A look at some New Features of OS X Leopard.

Having spent about half a day this past weekend on the phone with HP trying to get XP drivers for my new computer that shipped with Vista it was really nice to kick back with my Macbook and boot right into OS X. I have been using Windows for years and look forward to testing every release, but I can’t remember being more excited about an OS release like I am right now about OS X Leopard. Through the years I have tried out almost every version of Windows, Linux and even BeOS (don’t ask about that last one) looking for the perfect combination of Stability, GUI, Security and features but most times I couldn’t find one that would do it all, until I tried OS X. OS X 10.5 Leopard will ship in just a few months and will be released, as one Universal version meaning all features will be built into it and support for older PowerPC as well as Intel Macs will be included without the need for separate versions. Another thing I really like other than the one version is the cost will be only $129, which for a brand new operating system that is actually pretty cheap. Below are some new features and enhancements that have been developed for Leopard.

1) Time Machine - an automated backup utility that allows the user to restore files that have been deleted or replaced by another version of a file.

2) Front Row and Photobooth - are currently only available with the purchase of a new Mac, but will be included with Leopard. Front Row has been reworked to closely resemble the interface used by the Apple Tv, and Photo Booth includes video recording with real-time filters.

3) Spaces - an implementation of “Virtual Desktops” (individually called “spaces”). It allows multiple desktops per user, with certain applications and windows in each desktop. Users can organize certain Spaces for certain applications (e.g., one for work-related tasks and one for entertainment) and switch between them. Expose will work inside Spaces, allowing the user to see at a glance all desktops on one screen.

4) Spotlight - incorporates additional search capabilities such as the ability to search other computers.

5) New Finder - with features similar to those seen in iTunes 7.

6) Desktop - comprised of a redesigned 3-D dock with a new grouping feature called stacks.

7) Quick Look -a framework allowing documents to be viewed without opening them in an external application.

8 ) Mail - now included is RSS feeds, Stationery, Notes and To-dos.

9) Dashboard - now will include webclips, a feature that allows users to turn a part of any web page into a live Dashboard widget, and Dashcode to help developers code widgets.

10) Parental Controls - now include the ability to place restrictions on use of the Internet and to set parental controls from anywhere using remote setup.

11) Boot Camp - It is a software assistant which has been available as a beta release download for Mac OS X v10.4 from Apple’s website since April 5, 2006. It assists in the installation of Windows XP or Windows Vista to a separate partition (or separate internal drive) on Intel-based Macs.

12) Menu Bar - which is now transparent and it is no longer rounded, which was a design feature since Mac System 1.0.

13) Safari - Now version 3.0 included in new operating system.

14) Back to my Mac - a new feature for .Mac users that allows users to access files on their home computer while away from home via the Internet.

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