CALIFORNIA STATE SCIENCE FAIR
2008 PROJECT SUMMARY
Ap2/08
Name(s) Project Number
Project Title
Abstract
Summary Statement
Help Received
Bernhard H. Shiveley
Comprehensive Evaluation of Computer Operating Systems
J1317
Objectives/Goals
The goal of my experiment was to evaluate three computer operating systems (Windows Vista, Mac OS
Leopard and Linux) to determine which operating system is the best system. My hypothesis was that Mac
OS Leopard was the best operating system. This experiment required (i) the development of objective
criteria to evaluate each system and (ii) a survey of experienced computer users to incorporate practical
user experience.
Methods/Materials
Methods included web based and text book research on each operating system, downloading and using
each operating system, preparing a user survey and compiling its results. I also determined how experts
review operating systems and developed objective evaluation criteria.
Results
My experiment was successful. I found it was possible to develop objective criteria to evaluate operating
systems. It was also possible to measure each operating systems performance against the criteria. There
was a significant amount of research available to prove my hypothesis.
Conclusions/Discussion
I learned that my hypothesis was incorrect and concluded that Linux was by far the best operating system.
I learned that while Mac OS Leopard is a very nice operating system, its advertising on television
influenced my hypothesis inaccurately. Linux proves that the power of many people working toward a
common goal (developing a completely open operating system technology that is free to the user) is as
strong as a big company like Apple or Microsoft. I believe that my project can expand the public
awareness of Linux and increase its use.
My project is to evaluate three popular computer operating systems to determine which one is best.
Father and Mother helped with research and preparing presentation board charts
