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| Standard Mac OS Desktop and features |
What does the Mac OS offer to gaming with it's features?
Macintosh computers use different operating systems compared to Windows & Unix, these are such systems as; Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard & Mountain Lion which are all different types of operating system designed for Macs. They functions differently to how windows and Unix do, as instead of having a task bar and several windows, everything is based around the desktop, meaning the 'task bar' at the bottom of the desktop will always be on show to allow for quick links, similar to how windows 7 has it's own task bar. Also when new windows and programs are opened, background elements are removed, which means that if photo shop was to be opened, the canvas would be on screen, the task bar would be implemented into the task bar at the top when the program was clicked on & everything else would show the desktop. This means that programs overlap each other and parts of the desktop can be missed clicked or clicked on if needed, this is the way programs work on Mac including games & software with everything being implemented into the desktop to run the games. This is some cases can be seen as a flaw as if your playing a game which isn't full screen and you click of the game by mistake, it will show the desktop meaning you have to re click onto the game which then has to slightly load for it to come on screen, this is a drawback when using the operating system as a gaming system.
However alongside this feature, it has other quite useful features which are included within most of the operating system which include, quick driver installation and download from the internet meaning that when the hardware is found it is immediately installed for use. Other features and functions include that peripherals can be easily installed and added & playing games across the internet can be done simply by connecting to the games network feature during game play. I will list all the features and functions the operating system provides to gaming & softwares;
Mac Operating System Features:
- Games can be downloaded and instantly played from online marketplaces
- Can play with other people across the internet
- Can plat co-operatively with additional keyboard/mouse or interface device
- Peripherals and interface devices can be installed
- Games can be played from download, CD or DVD media
- Sound output up to 7.1 for game play
- Video output up to 1080p/3D abilities
- Quick driver installation for hardware
- Upgrades can be made to graphics cards/sound cards
- Supports multiple peripherals at once
- Speaker and video output support
- Can read game discs & Cd's
- Can play installed games without a disc
- Allows for wireless internet & peripherals
- Wireless already built in with drivers
Macintosh operating systems in my eyes would not be the basis for a gaming computer due to their systems being based around software usage such as Adobe Suite software & music development, this is where they have implemented their best features. Mac OS's provide customers with a solid machine with the ability to game and join other on Unix or Windows however they're some drawbacks to the functionality with most games being released later than windows games due to them being built around Windows and then needing to be coded so it works on Mac. This is another problem as not all games are then released onto Mac meaning that they can sometimes miss out of some games released which they may want to play, meaning they need a dedicated Windows computer to run them.
