Week 3 Reading

1. Linux Article-
I am not familiar with computer systems other than Windows, so it was interesting to learn both a little about the history of computer software and platform development and also other operating systems.  The article about Linux was clear, giving the reader a good understanding about how its development came about as an open source code allowing for public distribution, experimentation and testing.  Linux sounds like a program that would attract computer users who truly want to be able to customize the software to their own personal needs or objectives.  And because the program is so popular with people who were able to develop, customize, and then share coding, it sounds like there are enough options for said customer to find what fits their needs.  However, this software program does not sound like the ideal computing system for someone that is a novice at how computers work.  Although, it does sound user friendly, once a decision has made on what road or flavor coding they decide on, due to its attempts to adopt Windows program features (such as Excel, shown in a screen shot).
2. MacOS X articles-
The first article concerning Apple's MacOS X software system and development became a little complicated for someone that is not familiar with coding, software development, and much of the language.  It is interesting to understand the progression Apple has made over the years in developing their software.  Where they found both success and failure.   The wikipedia link was much easier of a reference for me to understand.  Apple has always given me the impression that they are a simple, user friendly application for computer users.  It also seems as they developed MacOS X they wanted to reach a broad customer base and meet several different areas of need and interest.  Because this product is produced and updated by Apple as the software designer, it is essential that they listen to the needs of their customers, design a user friendly application, and make it broad enough to fit all different types of customers.  Customers can turn to Apple's applications and those supported on the system, but unlike Linux users, they can't build their own codes to make it fit their needs and interest.  That factor is the driving force behind both Apple and Microsoft listening to customers and trying to meet their needs.
3. Window's Roadmap
This article was much less technical than the ones relating to Linux and MacOS X.  It covered customers access to the 3 different Windows software platforms- Windows XP, Vista, and the upcoming Windows 7.  This article was directed at windows users as a type of say, quarterly report on the progress of their development and to address some concerns that their users might have voiced in whether they still have the option to continue using and receiving support for Windows XP.  The article also addresses their efforts to make sure their updates in Windows Vista and Windows 7 will continue to be compatible with hard ware devices used by their customers.  It is important for their business strategy to retain customers to ensure their updates and advancements continue to be streamline for their users.  This article along with the MacOS X show how both ventures have to listen to feedback and concerns of their customers when building and issuing upgrades to their platforms, since the users themselves cannot test or write software coding for these applications, like Linux users can.