Tablet computers come in a variety of models with different operating systems. Learn about some of the more common tablet computer operating systems to help determine which will be best for your needs.
The Microsoft® Tablet PC Operating System
Microsoft doesn't have a separate mobile operating system for PC tablets. Instead, popular operating systems like Windows XP™, Windows Vista™ and Windows 7™ are available on many tablet computers. Home, Professional and Ultimate editions of these operating systems provide you with varying levels of included applications and built-in security protocols.
Running Linux on Your Tablet Computer
Linux encompasses a wide range of computer operating systems that rely on free and open source software. Some of the companies that make popular Linux-based operating systems include Ubuntu® and Fedora®. Linux operating systems are free, and many people choose to install them as a supplemental operating system on Personal Computer (PC) tablets. While looking at new tablet computers, you can choose to purchase a device that solely runs a Linux-based operating system, like the WePad™, RealEase Shogo™ and Tenq P07™.
The Apple® iOS on the iPad™
Apple's iOS is the company's mobile operating system that was originally designed for the iPhone™ and iPod Touch™. The iOS system is utilized by multi-touch gestures like swiping with your finger to move objects or scroll and pinching with two fingers to zoom in on an image.
The Google® Android™ Operating System
Google's open source operating system, Android, was first introduced for mobile phones. Based on Linux, Android has a marketplace for downloading applications run by Google as well as the ability to download third-party programs.
Understanding Computer Basics: Processors and RAM
When shopping for a tablet computer, you'll see device statistics like processor speed and random access memory (RAM). Understand what these terms mean and how they affect the operation of computers to help you pick the right tablet: • Processor speed: processor speed is the clock rate, measured in hertz, of your central processing unit (CPU). The higher the clock speed of your processor, the more basic operations and computations it can execute per second. • RAM: random access memory stores temporary data in your computer. With more RAM, computer applications will run more smoothly and can have multiple programs open at once without sacrificing performance. Be sure to take into consideration tablet computer uses and what purpose your tablet will serve in your life.