MAC OSX COMMENTS: Sun Feb 29 13:05:27 MST 2004 GENERAL: ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CON: ** hfs+ = macosx-specific filesys: * case insensitive!!! major problem for anyone used to case sensitivity; danger of overwrite when mv/create files/dirs; not trivial wrt porting; * (hidden) old-style macos resource files (forks); * spaces in filepaths: more a macos "feature" than an hfs+ problem; * apple appears to be migrating away from hfs+ to ufs/unix-style fs; ** netinfo replaces some (much) of the std unix /etc/xxx config mechanisms: * basically ok - just something new to learn...: except for plists; * plists = info storage = probably good approach: ensures same structure for all info files; xml; compilable; but unnecessary complication? extra layer = plist editor/plist structure; between user and opsys wrt configuration; [unix flat text files are easy to read/edit; but each has its own structure;] * netinfo is (?) mach/next-step legacy - not likely to go away; * few docs and hard to determine in which file info is stored for a particular use/problem; ** mach legacy (remnants?) in unix kernel: * what effects on internals? * what reflected through to users? ** backup/cloning not straightforward: * the well-developed unix backup utilities do not handle resource forks; * mac utilities that handle resource forks not as good: weak in exclude/include, piped io, etc.; * tape backup/drives not a part of mac ethic; ** price high cf dell; ** << 3rd party apps cf windows: * ~= linux; opendarwin is compatible with gnu utils; * some major software not avail. for mac, e.g., autodesk; * what apps there are, esp. mac proprietary, are good; ** gnu fortran compiler not part of opsys as distributed; ** first glitch in opsys (ca. Thu Mar 11 01:27:20 MST 2004): after security/wireless update, ca 1x/week lose connection with non-mac access point (engenius); appears to be related to "network not trusted", but no way for user to specify what is trusted, except as response to sporadic opsys query; apple tech willing but cannot pinpoint problem more closely [appears to be problem with cisco vpn software for mac os-x;] Mon May 17 12:08:42 MST 2004 above vpn comment may not be correct; recent discussion-group activity re wireless drops/locks/etc; not clear what is source of problem/range of manisfestations; last update (airport 3.4.1 040512) may have worked, when coupled with (group) suggestion to: not use "automatic" openning of strongest network, but open by default a specific network (e.g., eng1); system log shows much activity when switch network = access point; etc etc etc; [better behavior but still may not be resolved;] [numerous updates of airport software - clearly wireless is a problem, even though pioneered by apple for pc's;] ---------------------------------------- PRO: ** osx 10.3: * solid unix feel; * std unix utilities; * opendarwin opsys, derived from: mach + bsd (free/net/open); gnu apps/utilities + others; * crashes rare, ~ indefinite uptime: (except when using multiple access points/networks); mach-based kernel not all that bad; * both proprietary mac apps + unix apps: * commercial feel to proprietary apps; well engineered, > msoft (?); e.g.: safari finder sherlock iLife - iTunes!!!!! iPhoto!!! iCal!? iChat? iDVD, iMovie, ... * window mgr: fast; handles simultaneously macos and x11 displays; easy to hide groups of windows; easy to raise to top a window in a cluttered screen; easy to sort windows in a cluttered screen; easy to configure dock; * easy to configure basic services: network; nsf; remote lp; mail - imap etc; ** hardware: * cadillac-quality construction/feel; * laptop: battery life 4-5 hr (if no wireless connection); * 3rd party hardware easy to integrate, e.g.: wireless ap; memory; external drives; digital camera; etc...; * fast execution, fast graphics: e.g., md trajectory; ** support (based upon modest experience, all favorable): * applecare 3-yr support policy works: hardware problem fixed with air shipment replacement; * support techs: knowledgeable - easy to go up hierarchy; easy to reach - relatively short tel wait <10'; * almost no manuals supplied with apple devices: instructions are for user to get going; troubleshooting, advanced configuration left to tel support, or the apple website; * apple website - support section: extensive and varied: manuals; white papers; user discussion groups; organized and searchable; * web articles, netgroup postings: enough skilled clients to give good summaries and advice; avoid "old-world" mac people, who are often highly opinionated and voluble, but untutored; ** graphics exceptional: * ATI Radeon 9700 8x AGP: agp = accel. graph. port; dedicated bus mem->graphics-chip; * color: strong/deep/configurable; * resolution high; * text clear; * antialiasing / aniso filtering / multi-sampling; * opengl, fog, alpha, z-buf; 16/32 bpp; 350e6 triangles/s; ** easy to port: * from sgi/sysv; * from linux; * opendarwin: apple version of open system software opsys sources (largely) available ; committees etc for stds, for porting; * gcc compilers + related development tools; * apple developer software: Xcode; [have not really tried it yet;] ** fink and opendarwin: * large set utilities config for osx: binaries, sources - (mostly) derived from linux util: gnu + other groups: versiontracker, freshmeat, ...; * automated download/compilation: decent mesh with mac osx system software: some problem here: util and dynamic libs linked to it must be compatible; versions and must be compiled with same version gcc, etc.; based upon distribution/compile system for linux; ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MAC OSX CF OTHER OPSYS: ** for an (outdated) discussion of mac osx vs windows xp vs linux: http://thetechnozone.com/smartbuyersguide/OS_Shootout-2004.htm * update of 2003 review/report; * 10.3 features not well-integrated into discussion; * discussion appears to be from perspective of user with little interest/little experience with unix, and who uses prior experience with ms platform as a reference. ----------------------------------------------------------------------