Question

Please read the questions fully before answering. Please do not paste answers that are already there.

Now that you know what the differences are and can design the code for various operating platforms, you will use your experience to evaluate the characteristics, advantages, and weaknesses of each to present to your client. Consider the requirements outlined below and articulate your findings in the table under Evaluation in the software design template. As you complete the table, keep in mind your client’s requirements and look at the situation holistically, as it all has to work together. Specifically, you must address the following requirements in your evaluation of each traditional operating platform (Linux, Mac, and Windows), as well as mobile platforms.

Server Side: The client has asked you to create a web-based application. This implies a server-style configuration for hosting the website and allowing it to scale up to thousands of players. What does this mean for your ability to host the software application on each operating platform listed above?

Evaluate various platforms for their characteristics, advantages, and weaknesses for hosting a web-based software application. Consider the following in your evaluation and articulate your findings in the software design template:
Does each of the operating platforms offer a server-based deployment method where the website will be hosted?

Answer 1

All three operating platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows) support server-based deployment for hosting web applications. Linux excels in stability and security for large-scale servers, while Windows offers integration with Microsoft technologies. Mac suits smaller-scale deployments.

Based on the requirements provided, let's evaluate each operating platform (Linux, Mac, Windows) in terms of their characteristics, advantages, and weaknesses for hosting a web-based software application:

1. Linux:

- Characteristics: Linux is known for its stability, security, and flexibility. It is widely used for server environments.

- Advantages: Linux offers various server deployment methods, such as Apache, Nginx, and others. It provides robust support for hosting web applications and has a strong command line interface.

- Weaknesses: Limited commercial support compared to Windows. Some software may have compatibility issues, but this is improving over time.

2. Mac:

- Characteristics: Mac OS is Unix-based, providing a Unix-like environment with a user-friendly interface.

- Advantages: Mac offers Apache and other server options. It is suitable for smaller-scale deployments and development environments. It has a well-designed interface.

- Weaknesses: Mac may not be as common for large-scale server deployments as Linux. Limited commercial support compared to Windows.

3. Windows:

- Characteristics: Windows is known for its user-friendly interface and widespread use in desktop environments.

- Advantages: Windows Server provides robust server deployment options, including Internet Information Services (IIS). It has good commercial support and integration with Microsoft technologies.

- Weaknesses: Historically, Windows servers have been perceived as more vulnerable to security threats. Licensing costs may be higher compared to Linux.

Considering the server-side deployment for a web-based application, all three operating platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows) offer server-based deployment methods. However, Linux is often preferred for large-scale server environments due to its stability and security features. Windows Server is suitable for enterprises heavily invested in Microsoft technologies, while Mac is commonly used for smaller-scale deployments.

In the software design template, the evaluation table would include details about the server deployment characteristics, advantages, and weaknesses of each operating platform in relation to the client's requirement for hosting a web-based software application.