Today's users have access to a wide range of commercial software, freeware and free and open-source software, which

is provided in ready-to-run or ready-to-compile form. Since the early 1990s, Microsoft operating systems and ntel hardware have dominated much of the personal computer mar!et, first with MS-"#S and then with $indows. %opular alternatives to Microsoft's $indows operating systems include &pple's #S ' and the free open-source (inu) and *S" operating systems. &M" provides the ma+or alternative to ntel's central processing units. &pplications and games for %,s are typically developed and distri-uted independently from the hardware or #S manufacturers, whereas software for many mo-ile phones and other porta-le systems is approved and distri-uted through a centrali.ed online store./10/10