1. Operating Systems
1.1. 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.
2. Open Source
2.1. Refers to a program in which the source code is available to the general public for use and/or modification from its original design free of charge, i.e., open.
3. RAM
3.1. Is a form of computer data storage. A random-access device allows stored data to be accessed in very nearly the same amount of time for any storage location, so data can be accessed quickly in any random order.
4. Market Share
5. Windows 8
5.1. Pros
5.1.1. 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. 2.Push Button Reset- It departments will be able to correct issues that currently require re imaging a PC.
5.2. Cons
5.2.1. 1.No Start Menu- Microsoft has pulled the Start button off the legacy interface, complicating any Windows 8 rollout in a corporate environment.
5.2.2. 2. Hardware Outlay- Companies will have to upgrade their hardware to take advantage of the touch interface.
6. MAC OS X
6.1. Pros
6.1.1. 1. Cloud Storage Built In- OS X 10.8 is Apple’s first release since the introduction of iCloud – their free online storage service. Signing into Mountain Lion is achieved using your Apple ID (which, in turn, is linked to iCloud), thus automatically pulling in contacts, bookmarks, calendars and other data in ‘sync’ with the service when you first log in.
6.1.2. 2. A Notes App That Syncs to the Cloud- I’m happy to admit that the new ‘notes’ app in Mountain Lion looks a little nicer than Ubuntu’s default notes tool ‘Tomboy’, but it’s the cloud-syncing feature I’m highlighting here.
6.2. Cons
6.2.1. 1. Mac OS X Lion will only run on a Mac, meaning that, if you want Mac OS X Lion, you must have a Mac from the Mac family. This is a huge problem for Macs and a huge problem for consumers. We all know that Apple charges outrageous prices for these products, which will hurt consumers who want Mac OS X. For a Mac Mini, you already need to fork over $600
6.2.2. 2. Macs aren't as secure as you think they are when you first get one. Don't get me wrong: Macs are just as secure as Windows 7 is, but, when you first get your Mac, you shouldn't expect the royal treatment in security. When a Mac gets shipped, sadly, Apple disables the firewall for it
7. Linux Ubuntu 12.10
7.1. Pros
7.1.1. 1. Virtual Desktops are insanely cool- It exponentially increases the amount of program windows you can comfortably have open at a single time.
7.1.2. 2. An enormous free software library- On Ubuntu, sudo apt get install is the one line command you can use to download & install almost everything you'll need, instantly
7.2. Cons
7.2.1. 1. Ubuntu's controversial desktop shell, Unity, has still to mature
7.2.2. 2. Recent trends towards 'commercialisation' (the addition of online shopping 'suggestions' to the Dash search results) have annoyed some users