Computer Shopping Case Study 3

1) Since you did not understand the questions that the sales associate asked you lets go
through them so we can understand them.
First, What operating system do you like?
An operating system is, as Computer hope says, "An operating system or OS is a software
on the hard drive that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the
computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software
programs would be useless. (http://www.computerhope.com/os.htm)
So these would include types like DOS (Disk operating systems, Its not very user friendly),
Windows (Microsoft, User friendly), Mac OS (Macintosh, By Apple, Very user friendly), and
Unix/Linux (like the DOS). Deciding what operating system you like is a very personal
decision, and you may want to test out different computer brands before you choose one.
Personally I believe that Mac is the best because they are extremely user friendly, and easy
for all ages. They also created their computers with the average person in mind, so
everything is simple to use and makes sense to the non-techy persons. A good way for you
to come to choose is to look to the following chart. Since DOS and Unix/Linux are similar we
will compare them, and then Windows to Mac OS.
Operating system
Unix

Linux

Operating system
Windows

Compare
-Not very known
- Very safe and secure
- Programs and games are
not as available as
windows
-You need to install it your
self (buy a computer and
then put it on)
-Not very known
- Very safe and secure
- Programs and games are
not as available as
windows
-You need to install it your
self (buy a computer and
then put it on)

Contrast
- Great for businesses
- Not as useful for home
systems
-Easy to use

Compare
-Use most of the same
apps
-Same home screen style
- Since so many people
have, there is good tech
support

Contrast
-Intermediate level of
knowledge needed to
operate
-Prone to viruses
-Costs over $100
-Runs slower because it
uses computer resources
-Can use almost all
programs and games on it

-Looks similar mac

-Tool bar looks live windows
-Interface looks newer
-Hard to use
-F-R-E-E

Mac OS

-Use most of the same

apps
-Same home screen style

-Very easy to use

-Has apps that Windows
does not have
-Fast system, with lots of
storage
2) Something else you will need to consider are the
different elements of user interfaces, which is the
means in which a person controls a software application
or hardware device.
(http://techterms.com/definition/user_interface).
Basically meaning you can interact with the computer in
a simple and natural way
Example of DOS interface;
This type of operating system has a very complex
interface, which needs you to know different codes to
enter into the computer to get
an outcome, otherwise known as a command-driven
interface. I do not think that this computer would be
the best choice for you. The photo below is an
example of a DOS interface.

Examples of Windows interface;

Windows has a very easy interface to understand.
They have icons for the Internet, typing documents,
settings, files, etc. As shown below they have made
their menus and icons very easy to use,
and navigate. This is a good option for you to
consider purchasing.

Examples of Mac OS/Apple interface;

Mac OS is an easy to use system, which has
simple tool bars and menus. Mac OS also has
large icons that are easy to navigate through, as
seen from the photo below. Mac is also good for
ones who are not as familiar with computers
because since the software is made with
ones like those in mind, its specifically targeted
to them to make the program and interface easy
to use and in logical places. This is a very good
option for you.

Examples of Unix interface

Unix is used for servers, or cooperate servers,
especially where security is important. These
are not as useful for a home computer, so this
is not a good option for your home computer.
(Could not find new photo)

Examples of Linux interface

Linux has a very similar look to an Mac.
Instead of having the main icons on the
bottom, its on the left hand side (as shown in the photo below). The tool bar at the top is
similar to windows. Personally I believe that this GUI (Graphical User Interface) was made for
people who are left handed, because of the layout and placement of icons. This would be a
good choice if you are looking for something like a Mac OS but don't want to pay for a Mac.

3) My recommendation
I would recommend the Mac Book Pro 13 inch with retina display. I believe that this is the
best choice for you because it is easy to use, and understand. Also this brand is very well
known and is generally very high quality. The mac book pro has features such as Retina
display, which make reading, photo editing, and other things easier to do. Also the mac book
has almost 2 million more pixels than an HDTV, this results in stunning image that look as
real as when you took them. The mac book also comes with an Intel processes, this means
that applications that are performance hunger, can last. The battery can last up to 10 hrs.
While on the web (12 hrs. of movies), lasting longer than an average day of work. The mac
book also comes with a black-lit key board (it lights up) so you can see what youre typing
when youre in darker places. Another feature that comes with the mac book is I cloud which
lets you store content such as documents, music, photos, and what ever else you save,
and accesses it on other devices such as iPad's and IMac's. Some apps that come with the
Mac book includes, Photos, IMovie, pages, safari, Mail, face time, App store, ITunes, iBooks,
and other applications. Overall A Mac book Pro is a great laptop that offers you many
different applications, is easy to use, and navigate, lasts long, has lots of storage, and works
exceptional. I believe that this Laptop would suit you.

Works cited;
http://www.computerhope.com/os.htm
http://www.calvin.edu/~rbobeldy/tutorials/os/basics2.htm

http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook-pro/features-retina/
http://www.usability.gov/how-to-and-tools/methods/user-interface-elements.html
http://www.informatics-tech.com/linux-vs-mac-vs-windows-unbiased-comparison.html
http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-linux-and-unix/
Photos credit;
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/FreeDOS_Beta_9_prerelease5_(command_line_interface)_on_Bochs_sshot20040912.png
http://www.windowsnews.in
http://ismh.s3.amazonaws.com/yosemite-default.png
http://tomer.github.io/linux101/Pictures/Screenshots/Unity_5.12_on_Ubuntu_12.04.png

http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-linux-and-unix/