Operating Systems And Other Important Software example essay topic

Today's biggest debate in computer world is similarities, and differences between PC and Macintosh computers. Not only that, but there are also many advantages, and disadvantages of these two types of computers. Not long ago, people invented first computer, which was like a building with height over 30 feet. Today, a calculator that can be purchased in a dollar store is much faster and has approximately 100 times as much memory. Over time, computers evolved into today's machines, which can do almost anything. The largest similarity between PC and Macintosh is their hardware.

Both types have not only monitors, keyboards, and mice's alike, but most of their components are compatible with each other. For example, not long ago, I brought 80 Gigabyte hard drive for my PC. There were two installation manuals, for PC, and Macintosh. Also other hardware like video cards, ram memory and even USB ports can be found on both types of computers. Both PC and Macintosh even have similar software. For example Microsoft Office XP, Quick Time Player and other software is used with both types.

This is very good for compatibility. If we look into development of software for these types, all of their Operating Systems came from the first programming language, UNIX. Approximately three years ago Microsoft came out with some software that allowed users to have Windows 98 on Macintosh machines. This software basically combined PC, and Mac in one computer, but it didn't last long, because Macintosh upgraded its operating systems, and Microsoft came out with new versions of windows like Win 2000, Win XP, and the most resent one Win 2003 Server. Even thought those two competitive types of computers have many similarities, they have much more differences. The first difference is that Macintosh keeps everything private.

Macintosh builds its own hardware, and also develops its own software. On the other hand, PC is what's called Open Architecture, and Open Source. In other words, many different companies develop different parts and software for PC. For example, today's best hard drives are made by Maxtor. Best Video cards are made by two competitive companies, GeForce and ATI, but there are also at least 25 more companies that specialize in making video cards.

The more competition we have, the faster, and better quality will get. In Operating systems, PC is by far advanced then Macintosh, because again there are many companies that specialize in making Operating systems, and other important software. Microsoft is the largest one because it makes its operation systems for home use machines. They are reliable, compatible to most multimedia, and fast.

Linux is another company that makes Operating systems, and recently it came out with RedHat Linux 9.0. Linux is the most famous system in programming world, because its open source, which means any programmer can edit and modify Linux. Microsoft however is famous with his Win. XP, for multimedia, and gaming compatibility. By the way- approximately 90 percent of computer games are made for Microsoft Windows operating systems. On the other hand Macintosh is one private company that invents its own hardware and software for their own computers, and if any other company create anything for Macintosh, they have to pay large fees, and that is why there aren't many of those.

In short I would like to say that there are many advantages and disadvantages in both types of computers, but the most preferred by public is PC. So far I had bin working with Macintosh, and PC's with different operating systems from Dos 7.0 to Win 2003 server including all in between, worked with UNIX and Linux too. I am a PC fan, and I would strongly recommend a PC type for any home use.