Introduction To Operating System
Introduction To Operating System
OPERATING SYSTEM
B.E.(CSE) 4 Semester
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Linux
Linux (/ˈlɪnʊks/ LIN-uuks) is a family of open-source Unix-like operating
systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on
September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged as a Linux
distribution (distro), which includes the kernel and supporting system
software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many
Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software
Foundation uses and recommends the name "GNU/Linux" to emphasize the use
and importance of GNU software in many distributions, causing some
controversy.
Linux was originally developed for personal computers based on the Intel
x86 architecture, but has since been ported to more platforms than any other
operating system. Because of the dominance of Linux-
based Android on smartphones, Linux, including Android, has
the largest installed base of all general-purpose operating systems as of
May 2022. Although Linux is, as of November 2022, used by only around 2.6
percent of desktop computers, the Chromebook, which runs the Linux kernel-
based ChromeOS, dominates the US K–12 education market and represents
nearly 20 percent of sub-$300 notebook sales in the US. Linux is the leading
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operating system on servers (over 96.4% of the top one million web servers'
operating systems are Linux), leads other big iron systems such as mainframe
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computers, and is used on all of the world's 500 fastest supercomputers (as of
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networking performance;
computation performance;
deployment on specific hardware platforms; and
deployment on systems with limited memory, storage or computing
resources.
Users can choose different Linux distributions for specific applications or adapt
a specific distribution to incorporate custom kernel configurations.
Linux distributions
Since its initial development, Linux has adopted the copyleft stipulations of the
Free Software Foundation which originated the GNU GPL. The GPL says that
anything taken for free and modified must be distributed for free. In practice, if
Linux or other GNU-licensed components are developed or modified to create a
new version of Linux, that new version must be distributed for free. This
prevents a developer or other groups from profiting unfairly from the freely
available work of others.
LINUX
Tux, the Linux mascot.
Hundreds of different Linux versions, also known as distributions or distros, are
available. Distributions usually distinguish themselves from the pack by
addressing a specific goal, philosophy, function or target market.
There are distributions tailored for specific target functions, such as servers,
desktops, gaming, security, or embedded devices including Raspberry
Pi systems. Most modern distributions are precompiled and ready to use, while
others like Gentoo Linux consist of source code that a user can compile locally
during initial installation to optimize their system configuration. Knoppix Linux
is one of many distros used to recover damaged hard drives and perform other
technical support tasks. Information security professionals use Kali Linux for
penetration testing and other security-related tasks.
Linux has become an important component of automaker entertainment
systems. Many automakers have joined Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), an
open source project hosted by the Linux Foundation. For example, Toyota and
Lexus vehicles use AGL for their infotainment systems.
Linux distributions may be community-developed, like Debian, Slackware and
Gentoo. Other distributions are commercial and intended for enterprise use,
including Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. Many
distributions use a combination of community- and corporate-supported
development, such as Red Hat's Fedora, openSUSE from SUSE
and Ubuntu from Canonical.
Linux components and terminology
The Linux OS system incorporates several different components, including:
The Linux kernel is the one thing that all systems running Linux have in
common. Linux works by:
While the kernel may be almost identical -- with some divergence for
configuration and compilation differences -- the user experience can vary
widely, depending on how the Linux system is being used. For example, some
Linux use cases with widely different user experiences include:
Advantages
Open source software. The Linux kernel is released under the GNU
GPL open source software license. Most distros include hundreds of
applications, with many options in almost every category. Many
distributions also include proprietary software, such as device drivers
provided by manufacturers, to support their hardware.
Licensing costs. Unlike Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS, Linux
has no explicit licensing fees. While system support is available for a
fee from many Linux vendors, the OS itself is free to copy and use.
Some IT organizations have increased their savings by switching their
server software from a commercial OS to Linux.
Reliability. Linux is considered a reliable OS and is well-supported
with security patches. Linux is also considered to be stable, meaning it
can run in most circumstances. Linux also copes with errors when
running software and unexpected input.
