task 3

Software for Games

Operating system

An operating system (OS) is a software program that allows for much easier operation of a computerised system, be it PC, Mac, console or mobile device. The OS is made up of all the necessary files and protocols required not only to allow the user to operate the computer and its basic functionalities but also to initially boot up the device.

OSs offer a number of services to application programs and users. Applications access these services through application programming interfaces (APIs) or system calls. By using these interfaces, the application can request a service from the OS, pass parameters, and receive the results of the operation. Users may also interact with the OS by typing commands or using a graphical user interface (GUI).

The purpose of the OS is not only to handle the afore mentioned points but also with the use of a GUI (Graphic user Interface) provides the user with a much simpler way of operating the computer by giving the user a more image based system through which the user can select operations and programs without needing to type commands and telling the computer what to do in a much more longwinded and visually boring fashion. Essentially the modern OS is a means by which to make the operations of computers accessible to a much wider range of people with varying I.T (Information Technology) skills.

Some of the more basic features of an operating system will appear in any OS you choose to have installed on your computer for example the GUI is commonplace in almost all OS’s available today. Some of the other features include system sounds/alerts, a control panel (offering information on and control over some of the computer’s hardware and software operations), language selection, calendar, clock, appearance personalisation (GUI themes, colours and desktop background image), File management (allowing the user to organise files and folders in a way that suits their needs as well as naming said files and folders whatever the user chooses).

Linux: Advantages

-          Open source (many of the Linux programs allow for customisation within the coding)

-          Free ( Not only are there free versions of the OS but many of the programs for use with the Linux system are also free)

-          Reliable (most Linux variants can run for weeks without needing to be rebooted)

-          Secure ( Linux has always been a difficult system to attack and while it isn’t impervious it is still a more secure OS than Windows)

-          Support ( there are many books, online documents and support available for struggling Linux users)

-          Compatibility (linux can coexist with almost any OS currently on the market)

Disadvantages

-          Still, for the majority of people, not as easy to operate as windows

-          A much smaller amount of available software in terms of games and utilities when compared to windows

-          A large number of companies don’t offer support for their hardware in Linux

-          There are not many vendors selling Linux computers, more often than not you will need to by a windows PC, format the hard drive and then install Linux

In the following section I have laid out some of the advantages and disadvantages to two of the three OS's that were mentioned earlier in this document.

Windows: Advantages

-          Ease of use. Most people will have at some point used Windows and even if it was a much older version, the operation of the OS hasn’t changed all that much making it easy for most users to get to grips with using Windows. While it may not be the easiest OS on the market it is definitely easier than Linux.

-          Available software. The amount of software available for use on the windows system is simply staggering; this is mostly due to Microsoft’s dominance of the PC computer operating systems and Office software market.

-          Support for new hardware. Almost all hardware manufacturers will offer support for a recent version of Windows when they go to market with a new product.

-          Plug & Play. As an operating system for the average home user, Windows still has an edge over the competition in the area of Plug & Play support for PC hardware. As long as the right drivers are installed, Windows will usually do a good job at recognising new hardware. Other operating systems also offer Plug & Play functionality, but to a lesser degree and more frequently require manual intervention.

-          Games. If you crave the latest in PC gaming technology, then you need Windows. A plethora of gaming titles are available for Windows, as well as lots of special gaming hardware that's supported. Some of the most popular games are also available for Linux, and even more for the Mac, but there's really no comparison.

-          Support. Microsoft Windows includes its own help section, has vast amount of available online documentation and help, as well as books on each of the versions of Windows.

Disadvantages

-          Security. Although Microsoft has made great improvements over the years with security on their operating system, their operating system continues to be the most vulnerable to viruses and other attacks.

-          Cost. Although Windows does have software programs, utilities, and games for free, the majority of the programs will cost anywhere between $20.00 - $200.00+ US dollars per copy.

-          Reliability. Although Microsoft Windows has made great improvements in reliability over the last few versions of Windows, it still cannot match the reliability of Linux.

-          Closed Source. Troubleshooting problems with Windows would be so much easier for users and support personnel if only they knew what was actually going on. Unfortunately, only Microsoft has full access to its software's source code, and since no log files are generated its users are left to try and deduce what causes their problems by trial and error alone.

Platform Dependency

Certain pieces of software require specific hardware in order to operate either correctly or at all, this is known as platform dependant. However there are also many programs that have been designed to be platform independent meaning that they are coded in a way that is able to be read by a variety of different devices.

Drivers

All pieces of specific or specialised hardware require drivers in order to function at its full potential. Hardware like graphics cards, sound cards, keyboard, mouse and webcam to name but a few will usually either come with the driver software on a disc or is made available to the user for free download on the internet.

The purpose of a device driver is it acts as the go between for the user and the device in the event that the user opens a program a routine in the driver is initiated at which point the driver will then send commands to the hardware, and with the information the device sends back, the driver can activate routines in the selected program.