M1 - operating systems.

M1 – Compare two operating systems

Machine and Peripheral management

Mac OS systems are very high technological and advanced. Peripherals that are needed are usually bought separately because they function better and make the system operate better. These peripherals are things such as keyboards and mouse’s etc. Apple makes products that suit the mac to give out the best performance to the user.

Windows XP have a variety of different slots to allow lots of devices to be plugged in. This is good because nearly every mouse, phone and other peripherals can be easily plugged in and used. This is efficient and means a user can adjust it to the way they like.

The mac uses system prefrences, this allows the mouse and keyboards settings to be adjusted and changed.

Security

Mac OS make sure that all users’ information, documents and other files are secure. They do this by allowing them to have separate log in accounts. This is simple but means only the user can log onto the system. They also keep files secure by using time machine. Time machine allows backing up of all documents so that if work is lost it can be found on the time machine drive. This keeps all documents from finished to updated documents safe.

Windows XP also has log on accounts. This means user’s files can’t be accessed unless they have the users log on and passwords. This keeps all their files safe and secure. Windows also have an administration feature. This means only the user can download/install documents. This means that no one can download harmful programs onto the laptop/pc.

File Management

Mac OS have one main tool to manage files. They have file finder. This means that recent documents can be accessed easily and allows users to type in file names and get their work this way. Mac OS have a new tool created by apple called cover flow. This shows a small sized thumbnail of the actual work instead of just an icon and allows users to scroll through all their work. This allows them to easily move and arrange documents and to find it in one easy place.

Windows XP uses lots of standard file management’s techniques that other pc companies use. One example of this is the folder ‘my documents’. All of users’ documents are stored in here which makes them easily accessible. One problem with this is that the files are not very secure.

Device Drivers

Mac OS have better device drivers, everything that is run has been tested and installed making it safe to use.

On windows XP lots of device drivers are used for nearly everything and they have to be installed. This isn’t as efficient as Macs.

Ability to customise

On Mac OS the customisation is very limited. Things have to be downloaded to make the Mac more customised for the user.

Windows XP has lots of customisation tools to make the user happy with it. They can change tile colours, background colours, make large icons, for important things and they can put their names and background images.

Support for Connectivity of Portable Media

On mac OS all of the things needed e.g. information and support is all installed. No extras are needed downloaded. This is one of the main reasons to why they are so popular as people don’t have to worry about problems.

On windows XP it differs as things usually need to be downloaded to help. This could be things such security or files to help with the PC.