Apple Mac OS X has been the operating system on Mac computers since its release in 2002, and Apple has regularly released new versions of the operating system to compete with other operating systems and add new features. Microsoft has improved Windows to keep pace with Apple, but several advantages to running Mac OS X exist.
Bundled Software
Every new Mac computer includes a copy of the iLife suite on the same drive as the operating system. ILife is a collection of utilities for creating and managing digital files and includes iPhoto for pictures, GarageBand for music and iMovie for videos. If you like the interfaces or features of these programs, you must use Mac OS X to run them -- they do not run on Windows computers.
Security
While Mac OS X is not inherently more secure than Windows or other operating systems, there is a certain amount of safety in using a Mac because Macs are in the minority of the computers in use. Most viruses and malicious software exist for the Windows operating system because that is what most computers use. While it remains a good security practice to run antivirus software on a Mac, the likelihood of a virus infection is significantly lower.
Software Installation
Generally, installing and removing software is simpler with Mac OS X than with Windows. A typical installation utility for a Mac application consists of two icons: a program icon and a shortcut to the computer's Applications folder. Drag the program icon to the Applications folder shortcut to install the program.
Application Management
Mac OS X includes several features to help you launch applications and manage them while they run. The Dock is a bar running across the bottom of the screen that contains icons for the programs you use most frequently. Click an icon to launch the program. Minimize it and the icon returns to the Dock. If an application needs your attention, the Dock icon bounces until you click it. The Mission Control feature in Mac OS X 10.7 Lion displays miniature versions of all open application windows. Swipe the trackpad to open Mission Control or click on its icon in the Dock, and then click a window to bring it into view
Touch Gestures
Mac OS X 10.7 Lion has several built-in finger gestures that you can use with your notebook or desktop Mac. For example, swiping up with three fingers on the trackpad opens Mission Control, while pinching with two fingers allows you to zoom in and out of a document while reading. Windows 7 also has gesture support, but only if implemented by the computer manufacturer.
Tags: operating system, Mission Control, Applications folder, operating systems, other operating, other operating systems