Assignment: Write a 4-6 page paper on the new Mac operating system. Describe it’s feature, advantages and disadvantages, if any.
In October 2007, Apple Computers released their fifth update to OS X operating system, known as Mac OS X Leopard. The first update in over two and a half years, OS X Leopard contains many new features, tools and adjustments. While some of the changes are merely aesthetic or organizational in nature, OS X Leopard can also be considered a vast and well needed facelift to the Mac user interface – one that offers user a new and exciting computing experience. As the first operating system released since the introduction of Intel based Macs, Leopard addresses issues arising from its dual boot capabilities and aims to make it an even easier transition for those users crossing over from the PC world. From Spaces - the Leopard program that helps users to streamline their desktops while toggling between several documents or programs, to Time Machine – Leopard’s built-in backup utility, Mac OS X Leopard breathes new life into Macs new and old.
The most significant and noteworthy feature of Mac OS X Leopard is Time Machine, a feature that makes it easy and convenient for just about anybody to routinely perform a hard drive back up (Snell). Setting up Time Machine is easy enough, though it requires the purchase of an external hard drive equal to or greater in size that the internal hard drive. (Typically, models between 320 and 500 GB run in the $150-$200 range.) Once the external hard drive is configured to the Mac (via Firewire or USB), Time Machine systematically works to back up the system at regular intervals (Williams 354). This is not only useful in the event of a system crash, but comes in handy in the retrieval of files or documents thrown away in error. For example, say that a user mistakenly saves the wrong draft of a paper, losing pages of work in the process. Time Machine makes it possible for that user to backtrack to a specific date and time in order to restore the correct draft. Once a task reserved for only the savviest of computer professionals, Time Machine makes it easy for even a novice user to perform file or program retrieval with a click of the mouse.
Another innovative feature of Leopard is Spaces, a program that allows users to move with ease between workspaces (Breen). Dividing the desktop into a grid, Spaces is the virtual equivalent of the desktop paper sorter. Each document can be neatly placed within a square of the grid, and easily retrieved with the click of two keys. In order to be used, Spaces must first be configured; a process easily accomplished though the System Preferences panel. Configuration allows users to personalize the Spaces environment to suit individual needs by controlling the number of squares in both the rows and columns of the grid. Spaces can be further configured to launch at each system startup, placing user specified programs automatically into the Spaces grid (Breen). Particularly once the shortcut keys (Control + 2, for example) are mastered, Spaces is an effective timesaving and organizational tool for any multitasking user. It is also a useful tool for increasing desktop functionality of smaller monitors or screens (Wenzel).
In addition to Spaces, OS X Leopard users will enjoy a significant reduction in desktop clutter thanks to Stacks, a feature that organizes downloads, applications and folders into a specific location on the dock. In Stacks, icons are “spring-loaded,” allowing contents to spring out like a deck of cards when clicked (McLean). To locate a file or folder, a user simply clicks on a dock icon to see its contents fan out on the desktop (Williams 103). This feature makes it easy to keep track of files and locate downloads in a snap (Wenzel).
Unlike Windows, Mac operating systems use proprietary technology that can only be used on Macintosh computers (Parsons and Oja 198). However, one of the best features of Intel based Macs is the ability to run the Windows operating system. In order to run Windows on a Mac, users must have Bootcamp (included with Leopard), a program that allows users to boot into the Windows environment (Wenzel) and run Windows programs at native speeds (Snell). It is important to note, however, that the Bootcamp application does not allow for a dual-boot. In order to run Windows and OS X Leopard environments simultaneously, users must purchase a separate program (either Parallels or VM Fusion).
The Mail application on OS X Leopard has several useful additions. It comes standard with 32 email templates, which enable users to drag and drop pictures into mail messages as well as to resize them with its built-in photo browser (Wenzel). Mail also features RSS feeds, which stands for “Really Simple Syndication.” RSS technology “feeds” users news and late-breaking information from a variety of internet sources (Williams 125). RSS feeds work in collaboration with the Mac Safari browser to pull news stories and press releases into a dedicated mailbox within the Mail application. Users can easily configure their RSS feature within the Safari application to pull headlines from any number of blogs, news sites or websites. The Mail application has also been enhanced to include an improved Spotlight (or search) function, which enables users to search for messages with greater ease and accuracy (Snell). The “To-do lists” and “Notes” functions in mail allow users to email themselves notes, an especially handy tool for those who also use an iPhone.
