Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Windows Vista Ultimate includes all of these features (see Figure 4.5). A fifth version of
Windows Vista, Vista Enterprise, is designed for use on business networks. It includes en-
cryption technology to keep stored data secure, and the ability to deliver a Windows desktop
environment from an enterprise server. Today, Microsoft has over 90 percent of the PC OS
market. Apple holds 7.3 percent of the market, and Linux publishers and other companies
account for the rest of the PC OS market.
1
Figure 4.5
Microsoft Windows Vista
The National Aquarium in Baltimore decided to upgrade to Microsoft Vista Home Pre-
aquatic specimens has little time for computer work. Staff members share PC workstations
placed strategically around the 250,000 square foot facility. Before upgrading to Windows
Vista, various versions of operating systems were installed around the aquarium, and staff
members found the logon time a test of their patience. It was not uncommon for users to
forget to log out and leave secure data open to others. The aquarium chose Windows Vista
for two important features: Fast User Switching, which automatically logs users out after a
period of inactivity, but allows them to return to their work in seconds, and Windows built-
in desktop search, which saves time when looking for data. The staff estimates that it has
doubled its computing productivity since switching to Windows Vista.
Apple Computer Operating Systems
Although IBM system platforms traditionally use one of the Windows OSs and Intel micro-
processors (often called
Wintel
for this reason), Apple computers have used non-Intel
microprocessors designed by Apple, IBM, and Motorola which run a proprietary Apple
OS—the Mac OS. Newer Apple computers, however, use Intel chips. Although Wintel com-
puters hold the largest share of the business PC market, Apple computers are also popular,
especially in the fields of publishing, education, graphic arts, music, movies, and media.
Software developed for the Macintosh often provides cutting-edge options for creative peo-
ple. GarageBand, for example, is Macintosh software that allows you to create your own
music the way a professional does, and it can sound like a small orchestra. Pro Tools is another
software program used to edit digital music.
The Apple OSs have also evolved over a number of years and often provide features
not available from Microsoft. Starting in July 2001, the Mac OS X was installed on all new
Macs. It includes an entirely new user interface, which provides a new visual appearance for
