Assignment 1: Module B- Operating system reveiw

There are many different kinds of operating systems floating around out there, but theres one that stands out, it creates the most controversy, it has more ups and downs then a rollar coaster, and has one sexy interface. It’s goes by the name of Windows Vista, and it’s here to show us just what 5 years of "innovative" (Cough) research and programming can offer. Created by Microsoft, it was originally known by it’s code name "Longhorn". The upgrade was made for a number of reasons, and came with literally hundreds of reworked, updated and new features. Among the updated programs was an improved search engine (Named "Instant-Search" for it’s ability to search while typing), better peer-to-peer file sharing, (Mostly in the context of cameras, Xbox 360’s etc) and signifigantly increased internet security (Which was one of the largest flaws in Windows XP). New features include the completely redesigned graphic interface, dubbed "Aero" (Authentic, energetic, reflective, open), and Windows DVD Maker. Windows Vista allows the user to run Windows Vista only games and programs, increase the old 16GB of RAM maximum for Windows XP to a blistering fast 64GB RAM (Not that anyone could afford that much RAM, or need it, for that matter. Also, a number of hacks and custom retrofitting allowed a Windows XP to run up to 64GB of RAM), and with the upgraded OS graphics, the user is also able to pan out all of his or her current open windows, allowing them to see a small part of each page. Not particularly useful, but it does look nice. However, all of this eyecandy comes at a high price, the Windows Vista Ultimate’s Aero interface is incredibly taxing on a computers processes, and requires a minimum of 1GB of RAM to run, among other requirements. Not only that, but, excluding the ability to run Vista-only applications, any Windows XP user can download (For free) an Aero-esque look for their computer, including the semi-transparent page and the sidebar (Which holds a number of features, such as current weather and sport scores ect). It has also been criticized for it’s attempt at blocking the copying (AKA bootlegging) of digital media and it’s lack of drivers that are compatible with old peripherals. Not only that, but Apples new program "Parallel Interface" allows any Mac to run a Windows OS while simultaneously running the Mac’s OS too, this will soon be followed by a Windows-compatible version of Parallel Interface, allowing a Mac OS to be run on a normally Windows OS computer. However, there is a silver lining in this for Microsoft, Steve Jobs obsession for keeping everything about Apple exclusive to Mac’s means that the Mac OS that works with Parallel Interface will be purposfully crippled in order to keep Mac users from completely switching to standar Microsoft computers. While this OS is certainly a step up from previous versions (Windows ME coming to mind), it doesn’t really seem like a large enough jump for five years of programming, and the features that make it "unique" are available free off the internet, or, alternatively, will set you back $400 for Windows Vista Ultimate, the cheapest version of the Vista OS that is equipped with Aero. For the billions of dollars they probably invested in this, it just really doesn’t match up to Mac’s OSX Tiger, which is cheaper, more reliable, and had many of the "new" features that Vista now has years ago. By the time the new Mac OS comes out, (OSX Leapord) will probably have a decent following, however, I can honestly say the Leapord will probably trump Vista in most, if not all, areas.