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There's the many flavors of UNIX to today's Google Everything and beyond. Will this bring the costs down for computer | gadget makers? What does this mean for the consumer? What does this mean for Microsoft Windows, a pay for product? |
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I don't feel the cost of hardware is affected by the cost of software. However, computer manufacturers such as Dell and Apple combine hardware and software into an all-in-one package. There are three questions to ask here:
I have a feeling for the desktop computer, there will not be a move toward free/open operating systems. It's been tried many times over the past few years, and although there has been some gain in market share, it's usually in smaller markets and e.g. Ubuntu hasn't made so much of an impact that Windows or Mac should feel threatened. However, on the mobile platform, there is a rise in the use of Android and WebOS. I feel Android will gain significant ground in the smart phone market (and possibly even the dumb phone market). HP, for example, sells Windows PC's, but is starting to sell Android mobile devices. At this point, with things shifting so much in the mobile market, it's hard to tell what the future will hold. I don't think the iPhone's OS is in much danger, nor Windows or Mac on the desktop. People use what they are used to and what is best marketed, and frankly that's the iPhone/iPad and Windows or Mac. |
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Free open-source os's are good because there is lots of sharing and editing to make that os better but that can bring about many bugs but what do rely expect from free product? |
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Well there are good and bad things about operating systems that are free, such as if it is free it is usually open source which is great but can also be corrupted by someone. But that isn't to say it is bad. My web servers run Debian a free operating system and that is great because it is really secure. But there is a big market for windows computers out there and they still dominate the market which because the type of environment they they are used in will never go away. |
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I think Windows is WAY over priced. Mac OS X is only a fraction of what Microsoft charges for Windows, and it has more features! Microsoft charges more than they should. Also, you don't have to choose to use a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. Mac OS X has BOTH built in. The operating system automatically switches between 32 and 64 bit depending on the app you're using (if it was designed to work under 32 or 64 bit) I think you're misunderstanding 32-bit/64-bit. Basically, the 64-bit Mac OS does exactly what 64-bit Windows does when it needs to run a 32-bit application. If you're purchasing a Mac from Apple, the operating system is already included depending on the hardware, just like when you're buying a Windows computer from Dell, HP, etc. I'm not misunderstanding. I'm talking about a retail copy. You can buy Windows 7 in 32-bit OR 64-bit mode. But when you buy Snow Leopard, there is only ONE version, because BOTH are included. Snow Leopard itself is a 64-bit operating system, but it will run 32-bit apps in 32-bit mode. Also, you can change the kernel from 32-bit (default) and 64-bit mode as needed. So both the operating system and the kernel are interchangeable. I am NOT talking about buying a new computer. I'm not misunderstanding 32-bit/64-bit, you're misunderstanding what I wrote. When I said you have to choose between 32-bit and 64-bit for Windows, is because at the store they sell both versions! @Eric, If I so misunderstood what you wrote, you might want to consider rewriting your post to make it clearer. Anyway, what does this have to do with the question? Your answer doesn't address free operating systems. Actually it does have to do with the question. Because I said that Windows overcharges, then used an example of another company that charges less. Then said that free operating systems are good, because the alternative would be an operating system from a company that overcharges. Learn to read between the lines. What I wrote IS clear and DOES respond directly to the question! @Eric, You say to "read between the lines" (which means you did not in fact write what I should be reading), then you say you clearly did write it. The questions in the OP were:
I've spoken with someone about the 64/32 issue and I wasn't aware that Mac OS X comes packaged with two separate kernels. My argument about you not answering the OP still holds, though, as well as this statement: "Basically, the 64-bit Mac OS does exactly what 64-bit Windows does when it needs to run a 32-bit application." This refutes the last sentence in your answer.
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it's great because you don't have to pay anything. |
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I built a router with a floppy disk and 2 network cards using freesco (Linux distribution). I didn't have to throw out my old computer for a while until I decided it was time to get a real router. I love linux because it's free. |
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Open source just makes everything better. That is one of the reasons I love and use Linux. |
