WEEK 3 READINGS
1) Introduction to Linux
-development started in 1969, to address software compatibility issues
-code recycling features were especially important
-made computers much more usable because users could connect to the same network or use a different computer without the need for further education
-current applications: working to develop an easy user interface and offer MS compatible applications
-ideal for power users and programmers
-more 'expertise' is required but striving to make it more accessible for non-experienced users
-future of Linux: open source. code will mature if many programmers can access/adapt/fix etc.
-pros and cons: it is free, versatile and secure, but there are too many variations and it can be confusing for inexperienced users
2) MAC OS X
-UNIX based OS, developed by Apple and now comes standard on all new Macintosh computers
-contains tools to facilitate management of workgroups of Mac OS X machines and provide access to network services
-10th major version of Apple's OS for macs
-includes its own software development tools
-features: Aqua GUI (fluid graphical user interface), anti-aliasing technology for window elements, graphics, texts, widgets, etc., Automator, Dashboard, Front Row, Time Machine, Screen Sharing, etc.
These two readings were very useful to me as someone who is inexperienced in using any computer operating systems other than Windows. While I am surrounded by nerd friends who constantly debate the merits of various systems, I don't know much about either of these, and I thought that the articles were written in such a fashion as to be easily understood by someone with limited experience. I didn't know before reading this that before LINUX was developed, all computers ran different systems and that they could not only not connect to the same network, but that it would be very difficult to use another computer without education or training. I think this is especially important since we now take for granted the global network into which any of us with a computer and internet access are now connected 24/7 for communication, research, news, music and just about any other use you can think of, and the fact that so much of what goes on behind the scenes in the library is based on the ability to connect to libraries around the world to access and share materials and information.
3) An Update on the Windows Roadmap
-discusses the continued support for Windows XP, and the progress of Windows Vista
-Vista: improved security, compatibility, system performance improvements
-Future: Windows 7
I have found some things frustrating about Windows Vista since I started using it last year, and I like the fact that Microsoft continues to listen to their customers and strive to improve their systems based on what the average user wants out of their computer experience. Personally, as someone with little technological expertise, I appreciate Microsoft's great amount of hardware and software and think that this probably contributes a lot to the fact that many 'casual' computer users continue to run Windows. I don't have a lot of other comments on this reading because I don't know enough about the other systems mentioned to really compare or contrast, or offer an opinion as to which I think is 'best.'
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I felt that the author of the article on Mac OS X was particularly helpful. He put everything in simple terms and tried to remain unbiased in his description. I, too, have lots of nerd friend and this article felt like one of them was explaining it to me. Except less condescending.
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