Smartphones
(courtesy Wikimedia)

Apple iOS is an operating system designed for the Apple line of smartphones. Its security consists of a secure boot chain utilizing a hardware root of trust and boot ROM where the software is safeguarded from being manipulated by coding in the deepest foundations of the phone’s programming. Swift, a programming language developed by Apple, is the primary code used to develop Apple software and applications for Apple iOS. The language is designed to be user-friendly and allow the user to experiment and see immediate results. iOS 8, the latest version of the operating system is capable of running on iPhone 4s, 5, 5c, 5s, iPod 5th generation, iPad 2, and iPad Air, but is incompatible with all previous hardware versions. However, you can find emulators and download the Microsoft Remote Desktop program to access iOS features on desktop computers. There are several advantages iOS has over other operating systems, such as the advanced screen manipulation, the new-user-friendly interface, and its reliability.

Android is an open-sourced OS managed by Google. The OS, along with its many applications, are designed using the Linux kernel and a combination of Java and C languages. Security is tested in an open-sourced format. The most recent version, Android 4.4 (KitKat) requires 512MB of RAM, and can be run on a Windows Phone. Android’s main advantages are that it’s adaptable, can be more customized, and enables the user to multitask.

Windows Phone is an OS developed by Microsoft. It’s very similar to the Android, as it can run on the same hardware, but dedicated devices tend to be more high-end and powerful. Valid applications are only found from one reputable source and are isolated and monitored by an execution manager in the OS. Windows Phone also utilizes SDLs, SSL certificates, and data encryption, much like a full sized PC, to ensure the protection of the device and software. The minimum requirements of the latest version of the OS is an S4 dual-core processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB flash memory, and a touch screen.

BlackBerry is a relatively old brand that is attempting to regain ground in the smartphone scene. Like its predecessors in the brand, the BlackBerry smartphone is oriented for white collar workers with its speed, good email client, and connectivity abilities. If lost or stolen, the BlackBerry Protect application can lockdown and locate the phone. The OS is largely written with Java ME, and requires a 16GB hard drive, 2GB RAM, and a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor. The user can also utilize BlackBerry Desktop, a program that allows them to connect various devices and tools (like email and calendars) with their PC.