The operating system is the heart of any computer system. It controls input/output, peripherals, and provides the platform on which all applications and processes run. Operating systems form the basis for the security of systems, and are the interface between the user and the computer. Today, most operating systems use graphic user interfaces (GUIs) for that interface, and seamlessly manage multiple processes simultaneously. This research considers some operating systems that are commonly used on the Internet, and evaluates their suitability to that purpose.
Three operating systems are in common use on the Internet: Windows, OS X and Linux. These operating systems are also the dominant systems used both in business and for personal use, with Microsoft Windows-in its many variations-dominating the marketplace. Both Windows and OS X, which is the operating system of Apple computers, are proprietary systems. This means that they are developed and maintained by personnel at Apple and Microsoft and are then introduced to the field (Henry, 2008).
The same is not true of Linux. Linux is an open system, meaning that anyone can work to improve it or add enhancements. In addition, Linux is available as a working, robust operating system at no cost. Users do not need to have programming experience to use it, although such knowledge is required to modify the code or customize it to particular computing environments. Linux is used by hobbyists and large corporations alike, including IBM and Dell, as well as a variety of users who fall between these two extremes. Linux can be used effectively to interface with the Internet, and it has robust security-an important consideration for Internet use (Henry, 2008).
Windows Vista is the latest in the product evolution of Microsoft Windows. It uses a sleek GUI that is also, according to Microsoft, more robust from a securi
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