Backward compatibility. Linux and other open source software tend
to be updated frequently for security and functional patches, while
retaining core functionality. Configurations and shell scripts are likely
to work unchanged even when software updates are applied. Unlike
commercial software vendors that roll out new versions of their OSes
along with new ways to work, Linux and open source applications
generally don't change their modes of operation with new releases.
Many choices. Between the hundreds of available distributions,
thousands of applications and almost infinite options for configuring,
compiling and running Linux on almost any hardware platform, it is
possible to optimize Linux for almost any application.
Disadvantages
Lack of established standard. There is no standard version of Linux,
which may be good for optimizing Linux for particular applications,
but less so for deploying standardized server or desktop images. The
wide range of options can complicate support as a result.
Support costs. While an organization can acquire Linux freely
without licensing fees, support is not free. Most enterprise Linux
distributors like SUSE and Red Hat offer support contracts.
Depending on the circumstances, these license fees can reduce savings
significantly.
Proprietary software. Desktop productivity software like Microsoft
Office cannot be used on Linux desktops, and other proprietary
software may be unavailable for Linux platforms.
Unsupported hardware. While many hardware manufacturers make
Linux device drivers available for their products, many do not.
Steep learning curve. Many users struggle to learn to use the Linux
desktop or Linux-based applications.
WINDOWS
Windows is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft. It allows
users to view and store files, run the software, play games, watch videos, and
provides a way to connect to the internet. It was released for both home
computing and professional works.
Microsoft introduced the first version as 1.0
It was released for both home computing and professional functions of
Windows on 10 November 1983. Later, it was released on many versions of
Windows as well as the current version, Windows 10.
In 1993, the first business-oriented version of Windows was released, which is
known as Windows NT 3.1. Then it introduced the next versions, Windows
3.5, 4/0, and Windows 2000. When the XP Windows was released by Microsoft
in 2001, the company designed its various versions for a personal and business
environment. It was designed based on standard x86 hardware,
like Intel and AMD processor. Accordingly, it can run on different brands of
hardware, such as HP, Dell, and Sony computers, including home-built PCs.
HISTORY OF WINDOWS
The first version of Windows, released in 1985, was simply a GUI offered as
an extension of Microsoft’s existing disk operating system, or MS-DOS. Based
in part on licensed concepts that Apple Inc. had used for its Macintosh
System Software, Windows for the first time allowed DOS users to visually
navigate a virtual desktop, opening graphical “windows” displaying the
contents of electronic folders and files with the click of a mouse button,
rather than typing commands and directory paths at a text prompt.
With the 2001 release of Windows XP, Microsoft united its various Windows
packages under a single banner, offering multiple editions for consumers,
businesses, multimedia developers, and others. Windows XP abandoned the long-
used Windows 95 kernel (core software code) for a more powerful code base and
offered a more practical interface and improved application and memory
management. The highly successful XP standard was succeeded in late 2006
by Windows Vista, which experienced a troubled rollout and met with considerable
marketplace resistance, quickly acquiring a reputation for being a large, slow, and
resource-consuming system. Responding to Vista’s disappointing adoption rate,
Microsoft in 2009 released Windows 7, an OS whose interface was similar to that
of Vista but was met with enthusiasm for its noticeable speed improvement and its
modest system requirements.
Windows 8 in 2012 offered a start screen with applications appearing as tiles on a
grid and the ability to synchronize settings so users could log on to another Windows
8 machine and use their preferred settings. In 2015 Microsoft released Windows 10,
which came with Cortana, a digital personal assistant like Apple’s Siri, and the Web
browser Microsoft Edge, which replaced Internet Explorer. Microsoft also announced
that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows, meaning that users would
receive regular updates to the OS but that no more large-scale revisions would be
done
After Windows 95, Microsoft released several other versions of Windows, including
Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8,
and Windows 10. Each version of this OS offered different improvements and fixes,
including performance improvements, enhanced interface, support for new hardware
and software, and better security features.
The Windows operating system has undergone incredible evolution since it was first
launched in 1985. Each version of Windows offers different improvements and fixes,
and this operating system remains one of the most popular in the world to this day.
