1. Define: RAM
1.1. Random Access Memory (RAM) provides space for your computer to read and write data to be accessed by the CPU (central processing unit). When people refer to a computer's memory, they usually mean its RAM.
2. Define: Operating System
2.1. The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
3. Define: Open Source
3.1. Open-source means that you can get the source code of the software for free (source code is the code of the program written in a certain programing language).
4. Market Share
5. Windows 8
5.1. Pros
5.1.1. The biggest advantage of Windows is that it provides ready-made solutions that can be implemented by just about anyone who’s ever used a computer.
5.1.2. Microsoft Office is also 100% compatible with any file or document produced in the office space in America. In fact, MS Office isn’t compatible with other software and systems, so much as other software and systems strive to be compatible with Office!
5.2. Cons
5.2.1. Of course, Windows detractors will tell you that there is more need for software services when it comes to Windows. And while this worldwide operating system is far from trash, it is often not as stable as its Mac or Linux counterparts.
5.2.2. The only other major disadvantage of using Windows in the workplace is that over 95% of all viruses and malicious software are written for the Windows OS. This means you have to double-down all security measures if you’re using Microsoft software across the board.
6. Mac OS
6.1. Pros
6.1.1. The other reason why Launchpad is a godsend is that it works hand in hand with the Mac App Store. If you download a Mac OS program from the web, you have to click on the file name in the Downloads window, then drag the icon for the app into the Applications folder within a small window. (Many times you also have to agree to download an app from the web.) It’s almost like a cruel joke. When you download an app from the App Store, it automatically pops up on the Launchpad, ready for you to access.
6.1.2. When you’re extremely busy, a notebook taking several seconds (or more) to wake up from sleep can mean the difference between using the laptop and looking up something on your phone. For real work a notebook is always better, and that’s why I love the way the Air’s flash memory and Mac OS X work together to snap the system back to life when you lift the lid. I haven’t seen anything as instantly responsive from the Windows camp yet, with only the Samsung Series 9 coming close.
6.2. Cons
6.2.1. For the most part, the Auto Save feature of Mac OS X Lion is great. You click save once, and the software is smart enough to automatically save your document as you work. And, thanks to the Resume feature in Lion, you can close the app or shut down your system entirely and the app will pick up right where you left off. Our biggest beef with Auto Save is that it kills the Save As option in apps such as TextEdit and Pages. You can decide where you want a file to reside the first time you save it, but after that if you want to save to another folder you’ll have to create a duplicate first. That’s an unnecessary extra step.
6.2.2. This isn’t a Lion-specific complaint, but I don’t get why clicking the red circle with an X in the middle on an Mac app doesn’t close it. Doing this just closes the window. To truly close an application you have to hit Command + Q. With the new Resume feature in Lion, there’s even less reason to not let that X do what it should. Now, the keyboard shortcut isn’t hard to execute, but I think it should be just as easy to close apps with the touchpad. If Apple really doesn’t want to budge on how the red circle is used, a three-finger click on the trackpad would be a nice quit shortcut.
7. Linux Ubuntu
7.1. Pros
7.1.1. Free software. When I installed Ubuntu, I was surprise with the number of free quality software available. If I wanted free software on Windows, I either had to settle for a shareware or end up getting it from shady sources. I'll leave it at that.
7.1.2. Scalability is great on Linux. It can run on new and old computers. It can even run on smart phones(Android). I've installed the full 32-bit Ubuntu on my Eee PC netbook and it runs much better than the Windows 7 Starter that came with the netbook. In Windows, I had to think about RAM and CPU specs. I never worry if my computer is good enough on Ubuntu. Ubuntu just feels faster and lighter than Windows
7.2. Cons
7.2.1. Bug regression is another annoying problem I've had with Ubuntu. It is irritating when you install a new version of Ubuntu and find that some of the things that work find no longer work. I've had this happen with sound and video. This mainly happen with Ubuntu Hardy Heron which I think was the worst release. Things that worked in previous releases should work in newer versions.
7.2.2. Third party software is almost non-existent on Linux. Ubuntu is trying to change that by adding software for purchase in the Ubuntu Software Center but the library is very small. I would love to see Adobe bring Photoshop and Lightroom natively to Linux. One of the misconceptions with Linux users is that they are cheap pirates who won't pay for software and that is simply not true. I would gladly pay for quality software.