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LESSON-2-Operating-Systems

An operating system (OS) is essential software that manages hardware resources and provides services for applications and users, with key functions including process, memory, file, device management, security, and user interface. OS types are categorized by user count, task execution, purpose, and user interface, with common examples being desktop, server, mobile, embedded, and real-time OS. Windows, developed by Microsoft, is a popular commercial OS known for its GUI, while Linux is an open-source OS recognized for its flexibility and security, with a variety of distributions available.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
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LESSON-2-Operating-Systems

An operating system (OS) is essential software that manages hardware resources and provides services for applications and users, with key functions including process, memory, file, device management, security, and user interface. OS types are categorized by user count, task execution, purpose, and user interface, with common examples being desktop, server, mobile, embedded, and real-time OS. Windows, developed by Microsoft, is a popular commercial OS known for its GUI, while Linux is an open-source OS recognized for its flexibility and security, with a variety of distributions available.
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`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.

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