Operating Systems for your Business
- By Brian Hall
- Dec 01, 1999
Computers have rapidly become a major part of our businesses. The operating system (Windows 95, Windows NT, etc.) is the drive train of the computer. To continue the analogy, the engine of the train is the hardware itself and the mouse is the steering wheel. But the real power is the operating system, which serves as the interface between the user and the hardware.
Before I continue, let me clarify a few points. First, I am a geek. Not the pocket-protector, taped-glasses type, but a card-carrying certified geek nonetheless. I love technology. I love computers and technology, and I love learning about technology. As such, my stance on some issues may be skewed
from that of the average Joe.
The operating system is the connection between the user and the system hardware.
Second, I often look at issues from an accountant's standpoint. Before I was a computer geek, I was an accounting geek. My undergraduate degree is
in accounting, and I spent four and a half years in
that field before I became a programmer. Cost-to-benefit ratios are vital to me.
Finally, I'm not a Microsoft clone. I use many of the company's products but recognize that there are problems with virtually all of them. Software is, unfortunately, an imprecise science. However, Microsoft puts out systems that are used by much of the world. If you are going to use
computers, you better know something about Microsoft's products.
With those caveats in mind, let's talk about operating systems. The operating system is the piece of software that makes the computer work. It handles the file system, provides the user interface and keeps programs running smoothly. If your operating system doesn't work, your computer doesn't work.
There are many choices when it comes to operating systems, including Microsoft's Windows 3.1, Windows 95/98, Windows NT and now Windows 2000. Apple is making a comeback. There are plenty of flavors of Unix running around, with Linux getting the lion's share of attention now. We'll start by discussing Microsoft's operating systems and then move on to Linux.
Windows 3.1
Windows 3.1 was the first widely distributed Windows operating system. Honestly, it's not truly an operating system. Basically, it overlaid DOS and gave a pretty (and unstable) user interface. Windows 3.1 was little more than a thin veneer over DOS. In today's computer market, there is virtually
no good reason to continue using Windows 3.1. With limited exceptions, it can't handle today's programs. If you're on Windows 3.1, I strongly recommend upgrading.
Windows 95/98
Windows 95/98 can be discussed together, as they are so similar. Basically, Windows 98 is Windows 95 grown up. Windows 98 adds some nice features to the interface, but its main improvements lie under the hood. We'll limit this discussion to the similarities between the systems.
Windows 95/98 is a good user's operating system. Virtually all needs of the user are handled by the operating system, and the user doesn't have to be a techno-wizard to make use of
it. The mouse drives the system and a few clicks can accomplish almost any task.
The problems with Windows 95/98 can be traced to
their DOS heritage. Microsoft claims that Windows 95/98 are not DOS, and technically that's true. However, much of the system is still DOS based. Virtually every
user of Windows 95/98, has encountered an error lock. Windows
95/98 does a very poor job of protecting the internal system from programs that are running. The end result is a less than stable operating system.
Security is a serious deficiency in Windows 95/98. There is no real ability to keep
unwanted users out of the system. You can limit their network access with a password, but any sensitive data on the hard drive is easily accessible. In today's Internet-crazy world, this will be
increasingly problematic.
However, if ease of use and a glut of available compatible software is your goal, look no further. Windows 95/98 is your operating system.
Windows NT/2000
Windows NT/2000 is Microsoft's operating system aimed directly at businesses. I have included both NT and 2000 in this section, as Windows 2000 is the next version of NT.
Windows NT benefits from a completely new code
base. Thus, NT manages to overcome many problems that
plague 95/98, which used some DOS code. The operating system does a much better job of protecting the important elements of the system, thereby improving stability. Security is greatly enhanced.
NT can run virtually any program that 95/98 can run (games are often the only programs that don't do well on NT).
Microsoft has given rise to an extensive industry of companies specializing in
its products, which means that it is easy to find support for your system. Unless you live in a very small town, there are probably multiple Microsoft-certified companies around to help you setup your system.
However, NT is more complex than 95/98. Plug and play was to have been introduced in Windows 2000, but it was not completed in time. Hardware setup and configuration is therefore more difficult with Windows NT. Networking only adds to the complexity of the system.
With greater security and stability, relative ease of use and the great quantity of available software, NT is quickly becoming the preferred operating system for corporate use. If you want more power than 95/98, but you still want Microsoft and the huge number of people who know Microsoft's products
behind you, NT is your ticket.
Apple
Apple's operating systems comprise a small number of the operating systems in use today. However, they are gaining popularity. Apple's systems tend to do certain things very well. If you talk to a graphics artist today, he'll probably talk in glowing terms of his beloved Macintosh. When it comes
to graphics, the Mac can't be beaten. The flip side is that support and software can be hard to find, so I hesitate to recommend it. Do some comparative research and fully analyze your needs before you purchase the system.
Linux/Unix
Unix is an operating system devised in academic circles in the early 1970s. Once the students of these systems graduated, they moved Unix into mainstream business. Several companies developed Unix clones (called flavors), and they all operate in similar fashion. One of the flavors gaining
huge popularity now is Linux. Linus Torvalds wrote Linux and placed it into the public domain with a couple of caveats. All source code has to be distributed and you can't charge for it. Many programmers around the world are therefore working on Linux.
Linux allows you to recompile the
kernel, write your own protocol
stacks, and rewrite the scheduler. It uses standard Unix editors such as
emacs and vi. Unix tools such as
pipes, redirection, and chron jobs
are all possible.
If the last paragraph made no sense to you, you probably aren't interested in Linux. I have had several friends talk about how Linux was going to catch Microsoft. My usual response is, "When my dad recompiles the kernel, I'll believe it." Linux (like any Unix flavor) is quite complex, and the software
is sparse. Unless you're a techie who just enjoys playing with Linux or you need the stability that Linux/Unix provides, you have little business reason to choose Linux/Unix.
Due to the extensive support base, the vast library of available software and the user-friendly nature of their systems, I'd choose a Microsoft operating system. My security needs and technical ability would then determine whether I used NT or 95/98. For your business needs, it's hard to beat
what Microsoft offers.
For more information, contact Brian Hall, Vivid Software
Solutions, by email at jb_hall@bellsouth.net.
This article originally appeared in the December 1999 issue of Recharger.