Why the need for an operating system? ● Managing the computer's memory ● Managing the hardware ● Providing a user interface

To multitask Or To not Multitask

The command line

The Graphical Interface

Off the Shelf The good: Relatively Cheap. Available in most computer shops. Thoroughly tested. Lots of support online or in books And the bad Its made for everyone so some features you might never use. It tries to satisfy everyone by being able to be used for more than one thing.

The good: The company will get the exact software/system they need The software will work exactly how they want it to work The software will only have the features that they specifically need. And the bad It takes a long time to develop such a system It cost a great deal of money The company may need to employ a tem Is unlikely to be any internet forums to help user. Custom written Software

Open Source The good: Free Safe, everyone can fix bugs Easy to install Even if the company fails it does not cease to exist. And the bad Not as easy to use Compatability problems with hardware or other software.

Proprietary software VS Off the Shelf

TopicLinuxWindows Price Interface Reliability Software Software Cost Security

TopicLinuxWindows PriceLower or FREEVaries it, starting with 50£ More recent are around 150£ Interfacenot as easy as windowsEasier than linux ReliabilityVery, most versions can run for years.it has improved over the years but it does not match linux SoftwaresLargeLarger than linux Software Cost FREEanything between 10£ up, but most free software run on it SecurityMore secure, more difficult to hack.very vulnerable to virus