Task 3 – Understand software technologies for game platforms

Platform Dependency

Platform dependent refers to applications that run under only one operating system & run in only one series of computers, it can mean the same as hardware dependent which refers to applications that run in only one hardware series. Platform independent is the opposite, this means that the applications can run in different operating systems, an example of this would applications that are written in java.

Operating Systems

An operating system is software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run. It consists of system software, or the fundamental files your computer needs to boot up and function. It provides basic functionality and every computer, tablet and smartphone has one.

Windows is a series of operating systems that is developed by Microsoft. Each version includes a graphical user interface, with a desktop that allows users to view files and folders in windows. Windows is the most widely used operating system for personal computers and has been for the past two decades.

Linux is a unix-like operating system and was developed by Linus Torvalds. It is used by millions of people worldwide and many like the operating system because it is highly customisable and programmers can even modify the version of the Linux operating system.

Mac OS is the operating system that runs on Macintosh computers. It has been around since 1984  when the first Macintosh was introduced, since then it has been continually updated and many new features have been added to it and is signified by a number. In 2001 Apple decided to completely revamp the operating system that was written from the ground up,

Driver

A driver is a software program that enables a specific hardware device to work with a computer’s operating system. It may be required for internal components, such as video cards and optical media drives as well as external peripherals such as keyboards. Most hardware is plug and play, this means that devices will work even without installing the driver. Installing the correct drivers for some hardware devices can provide additional options and functionality for the device.

To use a sound card, the operating system normally requires a device driver. Some operating systems might include the drivers for many cards, but for those that are not included with the operating systems then drivers are included with the card or are available to download. The card driver takes instructions from the game program and then outputs them in a sound form that the sound device can use.

Graphical API

Graphical API’s are the software systems that are responsible for rendering the images you seen on screen. There are two main Graphical API’s that are in use today; OpenGL and DirectX.

OpenGL means Open Graphics Library and is a 3D graphics language developed by Silicon Graphics. OpenGL allows developers to create graphics and special effects that will appear almost identical on any operating system and any hardware that supports OpenGL, the main advantage of this is that it makes it a lot easier for developers of 3D games and programs to port their software to multiple platforms. When programmers write OpenGL code, they specify a set of commands and each command executes a drawing action or creates a special effect, programmers can create 3D worlds which include special effects which can be things like fog or lighting effects, by using hundreds or sometimes even thousands of OpenGL commands.

DirectX is a set of standard commands and functions that software developers can use when creating programs. It is owned and developed by Microsoft and is exclusive to Windows and Xbox. Developers can use DirectX to control video playback, peripheral input (keyboard, joystick) and sound effects. Programmers can manage the video, sound and user input of their game by incorporating DirectX functions into a computer. DirectX makes it easier for programmers to develop video games.

Sound API

Sound API’s are responsible for managing and playing sounds, it includes dynamic manipulation, such as directional sound or distortion. There are two main Sound API’s that are used today; OpenAL and Java Sound API.

OpenAL means Open Audio Library and is a cross platform audio API, which is designed for efficient rendering of multichannel 3D positional audio. It deliberately resembles the API style and conventions of OpenGL.  It can currently run on 15 different operating systems including Windows, it is also available on 7 consoles, including the PlayStation 2 & 3.