Spring
13
Quantitative Research
Computer Operating Systems
08
Fall

Ashley Aguiar
Kennan Hart

Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 3 Name of Study 3 Hypothesis 3 Variables 3 Value of Study 4 Chapter 2: Secondary Data Research 4 Source 1: 4 Source 2: 5 Source 3: 5 Source 4: 6 Source 5: 6 Chapter 3: Methodology 6 Method of Communication 7 Sample Size 7 Sampling Method 7 Population Definition 7 Copy of Survey 8 Justification Questions 8 Chapter 4: Data Analysis 10 Analysis 11 Analysis 12 Analysis 13 Analysis 14 Relationships/ Cross Tabulations 14 Analysis 15 Analysis 16 Analysis 17 Analysis 18 Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations 19 Resolution of Hypothesis 19 Conclusions 19 Marketing Strategy/ Recommendations 19 Changes 19 Bibliography 19

Chapter 1: Introduction

Name of Study The purpose of this study was not only to see which operating system people prefer, but also to compare the practicality of it as well. Mac users appear to consider themselves to be early technological adapters, whereas PC users consider themselves late adapters. This study was created to see the correlation between Operating Systems and the people that use them.
Hypothesis
The younger generation prefers the Mac OS X Operating System over the Windows XP Operating System.

Variables

The study variables needed to be broken down into both demographic and behavioral variables. The demographical variables used were gender and age. Behavioral variables used were to measure things such as which system was preferred, how easy the systems were to use, etc.

Value of Study

This research would be of some value to the computer companies to have a better understanding of whom their products are appealing to in the Providence area. Schools can also use this research to choose which operating systems their students prefer and feel most comfortable with when new computers are being purchased, whereas companies can use this as the deciding factor when purchasing new company computers. For years, users argue which is better based off speed, security, cost, software, availability and many other contributing factors. The findings of this study will also break down responses by gender and age to show whether there is any correlation with the demographic variables and their system of preference.
Chapter 2: Secondary Data Research

Source 1:

In this article, former surveys conducted were used to express the general makeup of those who prefer Mac and those who prefer PC. The article explains that 52 percent of the survey takers used PC whereas only one fourth of them use Mac. Mac users are claimed to be those of a younger age as apposed to those who use PC’s. Within the article, a chart was shown that gave the attitudes and behaviors of those who use each COS. For example, of those who use Mac 52% of them live in a city whereas 36% of PC users live in suburban areas.
This article is important to the study because it gives a better understanding to other demographic information, attitudes and behaviors of those who use each COS.

Source 2:

This article gives a basic understanding of the different users between Mac and PC. The Mac user profile, which was found on the apple website, consists of the home office users such as authors and lawyers, architects, creative’s, health industries, real estate agents, etc. Although a clear-cut profile of PC users was not offered, industries such as banks, business owners, or IT professionals prefer to use PCs. Again, this article is important to the study because it gives a better understanding of the user profile of each computer operating system.

Source 3:

This article informs which operating system is easier to use. According to this article, Mac is in favor for easy to use software. Software options such as built-in tutorials, drag-and-drop-based actions of the Mac operating system, make