Mac OS X Leopard also contains many security enhancing features. Low level security features include the ability to suspend or turn off auto log-in, as well as a feature that requires users to input a password in order to wake up the Mac (Williams 422). OS X Leopard further enables users to lock their Macs with a click of the mouse. Higher-level security features include a “Secure Empty Trash” option which completely overwrites files so that they cannot ever be recovered (423). Users can also use the desk utility to encrypt all or part of their hard disk image to protect it from other authorized users of the computer as well as intrusions (423). Once encrypted, the contents of the hard drive are under password protection and cannot be viewed, opened or deleted. Heavy-Duty system protection includes FileVault, which encrypts all data within a user’s home folder (426). With FileVault activated, all contents of the home folder are protected (even from remote connections) and can only be unscrambled by a Master password (426). In addition, there are more firewalls on Leopard as well as other increased security provisions that work to protect users from Trojans and other attacks (Wenzel).
For those users who share a computer, Mac OS X Leopard is particularly conducive to what is known as a multiple user environment (Williams 307). This makes it easy for multiple users, friends, or family members, to use the same Mac. Each user is designated a user account by the main user, or Administrator. The Administrator can subsequently use a variety of controls and setting to limit or expand each user’s account options. This features works very well with the Parental Controls built into OS X Leopard. With Parental Controls, the Administrator can use the designated access hierarchy to limit a user’s access to features and applications, including the internet (324). Parents can also use the controls to place time limits on their children and to perform internet logging in order to monitor Web surfing activity (Wenzel).
Installing OS X Leopard requires the minimum of an 867 MHz G4 Power Mac (or any G5 or Intel Mac) as well as 9 GB of hard drive space and 512 MB of RAM memory (Wenzel). Upgrading from OS X Tiger takes about 40 minutes, a bit longer than the equivalent Windows XP to Vista upgrade. When upgrading from OS X 3 or later, all system settings and files are preserved. Once installed, OS X Leopard has proven to be moderately faster than OS X Tiger, its predecessor. This is largely due to the fact that many of the more intricate features and processes are delegated to the video card, which otherwise sits idle (McLean). Boot up of Mac OS X Leopard is relatively instantaneous, thanks to its parallel processing capabilities. Each task has its own dedicated thread, which prevents the interface from being “held-up” while completing tasks (McLean). To switch from sleep mode to wake mode takes but mere seconds to complete, an essential timesaver (McLean). This is an enticing feature for mobile users, particularly Windows Vista users who are used to a lengthy delay in booting and waking up their computers. For anyone in need of a highly responsive user interface, OS X Leopard’s pep and speed is reason enough to switch to a Mac.
A single-user license for Mac OS X Leopard costs $129. A multiple user license costs $199 and can accommodate up to five users, provided they share the same residence. There are also a variety of site and enterprise license programs available through Apple. Educational institutions can purchase licenses for $39 per install (Roy). Installation disks are $15 and can be used for an unlimited number of installations (Roy). In order to run Windows on a Mac, users must also purchase a Windows full product license.
Unlike with Windows Vista, Mac OS X Leopard does not come with any Product Activation protocol. There are no installation keys or codes to input in order to install the product (McLean). Leopard installation discs, even those sold as single user, are not protected against multiple user installations. While the rest of the technological world invests a great deal of resources in advances to copyright protection, Apple has taken the polar opposite approach. Playing off of its highly devoted customer base, Apple optimistically assumes that its users will want to encourage continued product improvement and development, and will therefore be less inclined to steal installations (McLean).
There are many benefits in both upgrading to Mac OS X Leopard from an earlier version and switching from Windows altogether. Upgrading from an earlier Mac OS is a relatively simple process. Though the interface is quite expansive, it has been engineered to trim itself down when employed on an older machine so that it can used by machines as old as five years (McLean). Unlike the extremely bloated Windows Vista, Mac OS X Leopard is a thoughtful operating system that uses only the resources that are available to it in order to perform functions (McLean), making it a much more efficient work environment. Whereas Mac OS X Leopard only requires 9GB of hard drive space, 512 MB of RAM and an 867 MHz processor, Windows Vista Premium requires 15 GB of hard drive space, 1 GB of RAM and a 1 GHz processor. Moreover, the induction of the Intel chip has made Macs incredibly versatile, especially for those who use a Windows machine at work. Users can now seamlessly integrate their Windows files and programs with minimal hassle. The $129 upgrade price tag for OS Leopard is about comparable to the premium version upgrade of Windows Vista. Though most Macs are priced significantly higher than their PC equivalents, the peace of mind that comes with the stringent security features of Mac OS X Leopard makes it well worth the cost.
All of the 300+ features of Mac OS X Leopard conspire to increase the user productivity and experience more than any other interface on the market. Mac OS X Leopard is far and away the finest Mac operating system engineered to date. Its visibly user-friendly and highly customizable platform provides for both loyal devotees and newcomers alike all the more reason to love Macs.
