`Unit 2: Operating Systems
a.) Definition of Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is the core software that manages computer hardware
resources and provides various services for applications and users. It acts as an
intermediary between users and the hardware, hiding the complexities of low-level
machine operations and presenting a user-friendly interface for interaction. The key
functions of an OS include:
Process management: Creating, scheduling, and terminating processes;
resource allocation.
Memory management: Allocating and managing memory for running
applications.
File management: Creating, deleting, manipulating, and protecting files.
Device management: Controlling communication with hardware devices like
printers, scanners, and storage.
Security: Protecting the system from unauthorized access and malware.
User interface: Providing a means for users to interact with the system.
b.) Types of Operating Systems
Operating systems can be broadly categorized based on various criteria, such as:
By the number of users:
Single-user OS: Designed for one user to operate at a time (e.g., early MS-DOS
versions).
Multi-user OS: Allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously
(e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
By the number of tasks:
Single-tasking OS: Executes one task at a time (e.g., early personal computer
OSes).
Multitasking OS: Allows multiple tasks to run concurrently (e.g., modern OSes).
By the purpose:
General-purpose OS: Designed for a wide range of computing tasks
(e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
Special-purpose OS: Optimized for specific tasks (e.g., real-time
OSes, embedded systems OSes).
By the user interface:
Command-line interface (CLI): Text-based, requires users to type commands
(e.g., Linux consoles).
Graphical user interface (GUI): Uses visual elements like icons and menus for
user interaction (e.g., Windows, macOS).
Common types of operating systems include:
Desktop OS: Designed for personal computers and workstations
(e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
Server OS: Designed for managing networks and providing services to clients
(e.g., Windows Server, Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server).
Mobile OS: Designed for smartphones and tablets (e.g., Android, iOS).
Embedded OS: Designed for devices with limited resources
(e.g., smartwatches, routers).
Real-time OS: Designed for systems requiring precise timing and low latency
(e.g., industrial control systems, medical devices).
c.) Windows and Linux OS
Windows
Developed by Microsoft, currently the most popular desktop OS worldwide.
Known for its user-friendly GUI, wide software compatibility, and integration with
Microsoft services.
Recent versions focus on security, stability, and performance improvements.
Opens in a new window
techcommunity.microsoft.com
Windows 11 desktop screenshot
Linux
Open-source, freely available OS with a strong community of developers.
Known for its flexibility, security, and customization options.
Distributes various distributions (distros) tailored to different needs
(e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian).
Opens in a new window ar.m.wikipedia.org
Ubuntu desktop screenshot
Comparison of Windows and Linux:
Feature Windows Linux
Commercial, requires Open-source, free to use
Price
license purchase and modify
User interface Primarily GUI GUI and CLI options
Hardware Varies depending on
Generally good
compatibility distro
Software Wide range of commercial Primarily open-source
compatibility applications software
More vulnerable to Generally considered
Security
malware, improving more secure
Customization Limited Highly customizable
Technical
Less required More required
expertise
drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets
d.) The History of Windows Operating Systems
The Windows operating system has evolved significantly since its inception in 1985.
Here's a timeline of major milestones:
1985: Windows 1.0 released, marked the beginning of Microsoft's graphical user
interface for PC compatibility.
Opens in a new window en.wikipedia.org
Windows 1.0 screenshot
1990: Windows 3.0 revolutionized personal computing with a more intuitive
interface, introducing Solitaire and Minesweeper.
Opens in a new window
guidebookgallery.org
Windows 3.0 desktop screenshot
1995: Windows 95 marked a major leap forward with a taskbar, Start menu, and
plug-and-play capabilities.
