Operating Systems 2012

Operating Systems 2012: Ubuntu 12.04 (Precise Pangolin)

Update Unbuntu OS was not unexpected: developers traditionally release a new version of the distribution every six months, in April and in October. The April version of 2012 was named Precise Pangolin ("Exact Pangolin"). it LTS version, that is, the version with extended support time. Such versions are published every two years and are supported for three years (unlike the usual versions, supported by a year and a half), and server-based versions - within 5. Since Ubuntu 12.04 and server, and desktop versions will be supported for five years.

Ubuntu 12.04 is based on the Linux 3.2 kernel version. The new version of Unity still remainsstandard desktop environment, but now it has been enhanced with a string for searching menu items for running HUD applications. Banshee was replaced by Rhythmbox as the default player. This version of the OS includes GNOME 3.4.1, Firefox 11, LibreOffice 3.5.2, Thunderbird 11 and other components.

And on July 27 the last test version of the next release was released - Ubuntu 12.10 alpha 2. The release will be based on the Linux kernel version 3.5, the codename - Quantal Quetzal (Quantum quesal).

Operating Systems 2012: OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)

But the release of the next release of the operating roomthe system from Apple was some surprise, since the previous version was released in 2011, and Apple released new versions of the desktop OS every two years. This year, the two-year upgrade system for the desktop OS was changed to a one-year system. Now both OS X and iOS will be updated annually.

In February, the distribution of the first assembly began OS X 10.8 for developers, in July it is planned to startsales of the final version. This is the ninth major release of OS X. The new release will be distributed exclusively in electronic form via the Mac App Store. According to the developers, Mountain Lion contains more than 200 new features.

The new version includes dictation fromvirtual assistant Siri, closer integration with iCloud, built-in Twitter-client, simple and understandable Notes, a new system of sharing information on the Internet Share Sheets, etc. Many new features have been copied from the mobile version. Some applications have been renamed, and some functions have been removed or merged with existing ones.

Operating Systems 2012: Windows 8

The new version of the operating system from Microsoft has not yet come out, but it's already being discussed on the Internet. Moreover, on May 31, the last public preliminary version was released Release Preview, so that Windows 8 already can be downloaded and a little "feel."

In the new version of Windows, the familiar interface has been changed almost beyond recognition (for example, in the version of Windows 8 Consumer Preview the "Start" button replaced the special "Start" screen in the Metro UI style). The new interface is optimized for both touchscreens and for familiar control with the mouse and keyboard.

The developers promise to support USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0, as well as stereoscopic and wireless displays. The system for recognizing the faces of users through a webcam has been announced, which will also be used to manage power consumption modes. At all, changes will affect every "corner" of the system.

Microsoft decided to take an example from its main competitors (Google and Apple), whose products and services are tightly integrated with the Internet. So, the developers promise to integrate into Windows 8 Windows Store service, which will repeat many functions of the Mac App Store.

Operating Systems 2012: Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Speaking of new releases of operating systems, we can not fail to mention the mobile OS, as more people use smartphones and tablets. Let's talk about the latest current version of Android - Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, issued on June 27, 2012. The changes introduced into the release mostly concerned the smoothness of the interface.

The performance of the system has been improved by parallel operation of the central and graphic processors. Due to this, on some devices Android 4.1 will work with a frequency of 60 frames per second.

To get a smoother UI, Project Butter, including triple buffering of the graphicthe conveyor. If the widget does not fit on the desktop, it will be scaled automatically, and the position of the remaining widgets will be changed. The virtual keyboard was updated and the option of autonomous voice input was added.

The view of the control panel was also changed, the search was updated, and the "Camera" application was improved. Blind and visually impaired can connect to tablet or smartphone on Android 4.1 input devices that support Braille. In the release of the system was included a new service Google Now.