Operating Systems and Cross Platform Issues

Apple/Macintosh OS Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created the Apple I computer in their garage Apple Computer Company was created April 1, Apple uses a GUI (Graphic User Interface)

Microsoft Operating System Bill Gates bought MS-DOS from Seattle Computer Corporation for $5000. He convinced IBM to make it the standard operating system on their new micro computers. DOS is a command line interface

A New Comer in the Game Linux is a new competing Operating System. It looks and feels a lot like Windows 95. It takes up a lot less memory than Windows or Mac OS. It is available FREE on the Internet or for about $50 for the full version.

Cross Platform Issues Can they Co-exists?

Inside a Macintosh Reads some invisible or hidden code embedded your document. The code has TYPE and CREATOR information to identify the application which created the file.

Inside the PC Reads the three character filename extension on the document. An extension map tells the computer the application that created your file. Resume.doc budget.xls coolpicture.jpg homework.cwk

Sharing Files Across Platforms Use the same software application on both platforms. Use the filename extension (.doc,.xls,.cwk) -even on the MAC. If not using the same application - save file as ASC text or Rich Text File (RTF) Use the “Save As” function under the File Menu

Mounting Disks Apple: Has a “Super Drive” and Apple File Exchange or PC Exchange. MACs (PowerPC Macs) will see and format Macintosh or PC disks. PCs: Only recognizes PC formatted disks, it will try to erase MAC disks. With third party software (MacOpener), PCs will mount all disks.

In the Multi-Platform World Always use a PC formatted disk when you are not sure where you will have to use your document. Use the Standard applications. Always use the filemane extension.