Chapter 1: Comparison of Major Operating Systems
Exam Objectives
Identifying the features, functions, and hardware requirements of the Windows OS
Identifying the features, functions, and hardware requirements of the Linux OS
Identifying the features, functions, and hardware requirements of the Mac OS
Although it seems like we live in a Windows world, other operating systems (OSes) live and thrive in the world. As a CompTIA A+ Certified Professional, you will encounter these OSes from time to time. You might even find that some OSes are more capable than Windows for specific jobs that you need to do.
Of these other OSes, the ones you will see most are Linux and Mac OS. In this chapter, I briefly introduce you to these, as well as to Windows, and discuss their capabilities.
What Is an Operating System?
All OSes are responsible for managing hardware, resources, and data. Each OS discussed in this chapter can perform these tasks with ease.
The responsibility of the OS regarding user interface (UI) consists of displaying an interface that always reacts the same way and makes it easy for users to perform tasks. A GUI (graphical user interface) attempts to make tasks easy and intuitive ...