Functions of the Windows Operating System
The functions of the Windows operating system are crucial in running various
applications and programs on computers or laptops. Some of the functions of the
Windows operating system include:
Managing Computer Resources: The primary function of the Windows operating
system is to manage and organize computer resources such as CPU, RAM, and
hard disk. The Windows operating system will complete various tasks such as
opening applications, accessing the internet, and printing documents using these
resources.
Providing an Interface: The Windows operating system provides a Graphical User
Interface (GUI) that allows users to access and use various applications and
programs easily. This interface allows users to select menus, click icons, and
navigate various applications easily.
Providing Compatibility: The Windows operating system is designed to support
various hardware and software devices, making it easier for users to install and use
different applications and programs on their computers or laptops. Windows also
provides the ability to run programs and applications designed for different versions
of the Windows operating system.
Facilitating Network Setup: Windows operating system provides various tools to
facilitate network setup, such as network configuration, firewall configuration, and
network access configuration. This allows users to connect to networks and share
data with other devices in the network easily.
Facilitating Security: The Windows operating system provides various security
features such as anti-virus, anti-malware, and firewall that help protect computers or
laptops from virus and malware attacks. Windows also provides tools to configure
network security and access control to protect user’s important data.
Managing File Management: Windows also facilitates file management such as data
storage, access rights configuration, and file searching. Windows provides various
tools to help users organize and store data and files on their computers or laptops.
Facilitating System Setup: Windows provides various tools for system setup such as
desktop appearance configuration, sound and visual effects configuration, and
operating system updates. This makes it easy for users to configure and update the
operating system according to their needs and preferences.
Providing Technical Support: Windows provides technical support for users in the
form of customer service, tutorials, and documentation. This helps users solve
problems and optimize the use of Windows operating system on their computers or
laptops.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows Operating System
As the most widely used operating system in the world, Windows has various
advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered. Here are some of the
advantages and disadvantages of the Windows operating system:
Advantages:
Wide Compatibility: Windows has extensive compatibility with various hardware and
software devices, making it possible for users to use different types of devices with
this operating system.
Ease of Use: Windows is designed with a user-friendly and familiar user interface for
many people, making it easy to learn and use even for new users.
Rich Multimedia Features: Windows provides many multimedia features, such as
Windows Media Player, that allow users to play various types of audio and video files
easily.
Large Developer Support: There are many developers who make applications and
games for Windows, so users can choose from a variety of application and game
options available.
Long-term Support: Microsoft provides long-term support for each version of
Windows, which means users can receive updates and security support for several
years after its release.
Disadvantages:
Vulnerability to Malware: As the most widely used operating system in the world,
Windows is also more vulnerable to virus and malware attacks, so users need to be
more cautious in using it.
Hardware Requirements: Windows requires relatively high hardware requirements,
making it difficult for users with older computers or laptops to use the latest version
of Windows.
Cost: Windows is not a free operating system, so users need to purchase a license
to use it, which can be expensive.
Having too many features: In some cases, Windows can be too complicated with too
many features, so users have to take the time to learn and understand these
features.
In conclusion, Windows OS has its strengths and weaknesses like any other
operating system. However, its wide compatibility and large developer support make
it the top choice for many users. Users should take note of these shortcomings and
ensure to take necessary security measures to protect their devices from virus and
malware attac
Windows vs Unix
windows
Parameter unix
UNIX was developed as an open-source OS Windows Operating System is
using C and Assembly languages. Since proprietary software owned by
Licensing
being open source UNIX, and its various Microsoft, meaning its source
Linux distributions account for the most code is not available to the
used OS in the world. Unix and all its public.
Linux distributions are available under the
General Public License.
Unix operating systems are relatively harder Windows Operating System on
to grasp and produce significant barriers for the other hand is designed with
User
newcomers. However, some Linux the outset of keeping the UI as
Interface: distributions like Ubuntu are changing such simple and user-friendly as
perceptions by bringing in more GUI-based possible, so that non-IT people
applications. can easily use computers for their
work.
Unix is completely case-sensitive, meaning Windows, on the other hand,
the files with names “GFG.txt” and have optional case sensitivity.
