The Computer Revolution/Software/Types of Software & Operating Systems
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[edit] Linux Operating System
Linux was designed by Linus Torvalds back in September on 1991 when he uploaded it onto the web. Since then, with help from around the world, Linux has become one of the world's most widely used operating systems.
The main difference between operating systems such as Windows and Mac compared to Linux is that both Windows and Mac are proprietary system, meaning that they have restrictions on them regarding usage and copying them. Whereas Linux is free software available for all to use, modify, and redistribute as they see fit.
Because of it little to no cost, Linux is often found in micro-controllers or embedded computers such as PDAs, and cell phones. Linux is considered a unique operation system because it gives users the ability to customize it to a particular application. Linux is available over the internet as a free download very widely. It is available for both personal and server use and uses a much wider range of applications than windows. Linux has a wide range of compatibility and many users are switching because they are finding it to be much more cost effective, and can get many different essential programs such as free or low cost office suites.
[edit] Windows Operating System
Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system, and has been for many years. As with technology in general, the Windows operating system has evolved over the years. In 1985, the original version of Windows was introduced as Windows 1.0, and later followed by Windows 3, which had several versions, such as 3.0, 3.1, and 3.11. These were actually operating environments, and not systems in themselves. They simply enhanced the DOS operating system, making it more user friendly.
In 1995, Microsoft launched Windows 95, which was Their first full-fledged operating system, and it was followed by Windows 98. Windows NT (New Technology) was the operating system developed for high-end workstations and servers. Following 98, was Windows ME (Millennium Edition) and Windows 2000, replaced Windows NT. These systems were followed by Windows XP, which replaced both Windows 98 and Windows 2000. Windows Vista replaced XP, and was the current version until 2009, when Windows 7 was released.
[edit] Speech Recognition Software
Speech recognition has came along way in the last 10 years. I owned a copy of the first Dragon Speakeasy and not only was it slow, but it usually came out resembling some sort of Star Trek Klingon language. Over the years however significant advancements have been made. Speech recognition software has become so accurate that it allows authors and other desktop publishers to utilize it for all aspects of there work. Initially all the different commands take awhile to learn much like the character recognition of Palm pilots. However, after users become knowledgeable speech recognition software save the user a great deal of time and is highly efficient. Although there are a few different manufactures on the market today Dragon Naturally Speakeasy is credited as being the most accurate and is the industry leader. If you are someone who suffers from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or spends a great deal of time with desktop publishing then speech recognition software is for you.
Desktop vs. Mobile Software
Notebook computers, tablet computer, UMPCs and other portable computers run the same application software as desktop computers. Mobile phones and other mobile devices typically require mobile software that is specifically designed for a specific type of mobile phone or other mobile device. A wide range of mobile software is available today. There are mobile compatible versions to popular programs like Word or PowerPoint, games, media players and business tools that record inventory data or keep track of your business expenses, calendars and programs that allow you to organize notes and voice recording, applications that allow you to broadcast your current location to friends and web browsers for accessing web sites.
Many mobile applications include features for easier data input, such as an on-screen keyboard, a phrase list, or hand writing recognition capabilities. Some mobile software is designed to be compatible with popular desktop software, such as Microsoft office.
With Mobile phone – we can do lot of things including accessing and searching the Web on most of today’s phones. Web searching is text based; mobile voice search is now available. Mobile voice search allows you to speak, rather than type, search term into your mobile phone and then see the results of that search.
With Mobile software application we can able to install Google search, Yahoo search programs into Mobile software and it is easier to use once it is installed in our mobile phones. With Mobile software application it is easier to use while on the go. Commonly requested information includes directions to local businesses, stock quotes, flight information, local restaurants, weather information etc. Both these applications are very useful and essential in today’s busy world.
[edit] Accounting Software
Accounting software is software that allows users to run there own books. This is ideal for small business owners who do not want to pay the high fees of hiring an accountant to run their books. Accounting Software such as Simply Accounting, QuickBooks or Microsoft Small Business all make it easy for the small business owner to run their own books right off of their home or work PC or Mac;) There is a lot of flexibility in this software and a lot of customizable features for your own business. If you are looking at purchasing this software it is highly recommended you speak to an expert who understand what the uses will be. The prices range from hundreds all the way as high as thousands for small business software. Accounting software can be picked up an any major electronics retailer.
[edit] Tax Software
Tax software has solved the headaches of millions! This was a time of year that everyone dreaded, however with the advancements made through the computer revolution, filing your taxes has become as simple as roasting a turkey. Because it is so easy to file taxes there are dozens of software manufactures on the market each with there own version. If you are still slaving away for hours on end remember in the time it takes you to roast a turkey you can have your taxes done with tax software!
[edit] Video Editing and DVD Authoring Software
Video Editing: Video can be imported to a video editing program by connecting the camera to a computer or inserting the storage media containing the video into the computer through a DVD/CD drive. After it has been imported, the user can delete or change scenes, add voice-overs, or other special effects. Some editing software even allows you to edit the video in high definition format.
DVD Authoring: Organizing content that is to be transferred to DVD. This can involve importing videos, creating a playback menu to control the media, or burning data onto a rewritable DVD.
