Internet OSs

Introduction
When you think of an operating system, what comes to mind? Most likely an interface
used to operate a computer. What many people do not realize is operating systems are not only
used to operate applications on computer hard drives, they are also used over the internet. For
instance, when you type a search query into Google, the resources on your local computer
(keyboard, monitor, browser, etc.) play only a small role. The true power behind a search engine
is its operating system. The resources that are critical to a search operation are in Google's
massive server farms, where proprietary Google software farms out your request to some subset
of Google's servers (O'Reilly, 2010). Internet operating systems are widely used throughout the
World Wide Web, but some dominate the market more than others. In this essay, I will describe
and highlight features of the three most popular Internet operating systems.

Linux
Linux (Kubuntu) is perhaps the most commonly used Internet operating system used
today. Googles extensive network of Linux based servers alone make up a huge percentage.
There are several reasons why Linux is so popular.
To start, the Linux server OS is extremely inexpensive or free, and can usually be
downloaded. Even though there can be a small cost for server based Linux, it does not even
compare to other Internet operating systems such as Windows Server. Linux is also open source
and is inadvertently very customizable. Because of its open source platform, kernel
modifications can be made. This allows the OS to function more efficiently as users are able to
direct the systems resources accordingly.

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Finally, Linux is extremely stable. Programmers all over the world are able to view the
script and spot problems. Because of this convince, bugs get fixed much more quickly than with
proprietary providers (Pros and Cons, 2006).

Windows
The next most popular Internet operating system is Windows (Windows Server).
Windows offers appeal in that it is a stable platform. Application integration is very easy
compared to its Linux counterpart. Not to mention, Windows access control is very simple
operate. Access-control mechanisms are able to be set without a software add-on (Messmer,
2010).
Another highlight of Windows Server is its GUI (graphical user interface). It is generally
easier for a novice to use Windows Server because they are able to use visual aids as opposed to
inputting commands. Windows is also both secure and reliable. Even though there are more
viruses written for Windows, it is not open source so it is harder for hackers / malicious software
to breach. Windows Server may not be the most customizable software on the market, but I feel
it is the most user friendly, making it superb for beginners.

Macintosh
Last but not least, there is the Mac Internet operating system (OS X Lion). Mac has a
very powerful Internet OS, but it is geared toward a different type of user. A good example of
this is Macs approach to software licensing. There is only a single version of Mac OS X Server
that makes all features available to anyone who buys it as opposed to Windows Server, which is
available in about six different variations, each with different pricing and feature sets aimed at
specific environments (Faas, 2007).
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In general, Mac is more of an all-in-one software, which makes it easy to use and quick
to work with. Instead of purchasing many different software add-ons and patches, the Mac OS X
Lion Server comes in one package.
The Mac server OS GUI is also very user friendly. OS X Lion includes a setup assistant
to help the even the most novice users configure it. Much like other Mac programs, Lion
provides a streamlined interface that is easy to use.

Conclusion
Internet operating systems are the backbone to internet-based applications. They are so
seamless; most people do not even know they exist. There are many different quality Internet
operating systems available. Some are designed to be customizable and some to be user friendly.
When all is said and done, the Internet OS one chooses is based upon what kind of person they
are.

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Sources
Faas, R. (2007, November 6). Opinion: Leopard Server vs. Windows Server. Retrieved from
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9045538/Opinion_Leopard_Server_vs._Windows_Serv
er_

Messmer, E. (2010, June 7). Windows Server vs. Linux. Retrieved from
http://support.hostgadget.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=11

O'Reilly, T. (2010, March 29). Windows Server vs. Linux. Retrieved from
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/060710-tech-argument-windows-server-linux.html

Pros and Cons of Linux Server. (2006). Retrieved from http://support.hostgadget.com/index.php?

_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=11