What We Know About the Mac Lion Server

Image representing Apple as depicted in CrunchBase

Image via CrunchBase

Mac fans are anxiously awaiting the unveiling of Apple’s latest product: the Mac OS X Lion Server. Here’s a brief sketch of what we know so far about Apple’s so-called “server for everyone.”

What is “Lion Server?”

Lion Server is separate from the operating system. If you’re a student with just a Macbook, it’s probably not something you’ll want to look into. If you’ve got several Macs and other Apple products (iPads, iPhones, etc.), you may want to do some research. Use Lion server to easily share files, email, calendars, contacts, Time Machine, etc. Basically, it’s a unified way to manage all of your Apple products.

How Much Will it Cost?

Mac OS X 10.7 (or Lion) will set you back around $30 at the App Store. Lion Server, priced as an add-on to the operating system, will run around $50. This should come as a shock to most Apple users used to paying $500 for previous servers.

Throw Away Your USB Cables…

…because iPad untethering is finally here. Wirelessly sync your iProducts with your computer through Lion Server.

Never Miss Another Appointment

No more comparing schedules with your spouse. Lion makes iCal easily shareable with your family members, so you can share to-do lists, events, or reminders. Two reminders about the upcoming cable bill are better than one, eh?

Overall, casual Mac users may want to hold off on Lion Server. Apple-loving families and diehard Mac users should definitely consider making the investment, especially considering the lower price tag and simple management process. Mac Lion Server will be available at the Mac App Store in July 2011.

 

How Does Linux Make Money?

Tux, the Linux penguin

Image via Wikipedia

Linux is a very efficient operating system used by thousands around the world. One of the best things about Linux and probably what helped to make it so popular is that it is free. So how does an operating system like Linux make any money for its developers if it doesn’t cost a cent to purchase?

Linux programmers and developers do not make any money from Linux itself. As Linux is available for free download via open source, they of course do not make any money from the profits from sales. Linux programmers usually make money by working for other companies who provide Linux related applications. These companies, such as Red Hat, provide Linux users with programs which have been specifically written to perform specific tasks using Linux as an operating system platform.

Basically the people who are helping to further develop Linux by writing code do so because it is something which they love to do. Those who collaborate and write code for Linux go into it knowing full well that they are doing so on the basis they are volunteering his or her time and knowledge. This is the main concept for anything that has been designed and made available through open source.

So the question, how does Linux make money can’t really be answered like most people want it to be. Those who are paid to write code for Linux related projects are few and far between, with most doing it for free out of his or her love for computers and coding, and to progress one of the most popular operating systems in the world today.

 

 

Operating Systems

The first developers of IBM PC computers negle...

Image via Wikipedia

An operating system is software that is required in order to manage and execute programs and data. It also allows hardware to function by maintaining communication between the installed hardware and programs, and is found on any electronic item that houses a computer. The operating systems which usually come standard on personal computers are Mac OS X, Unix, Microsoft Windows, and Linux.  There are approximately seven types of operating systems: real-time, multi-user, single-user, single-tasking, multi-tasking, embedded, and distributed, and each type offers specific benefits based on the usage and functionality of the computer.

The first computers were only able to perform single tasks, similar to the function of a calculator. As personal computers, created by companies such as Apple and IBM, began to appear within the home in the 1980s, software companies began creating operating systems in order to run several programs at once. An operating system is a complex piece of software that allows processes to occur properly.  Its functions are to control how memory is used, as well as control how the devices which are linked to the computer perform. The operating system also manages how much memory is available, to ensure that programs can run smoothly without interruption due to lack of memory.

The user interface aspect controls the way the user can interact with the computer. Images and icons are used to allow the user to understand what needs to be done. The operating system can then interpret the message from the user and communicate that information to the computer in order to process the command correctly. Having an effective operating system is key to a smooth process on the computer.