Reading Notes 3

Reading Notes for 9/20

Introduction to Linux: A Hands on Guide
Linux seems like a great OS for those experienced with computer code, giving them the capability to tweak code and develop specific changes to fit their computing needs. However, the number of available distributions combined with the common users fear of the unknown (the unknown being for the majority everything but Windows) makes the idea of transitioning intimidating. While Linux is free, most Windows users likely overlook the cost of the OS because it's a hidden component of the total cost they pay when purchasing their desktop or laptop system. While Linux has made attempts to improve its user-friendliness to appeal to more mainstream users, it still seems best designed for experts looking to optimize some component of that system beyond the capabilities provided by a more mainstream OS.

Mac OS X ( http://www.kernelthread.com/mac/osx/ and 
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X)
Am I the only person who had to look up Apache? After it came up in both of the first two readings I thought it'd be good to have some idea what they were talking about. Now I'm trying to fully understand what a web server is. It is also interesting to read in this 2003 article that the perception at that time was that there was far less software available on Mac OS X, particaularly games. This has clearly changed in the current culture, where as everyone knows, there's an app for that. Doesn't the fact that OS X can only run on Apple hardware limit its selling ability? Has Apple ever considered selling a PC-compatible OS? Maybe then they could possibly grab a market share of more than 4.5%

An Update on the Windows Roadmap
So is Windows a Unix-based system? No, and it's clear that they dominate the market regardless, and it is probably because of this economic position that unlike the Linux and Mac OS X readings there are no mentions of open source collaborations for software development. As a Windows user, I was unimpressed by the changes from XP to Vista, but have been very happy with Windows 7, referred to in this article in the future sense. And while they discuss their awareness of the security issues associated with Windows and the improvements in security with Vista, Windows is still the most vulnerable of the OSs covered in our readings, possibly because of the huge market share they control.