Operating Systems for those new Christmas devices

Next we'll look at the operating systems that run our tablets, smartphones, and e-book readers.

Android:  Used primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.  Many manufacturers use this system because it is open source which means its permissive licensing allows the software to be freely modified and distributed by device manufacturers, wireless carriers and enthusiast developers. Examples of devices using this system are: Nexus, Kindle Fire/HD/X, Nook HD, HD+, HTC One, Droid Maxx, Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, and many others.

Advantages to the user: The Android has USB capabilities and you can replace the battery. It also allow mass storage like a disc drive and you can tether other devices to it with a USB cord.  It also supports all of Google services like Google e-mail and Google Reader and it is highly customizable to the user.

Disadvantages:  The Android market is not controlled by one central manager so sometimes you can get malware and ads on your devices.  It also wastes battery power because a lot of processes are going on in the background that cause the battery to drain quickly.

IOS:  Developed by Apple and while this system is not as widely used, they made more money than any other system last year proving that people who enjoy an Apple device will pay more for it.  This system can be used on the ipad Air, ipad Mini, iphone 5S and iphone 5C.

Windows: This system works for the Surface Pro 2 Tablet which has a Window 8 operating system or the Nokia Lumia 920 which is a Windows 8 smartphone with low light photography and which has won lots of awards including the Engadget Reader's Choice Award.  This system has low sales so far but could be considered the competition to Apple. 

Advantages to the user:   People who are use windows like this system because they are familiar with how it works and they know where everything is located.

If you like to borrow books from the Library's Overdrive database, you will need to know which application of Overdrive to use on your system and device.  If you have a tablet you can use Overdrive Media Console or Overdrive Read.  A smartphone will use Overdrive Media Console or Overdrive Read. E-readers will use adobe-digital editions or Amazon.com

The next installment, the one you've been waiting for, will be the pros and cons of some of the new devices out there.

Susan