Unit 2: M1

Window XP	Mac OS
Functions:
Security
It uses firewall software which helps to protect the computer from viruses. There is also user accounts passwords protection as well to help protect personal information. Microsoft provides security essentials, which helps to protect the computer from threats. Although many computers have these, many are still hacked, creating a privacy problem.	Mac OS uses Gatekeeper, which makes the installation of apps much safer. They have security updates to help improve the computers security system. Time machine is a backup system that allows the user to go back to a version of a document even though it may have been edited. There is also ‘find my Mac’ which allows you to locate your device on a map if it is lost or stolen. Although there are all of these different software’s available to help to protect the computer, like windows many people’s computers are still being hacked.
Machine and peripheral management
The operating systems can control the computer, components and it also controls the peripherals e.g. keyboard and the mouse. An example of this is windows control the monitor by changing the resolution; this can be done, by setting the click speed using the mouse.	The peripherals in Macs are made specifically, so they have the advantage that they can do more. An example would be the keyboard and how it allows access to many features such as brightness and volume.
File management
This has its own programme called explorer.exe to help file management and allows the user to create, view, delete or edit files. Making it easier to organise the files.	Mac OS use finder, this has an icon for each file type and these files can be managed by the tree navigation system etc. Cover flow is also used allowing the user to see small thumbnails of the different documents. Mac OS is much more user friendly than windows.
Device drivers
A device driver which controls all programmes on the computer. However without this the programmes would be very difficult to install, and also allows communication with peripheral devices.	These device drivers are similar to the windows device drivers. Every time a new peripheral device is added, a new driver for the Mac must be installed first as there are no updates to change the programmes etc.
Features:
Ability to customize
You are able to easily change the backgrounds etc., this can be done by right clicking on the desk top to personalise the background with colours, images and own photos. This allows people to individualise their desktop, this can even help people to express themselves.	Similarly to Windows the desktop can be personalised on a Mac, however the Mac allows you to change the colours and font of folders on a Mac. This can allow people to make it easier to differentiate the information.
Support for connectivity of portable media
Once there is a new device is plugged in, options are provided on whether you want to import the files etc. on windows. This occurs each time a device is plugged in, the same options are provided.	When a device .g. a phone is plugged in, photos or music etc. are already imported and put into the appropriate files. Making it easier to arrange the files on the Mac.