Mac os x Software Review

   As you browse the web today, you start to see more and more Mac related products and sites. You see forums and blogs with “Made by a Mac” on the bottom of the page, you see full websites devoted to just talking about and discussing Mac software. Lastly, you may even see more and more products made specifically for Mac. But what is this new craze all about? Why is there a community growing out of an operating system? For most of us this wouldn’t make sense, unless you have used one; until then you probably won’t understand.

Today Mac’s have grown from the least popular, almost not even considered a choice for your next operating system; into something that is required by all education majors from Penn State. But why is this happening? Is it because of the stable operating system that rarely crashes? Or, is it the fact that there are physically no real virus threats. Or maybe it’s just the software that is licensed specifically to Apple, and M only.

Why should you trust me?   I am currently an IST (Information Sciences & Technology) major at Penn State University who has used all three-design platforms, Window’s, Mac, and even various versions of Linux. However, my operating system of choice is by far Mac. I have owned and used their operating system for over a year now and have grown to love it, and it has in return made me more productive. I have created various Web Sites, and think of myself as an avid Web Designer, Graphic Designer, and coder. I also create movies and edit them solely on my Mac. I have thousands of photos and they are easily stored on my computer using built in software. While running large graphic intense programs, the stability of Mac’s keep my computer up and running so that I can get the job done.

Stability
When Microsoft computers were first invented, they came from a man named Bill Gates, who created an operating system essentially from scratch. Some would call him a genius, and while they are probably right, Bill failed to check over minor Details. Building an operating system is like constructing a house. Once the foundation is there, there isn’t much you can do to change it. When you update your system from Windows XP to Vista, it is essentially the same core, just new features on top of it. The weak “foundation” allowed for error in the system, which now results in bugs, and system crashes.

Mac was built off of an operating system known as Unix, which is a stable operating system, now used to maintain servers. AT&T built Unix and than released it as an open source software package. This system allows anyone to look at the physical files of the operating system and modify the system to be much more secured and stable.

Have you ever had a program that just won’t respond? Or does your computer crash every time you open a program, forcing you to restart your whole computer? This is due to Window’s programs running off of on one and another, meaning that they are dependent of each other. So, say Internet Explorer crashes, that means your whole computer is likely to fault as well. However, Mac’s are not built that way.. Mac separates each program into its own separate component, so if one system fails, you will just need to force quit and not have to restart.

The saying “two heads are better than one” comes into account here. Based on the fact that various people working on an operating system, and giving their input, allows for a much better product. This resulted in not only being more stable, but also being more secure, so people could not take advantage of the instability of the system.

Viruses

 According to Mac360.com there are currently 114,000 known viruses for Windows based computers, while Macs have not yet discovered a virus. There are also currently hundreds of anti-virus software applications for Windows, to try and prevent your computer from getting a virus. While these programs might work, most of them charge an annual fee, driving the price to maintain your computer higher every year. Window’s itself has admitted to how faulty there system is, and insists on you purchasing a third party anti-virus software. In fact, they will put a mean red icon in the bottom right of your screen if you don’t.

Every time you install a program on the Mac OSX operating system, you are required to type in your password, as well as be an administrator to change anything major. This makes it more difficult for Trojans to get inside your computer and corrupt your system. Mac also separates the physical operating system from the user interface and user data. Even if you get a virus and it ruins your account, the worst you would have to do is reinstall your system. The virus will be swept clean because nothing can be overwritten on the core of the operating system.

With Mac being incredibly secure and stable, it allowed them to worry about more important issues. This allowed Mac to be able to devote their staff to creating new software for the operating system and develop “iLife”, Final Cut Pro, and Aperture. These software packages are things that Graphic Design artists, or Film professions would not want to work without.

Software

The Mac computer is becoming more popular today, because when they designed the operating system, they wanted it to be a design platform. Mac wanted the average user; to take something they have never used before, and be able to create something beautiful with it. This is why they started creating easy-to-use software programs for the operating system, with specific copyrights that allow it to be only installed on a Mac.
All Mac’s come standard with a software package called “iLife” which has video, photo, web, and music editing capabilities. Mac also has an option to get an online server, which you can use for backing up your documents. The server easily integrates with the “iLife” suite, and allows you to share your memories with the rest of the world in just a few clicks. Macs easily integrate with Microsoft’s software, like Office 2008; allowing them to easily collaborate with Window’s based computers, sharing word documents, spreadsheets and even calendar events.

Once you get beyond the basics, you can eventually start moving into more advanced programs, such as Aperture and Final Cut Pro. Both of these programs are leading the industry in professional graphic production. These programs however, while extremely advanced; are easy to use and build off of the minor programs that iLife has given you.  If you happen to be making the transition from part time photo editor into a photographer, you will still find yourself at home in the Aperture work environment.

Mac: The Only Choice for your next Operating System After you consider greater stability, no viruses, easier to use, and more powerful software only available on the Mac platform, it should become obvious which Operating System is superior. Whether you are a large software firm, or just someone who wants to be able to use their computer to be more productive, Mac is the obvious choice. Come see what all of the craze is about, and join on of the largest, and fastest growing, Apple community.

Works Cited

Henshaw, John. "Buying a Home Computer (Mac vs. Windows) - Technology - Lifestyles -." Family Resource. 23 Feb. 2009

Published by XRideRed450R

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MemberID: XRideRed450R
Name: Mike Silvis
Location: State College, PA
Member Since: Array
Hobbies: Atvs, Cars, Web Design Jumping out of Airplanes!!
Sports: Hockey, Snowboarding, MX

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