Case
“gfg.txt” can be considered two different
Sensitivity files.
Reliability Unix and its distributions are well known Although Windows has been
for being very stable to run. stable in recent years, it is still to
match the stability provided by
Unix systems
Data Backup It is tedious to create a backup and recovery It has an integrated backup and
& Recovery system in UNIX recovery system that make it
simpler to use
Installation of Ubuntu.
Following are the steps to install ubuntU
1. Overview
The Ubuntu desktop is easy to use, easy to install and includes everything WE need to
run our organisation, school, home or enterprise. It’s also open source, secure,
accessible and free to download.
2. Requirements
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Most computers will boot from USB automatically. Simply insert the USB flash drive
and either power on the computer or restart it. We should see welcome window
prompting us to choose our language and either install or try the Ubuntu desktop.
Depending on our computer’s configuration, we may instead see an alternative boot
menu showing a large language selection pane. Use the mouse or cursor keys to select
a language and we’ll be presented with a simple menu.
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Select the second option, ‘Install Ubuntu’, and press return to launch the desktop
installer automatically. Alternatively, select the first option, ‘Try Ubuntu without
installing’, to test Ubuntu.
A few moments later, after the desktop has loaded, we’ll see the welcome window.
From here, we can select our language from a list on the left and choose between
either installing Ubuntu directly, or trying the desktop first.
If computer doesn’t automatically boot from USB, try holding F12 when the computer
first starts. With most machines, this will allow us to select the USB device from a
system-specific boot menu.
F12 is the most common key for bringing up our system’s boot menu, but Escape, F2
and F10 are common alternatives. If unsure, look for a brief message when the system
starts - this will often inform us of which key to press to bring up the boot menu.
We will first be asked to select our keyboard layout. If the installer doesn’t guess the
default layout correctly, use the ‘Detect Keyboard Layout’ button to run through a
brief configuration procedure.
After selecting Continue we’ll be asked What apps would you like to install to start
with? The two options are ‘Normal installation’ and ‘Minimal installation’. The first
is the equivalent to the old default bundle of utilities, applications, games and media
players — a great launchpad for any Linux installation. The second takes considerably
less storage space and allows us to install only what we need.
Beneath the installation-type question are two checkboxes; one to enable updates
while installing and another to enable third-party software.
It’s advised enabling both Download updates and Install third-party software.
Stay connected to the internet so that the latest updates could be known while
we install Ubuntu.
Use the checkboxes to choose whether we’d like to install Ubuntu alongside
another operating system, delete our existing operating system and replace it with
Ubuntu, or — if we’re an advanced user — choose the ’Something else’ option.
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6. Begin installation
After configuring storage, click on the ‘Install Now’ button. A small pane will appear
with an overview of the storage options we’ve chosen, with the chance to go back if
the details are incorrect. Click Continue to fix those changes in place and start the
installation process.
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If connected to the internet, our location will be detected automatically. Check if the
location is correct and click ’Forward’ to proceed.
If unsure about the time zone, type the name of a local town or city or use the map to
select the location.
If having problems while connecting to the Internet, use the menu in the top-right-
hand corner to select a network.
8. Login details
Enter name and the installer will automatically suggest a computer name and
username. These can easily be changed if we prefer. The computer name is how our
computer will appear on the network, while our username will be our login and
account name.
Next, enter a strong password. The installer will let us know if it’s too weak.
We can also choose to enable automatic login and home folder encryption. If our
machine is portable, it’s recommend keeping automatic login disabled and enabling
encryption. This should stop people from accessing our personal files if the machine is
lost or stolen.
If we enable home folder encryption and forget our password, we won’t be able
to retrieve any personal data stored in our home folder.
9. Background installation
The installer will now complete in the background while the installation window
teaches us a little about how awesome Ubuntu is. Depending on the speed of our
machine and network connection, installation should only take a few minutes.
11. Installation complete
After everything has been installed and configured, a small window will appear asking
us to restart our machine. Click on Restart Now and remove the USB flash drive when
prompted. If we initiated the installation while testing the desktop, we can also get the
option to continue testing.