I must admit, I was definitely a "Mac sucks, except for creative software" person, just as the author mentioned at the outset. The way the author describes Mac OS X--everything from booting it to the layers upon layers, all the way to the top software layers--made it much easier to understand, especially for someone who has never been exposed to extensive programming.
The step by step process of booting Mac OS X was particularly helpful. Going through the process, from turning the machine on and noting where the user becomes involved in the process, has helped me visualize the way the process works.
Other points:
Mac OS X boots up with open firmware installed in ROM
Mac OS X supports MS DOS
excellent at supporting Firewire devices
iphoto/itunes
Available software:
open office
all kinds of graphics/publishing software
im programs
email programs
media players
info management programs
all sorts of web browsers
--author notes that he's heard that Macs are worse than pcs for gaming
Why Mac OS X?
Windows can make you feel claustraphobic/limited
Linux--excellent system but may have TOO MANY options for some users
similar to *nix programs--you get the same feel but it's easier to use
Singh didn't completely win me over to the side of the Mac OS X, but that wasn't his goal, anyway. I think he was just trying to open our eyes to the various operating options computer users have, and to really look until we see what will work best for our needs.
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I like your point that we don't need to argue about which operating system is "best," but rather we should learn about the operating systems to decide which is best for our needs.
For example - my husband is in an IT security program, and he uses a Mac. At different points in his studies, he has run Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux and of course Mac OS X - all on his Mac. That versatility is part of what made him decide to get a Mac, and it's something not a lot of people recognize.
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