is never easy because each operating system has its
advantages and disadvantages, it all depends on what you want that personal computer to do.
For Mrs. Sawyers I would recommend a Mac Book Pro , the specs are as follows : Display: 13.3inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with support for millions of colours
which is really good , it has a 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to
3.1GHz) with 3MB L3 cache, it also has a 500GB 5400-rpm hard drive , as it relates to
portability its Height: 0.95 inch (2.41 cm), Width: 12.78 inches (32.5 cm), Depth: 8.94 inches
(22.7 cm), Weight: 4.5 pounds (2.06 kg) so its pretty flexible to carry around. It is also compact
with Intel HD Graphics 4000 Dual display and video mirroring; Simultaneously supports full
native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display.
Additional features include HDMI audio and video output using third-party Mini Display Port to
HDMI Adapter (sold separately) it has a 720p Face Time HD camera, comes with Wi-Fi 802.11n
Wi-Fi wireless networking;3 IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless
technology which enables you to connect to other wireless devices. If youre a music lover the
Mac Book Pro comes with Stereo speakers with subwoofer Omnidirectional microphone,
Headphone port Support for Apple iPhone headset with microphone Support for audio line out
(digital/analog) apple offers a Full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys,
including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted T arrangement) with ambient light
sensor thus making it easy to use.
Multi-Touch track pad for precise cursor control; supports inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate,
swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, and tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities, battery

life stays Up to 7 hours wireless web Built-in 63.5-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery 60W
MagSafe Power Adapter with cable management system; MagSafe power port.
WHY A MAC BOOK PRO?
The Mac Book Pro is efficient, stable and its infinitely more user-friendly than most
laptops Im familiar with. Based on personal experience, I can say it does everything it
should in a way that allows one to get more done in a shorter period of time and to enjoy
getting that work done as well. Its also a bit more professional, smoother and in all
honesty, enjoyable to use. Additionally, the power, speed, weight and price of it are all more
than ideal, creating what can only be considered an undeniably impressive package for
Mrs. Sawyers.

Reference
1. http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics/2