OS X
From TSG Library of Knowledge
OS X is an operating system, like Windows or Linux, that is developed and distributed by Apple. It comes with all Macintosh computers and can only be legally installed on Macs. The OS X GUI, or graphical user interface is different than Windows and Linux, and its architecture (Unix based) and file system make native support other platforms programs not possible.. Many popular programs, though, like Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and Mozilla Firefox, among hundreds more, have OS X versions in addition to Windows and Linux versions.
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Differences From Other Operating Systems
Installing programs in OS X is a unified process, that can be done in two ways, depending on how the program is written. The first way is with DMG files. A DMG disk image is mounted (opened) and inside is a .app (application) file that contains the program's information. The file can then be run from anywhere, but many move it to the Applications folder in OS X. The second method of installing programs is most commonly used for large programs and involves using the Installer application built into OS X. The program's .pkg file is opened and OS X's Installer app launches, leading you through license agreements, installation location options, and other options related to the program's installation.
There are also a few differences in using devices with OS X. First, they appear on the desktop and cannot be immediately removed. You must first "eject" the file by dragging the icon to the trash bin or by selecting "Eject" in the icon's context menu. You do not have to do this to devices such as mice or keyboards, since they do not transfer important data to and from the computer. If you do not eject the device, you can occasionally lose data on the device.
A third prominent difference in Mac OS X is the menu bar located at the top of the screen. In OS X, there is no "main" menu, such as the Start menu in Windows, but rather a combination of the Dock and different parts of the menu bar. First, there is the Apple movie, located on the far left of the menu bar and signified by an Apple logo. Under this are system related functions, such as updating, System Preferences, and certain types of shutdown options. To the right of the Apple menu is the focused program's menu buttons. This is where File, Edit, View, Window, and other buttons are located, instead of in a program's window, like Microsoft Windows and many types of Linux. The items on this menu change whenever you select a different program's window. The buttons on the menu bar can say anything, besides the program's name which appears bolded and as the first button after the Apple menu. In this menu are update, preference, hiding, and quitting options for the program. Finally, on the right are "menu extras," icons that often represent programs or are programs themselves. They show a menu when clicked on and can display information in their icon.
Windows in OS X can be hidden, closed, minimized, or enlarged size using a variety of different functions. First, there are three buttons in the left corner of a windows title bar (instead of on the right, like in Windows). The first button, red with an X, closes the window. The second is yellow with a - and minimizes the window to the left portion of the Dock. The last button is green with a + sign and enlarges the window. Secondly, you can hide windows. You can hide an application's window, by selecting the program's name in the menu bar and selecting Hide. You can also hide all other windows, by selecting Hide Others instead of just Hide. The shortcuts are Command + H and Option + Command + H for Hiding and Hiding Others, respectively. Last, you can resize windows by dragging the diagonal lines in the bottom left of a window.
Applications in OS X center around the Dock, a list of icons on the desktop. All icons except the Finder and Trash icons can be dragged off and new icons can be dragged on. Their size, position, minimizing features, and magnification level can be changed, too. When a program's windows is minimized, the window performs and effect moving it to the right side of the dock. Icons in the Dock show previews of the real windows, for example if you minimize a playing video, the video will still play in the Dock. New in OS X 10.5 (Leopard) is the ability to add folders that display in "Stacks" or "Fans."
Features
- AppleScript
- AppleScript is an easy to use scripting language that can be used to control OS X commands. It is best used to make scripts for tasks that you do often, for example, you could add your name to the top of a set of text documents, change the font in them, and print six copies of each, then print six more after changing the font again. You could also change image's settings (like brightness, contrast, and resolution), add a watermark, and upload them to a web site. AppleScript is similar to Automator, a program that creates work flows through a drag and drop interface.
- Dashboard
- The Dashboard is an application that lays on top of all other windows when open. It contains interactive "widgets" that do anything from displaying forecasts to showing your computer's temperature and from weather forecasts to showing what's on TV tonight. More widgets (in addition to the ones included with OS X) can be downloaded from Apple's web site and once installed can be moved, deleted, and completely uninstalled.
- Quick Look
Security
OS X is based on Unix, and has seen several version released since its original launch.
OS X is often considered a more stable, and secure operating system compared to Windows. Several factors could lead to these assumptions, though there is little empirical evidence to establish any Operating Systems superiority in these fields. Familiarity with OS X's security and stability features is of notable mention.
- One 'feature' of Mac OS X is often called security through obscurity, or that the low install base deters attacks and exploits. Proof of this concept is held in that all systems and operating systems have weaknesses, including OS X and Unix that the Mac OS is based off of, but without incentive to hackers, no hacks will exist. There have been system vulnerabilities for Mac OS X proven, but so far no virus has been released to take advantage of them.
- An advantage OS X also holds is its limited support of third party software and hardware. Windows supports thousands of devices and programs, which may or may not be certified by Microsoft as compatible and safe. OS X, however has far fewer apps and hardware, due to Apple's strict licensing and distribution regulations. This translates to developers having less variables to program around than a developer of other operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
- Due to its development from Unix, the OS does not give explicit control to the user, and makes it more difficult to change critical components of the operating system.
Image Gallery
One of the best ways to learn about OS X and operating systems in general is too look at it, so here are pictures of OS X 10.5 Leopard.
 The OS X desktop with the Finder showing files is the Quick Look view. |
 The context menu show when right clicking an icon. Notice the glowing blue dot below the icon, signifying the application is running. |
 The Fan view, one of two ways to visually see your files from the dock. |
 The other way to view your files, the Grid view. Mandatory when the dock is on the right or left side of the screen. |
 The most common minimizing effect, where the window "smushes" into the Dock. |
 An addition way of minimizing with a simple scaling down effect. |
