Common Operating Systems

FIVE COMMON OPERATING SYSTEMS USED TODAY:

Ubuntu

* Ubuntu is based on a version of the Linux operating system known as Debian GNU/Linux. Its main benefit is that it's free and open source. This means users can alter the code as they see fit. Ubuntu also stands out because it's updated once every six months, unlike other open source programs that have no strict upgrade schedule. Most Ubuntu-compatible software is also free and available in on-line software "repositories." Users can try Ubuntu on their PC using the program's "Live CD" mode. This allows you to run the system without actually installing it on your computer. Because Ubuntu programs are less ubiquitous than those for more well-known systems, users may need to do some research before finding the software solutions they need.

Android

* Android is a "mobile" operating system maintained by the Open Handset Alliance, a group of companies and organizations that contribute to the system's development under the management of Google Inc. The system is an "open standard," meaning that an entire community of developers can alter the software, not just Google. Android comes pre-installed on smartphones and tablet PCs for which it was designed. As of the date of publication, all four major smartphone carriers -- Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T -- have Android devices available. A variety of manufacturers also make Android-compatible devices. One of the main benefits of the system's open source status is that developers can create different versions of its basic programs, allowing users greater freedom to customize their mobile devices.

Mac OS X

* While a version of Mac OS X comes pre-installed on all Apple Macintosh computers, users must pay if they wish to use newer versions when they become available. The system is not open source, so only Apple developers have the ability to legitimately make alterations or improvements to its code. It differs from other computer operating systems in...