Apple New system
Apple’s newest operating system which was introduced recently was the prolific Mac OS X version 10.5, also referred to as Leopard. It is the sixth version of the premier operating system introduced by Apple, Mac OS X. unlike the previous versions, it has been stated by Apple, that this new system includes about three hundred novel functions and newer innovations to lure buyers.
Some of these features include the ‘Back to my Mac’ option which enables the user to access his personal computer at home while he is away from his residence. There are additional grouping features called ‘Stacks’ and a newer desktop with a newly designed 3D dock. iCal allows to access calendar settings and listing schedules while iChat offers multiple chatting options. Dictionary offers searching facilities in Apple’s own domain as well as from Wikipedia and there is also an updated version of the Finder which includes the Cover Flow visual navigation interface and is similar in functioning to that of the iTunes. There have also been added certain mail enhancements with the inclusion of RSS feeds and Photo Booths allow video recordings. Preview options are also available and Quick Look allows the analysis of documents without having to open an external application. Network File Sharing is also possible with the help of SMB, FTP and AFP. A significant innovation is the introduction of ‘virtual desktops’ referred to as ‘spaces’ by means of which a single user is able to access multiple virtual desktops and can perform several activities simultaneously. Functions like the Time Machine enable automatic saving of files which have been replaced by updated versions of itself. These new innovations require Intel processors for its functioning and the specifications require Intel Processor about 867 MHz or faster, about 9 GB available disk space and DVD drives.
While it cannot be denied that the Mac OS X version 10.5 is an advanced tool, it has been plagued with various shortcomings especially related to inadequate security settings.
What is Apple TV?
From the very name it is apparent that Apple TV refers to yet another innovation introduced by technological giant Apple and it is a digital media receiver which allows the screening of any kind of digital content from a Windows computer supporting iTunes or a Mac OS X operating system into a high-definition windscreen television.
Apple TV also acts as a storage device allowing the storing of digital contents either by streaming it across networks or by storing it simply in an internal hard drive. As is evident, the final aim of the device is to attach itself to a television for the projection of digital content. For that purpose it requires component video connections and High Definition Multimedia Interface or HDMI with the help of cables. The analog and digital optical audio ports enable audio facilities. While a USB port is supplied with the Apple TV, it is usually preserved for other purposes and it attains connection with the personal computers via Ethernet or through defined wireless protocols. A significant associate supplied with Apple TV is the Apple remote though it is stated that Apple TV can function via other remote controls.
Apple TV can also stream contents from iTunes online store libraries with the help of the peer-to-peer digital media receiver and it also allows the streaming of 720p High-Definition video content. The main features of the Apple TV include TV shows, Movies, Music, Podcast, YouTube and Photos. For the functioning of these components, certain guidelines have to be followed. For the viewing if Movies MPEG-4 video codes and H-264 video codec are required for different resolutions while WAV, AIFF and Apple Lossless audio codecs are necessary for the appropriate functioning of the audio controls. JPEG, PNG, TIFF and BMP formatted files are supported for the viewing of photos or images on Apple TV.
Apple TV is often critiqued for its inability to include more features and inability to function in older television models.