Linux Article: To be perfectly honest, I had never seen a picture of a Linux application before. The examples of "how it runs" proved to be very helpful. The questions and thoughts I have are primarily concerning the use of Linux for programming purposes. Throughout the article, it was clear to me that the author wanted to give the impression that Linux is the most "pure" operating system n terms of its basis in UNIX. Is this the reason why it is often hailed as ideal for programmers and other experienced users. this article made me consider how OS and Windows are marketed towards people with very basic computer needs. As I imagine it, these needs include office work, gaming and family media organization. I'm very attracted to Linux, but I don't feel comfortable enough with the "design your own" aspect of it mentioned by the author of the guide. It certainly doesn't seem to be a major source of revenue for anyone like Gates or Jobs.
Mac OS X Article: As a recent mac convert, I certainly agree with the author of this explanation. The main point of the article seems to be that different operating systems fulfill different needs. In other words, the author didn't seem overly zealous about his recent mac purchase. The most interesting section for me was the one describing the anatomy of OS. Although it was over my head, it was interesting to speculate how it must be vastly different from Windows anatomy which led me to believe is the reason there are so few viruses for OS. Overall, Steve Jobs and the other folks at mac have definitely capitalized on a very user friendly operating system. Not to mention the success they have had with music and film editors as well as graphic designers.
Windows Vista Article: This article was probably my favorite to read because of the controversy surrounding Vista and the vast amount of negative press that surrounds it. The positive thing, however, is that Windows seems to be in a constant sate of development. Microsoft appears to be very quick to release any new product and even to provide specific times for when the next system will emerge on the market. In theory, I like Vista very much. I understand the idea behind it to be a universally accommodating system for Microsoft windows products. in other words, customers don't need to run out and buy the latest software as soon as they've installed the new operating system.
Muddiest Point: By a long shot, the muddiest point of class this week for me has been our discussion of cooling fans and the general maintenance of CPUs. As I previously mentioned, I recently purchased a MacBook and have deliberated to learn the anatomy of it. A relative of mine recently destryed his mac by exposing it to dust for an extended period of time. The fan turned out to be on the bottom of the machine thus blocking the source of cooling. What I don't understand is why no one has developed adequately heat resistant technology to maintain these machines?
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7 comments:
Hey Oliver,
I was pretty interested in the Linux review as well. But like you, I'm a Mac convert. However, in some ways I am not so used to the Mac system and, although it pretty user-friendly, I am still having problems with how the applications organize themselves. Perhaps, I am stuck in Windows?
It's amazing how much dust can effect the computer systems these days. This was also new information for me. Now I understand what happened to my son's computer and I bet dust was the problem with the hard drive that went in our DVR hard drive. It seems to me that cooling effectively with a fan would almost have to introduce dust into a system. I don't know what the answer is.
I am so happy that you understood the Linux article! Now would you explain it to me? Your review was a little clearer but I still don't quite get the hierarchy of program language and the operating system. How do these relate to the motherboard/hardware? Is Linux considered firmware? You seem to know what that article is saying so translation please?
I was also curious about Mac's immunity to spyware and viruses. Is there a simplified explanation for this? Before switching to Mac about a year ago, I had come to accept as a fact of life that, in spite of recommended virus and spyware protection, computers were all eventually infiltrated and slowly destroyed.
Mel said: I was also curious about Mac's immunity to spyware and viruses. Is there a simplified explanation for this?
Yes. Both Macs and Linux, that is, their kernels, the bare bones of the OS, are both based off of UNIX.
Most viruses and spyware, however, are specifically designed to run off of a Windows system, which is based on DOS.
As a result of this, Macs and Linux are a great deal safer from viruses and spyware, because these programs are designed to run in a DOS based environment instead of a UNIX one.
This does not mean there are viruses which do not run off of UNIX. But as I understand it, it is not a great concern for Mac and Linux users as much as those poor unfortunates stuck with Windoze.
Yes. I am a recent Mac convert too. It seems there a few of us in the class. So far, it is pretty safe, much much sager than Windows. But I'll bet there some people pretty hard at work figuring out viruses for the Mac. I wonder if the Mac OS X article helped them?
As long as it remains a pain for hackers to get to our precious macs I think we'll be ok. I personally love that I don't have to spend a lot of money to update a virus protection program every year. The heat that radiates off my Macbook annoys me as well. I have to put a pillow under it!
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