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Users and Operating Systems

In: Computers and Technology

Submitted By aljadam
Words 366
Pages 2
Operating Systems
Mohammad Aljada
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

An operating system, is an essential component of the system software, it manages computer hardware, software, and resources, providing a platform for applications and software to operate. (Wikipedia 2014). For most users, the choices of operating systems used in both computer and mobile interfaces can be confusing. With Microsoft, Apple and Google being the most commonly used, the need for an operating system to manage the ever growing number of electronic devices we use today is rapidly growing.

From Apple operating systems that links the MAC and the iOS to a large assortment of computer and mobile devices quite seamlessly, to Microsoft 's latest redesign to accommodate the mobile market, and Google's recent entry into the computer OS through Chrome operating system, to complement their strong Android presence on the mobile platform. All offer some advantages and disadvantages from an end user point of view. While some operating systems offer better compatibility with third party software and applications, and require no special hardware to operate, the process of choosing can be confusing, and the answer to where do users stand in the midst of all of this, is not always clear.

Users need software for a wide range of purposes, we use it at home, school, work, and on a growing number of mobile devices as well. This makes flexibility and adaptability of a software very important, but also requires the end-user to pay closer attention to what type of software do they need, and what they are going to use it for?. Moreover, users tend to stay with software they are familiar with, the type of software that offers functionality and ease of use, without having to spend a lot of time trying to learn how to operate it. Personally, I have grown quite attached to the Microsoft platform for my computer needs, but find the Android platform better suited for mobile devices. I also find using the two interfaces interchangeably to be seamless, and very seldom do I find a compatibility issue during transitions from one platform to the other.

References
Wikipedia (2014, September 21). Operating System. Retrieved from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system

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