Week Three Notes

Introduction to Linux:
What is Linux?

Originally computers were expensive, enormous, and all operated on different systems. Then in 1969 Bell Laps created a simple program that used C programming language- called UNIX. This program used recycling kernels for the first time, allowing the software to run on different types of Hardware. UNIX helped computers and people communicate more effectively. Originally only worked on big operating systems, but later Linux (an implement of UNIX) was adopted to home computers. Linux has gained a lot of popularity, but still falls short of Mircosoft. But, Linux covers more hardware than any other operating system in the world. Originally hard to use, but now is much more user-friendly.
- Now supported by entire infrastructure
- Open source initiative
- Uses GNU tools
Benefits
- Free to download from the internet, free to adapt and distribute, secure, portable, made without necessity to reboot, short debug times, trustworthy
- A Linux to suit everyone is available
Cons
- Confusing to use, way too many distributions
If you like to build, then this would be the right program for you and it is easier to install software. Beginners are urged to use default software and programs.

What is Mac OS X?
http://www.kernelthread.com/mac/osx/
- Many misperceptions about Macs
- History of Macs include evolution of programs, and not new beginnings
- Mac OS X is a ‘descendent’ of NEXTSTEP
- Darwin Operating System
o Takes from a lot of sources
- Layers of Mac OS X
- Firmware (new version)- stored in ROM, 1st start-up program
- Includes commands and advice
- Bootware (BootX)- loads kernels
- kernel (XNU)- includes Mach, BSD, I/O Kit, Platform Expert, libkern and libsa
- Different software layers ‘above the kernel’ – core and application services
- Explanation of system start-up
- Description of Filesystems , programming, and different features
The author describes Macs in great detail, and is a clear supporter of using them. I like that he includes Mac’s flaws and openly admits that it is not the system for everyone. However, he does believe that it is currently the best system offered. In his conclusion he also goes over the positives and negatives briefly of Microsoft and Linux products- which I like because although he is a clear supporter of the Macs he is not a basher of other systems. I also think its very funny that he calls Mac’s “lust worthy” not only because of their stylish exterior, but because of the beautiful engineering that goes into making them.


From Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_OS_X
General article on the operating system, Mac OS X. The description includes some of the same information as above; particularly history and what makes a Mac. The article includes compatibility for hardware and software, and features of the Mac OS X program. There is also a review of the different versions offered, chronically.

An Update of the Window’s Roadmap:
http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2008/06/27/an-update-on-the-windows-roadmap.aspx
The Future of Window’s XP
- Continued support for users
- Customers can still purchase if that’s what they want
Vista’s Progress
- Includes many changes and updates
- Designed for easier use
- Increase in security
Window’s 7 View
- will release 3 years after Vista
- building off the same core architecture as Vista
Letter from Bill Veghte, Senior Vice President of Microsoft includes an overview of concerns that are on the minds of Microsoft users. I liked the ‘laid back’ nature of the letter, it was informative, but also in Lehman’s terms- which I think is the appropriate audience to be setting for the letter.