Operating systems
The best way to describe the operating systems is that they allow you to perform common tasks on a computer, such as copying files, or to work with the Internet, or to play your favorite video game easily. Your computer perhaps came pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows, unless you built the computer from scratch, or bought a used one, or invested in a Mac of course. Operating systems make common tasks look easy. Many people don't think about what is going on behind the scenes to copy a file, or to start a computer - it just works. Nowadays operating systems are so advanced, they are multitasking, they are capable of doing many things at once. Just look at how many applications you have opened on your computer, and you will be amazed what your computer is capable of doing. But it was not always so, DOS days
(DOS stands for disk operating system) are over now, Windows, Mac, Linux, or FreeBSD in many cases are either pre-installed on a computer or are installed by an advanced user.
Multitasking and multi-threading
These operating systems are capable of doing many things at once, if a computer CPU (stands for central processing unit) supports that. It is called multitasking. Open a task manager in Windows or a top in Linux and see how many processors your computer has. It may be misleading as certain Intel processors come with multithreading on, this allows one CPU core to behave like two, and perform two tasks at once when the application is open. Applications must be written to support multitasking or multithreading, if the application does not support multiple processors or threads, then only a single CPU will be in use.
Windows
This operating system is made by Microsoft. This is a well known company with the headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Perhaps your computer came pre-installed with Windows. It is a popular operating system. If you are in the process of becoming a system administrator, this operating system is probably for you. It is capable of running many tasks at once. This operating system is used by many people, it is well known, and trusted. Microsoft invests time and effort to support it. You may find out more about this operating system from the Microsoft website.
Mac OS
It is made by the company named Apple with the headquarters in Cupertino, California. Apple makes two operating systems, one that is in use in the computers, and another one is in use on the phones. You are probably familiar with the IOS, which is their mobile operating system, but the market share of their operating system for computers is low.
Linux
There are so many choices when you go with the Linux route. Linux comes from the name of its founder - Linus Trovalds. For many years he developed the Linux kernel, in the latest news, he was checking the submissions for a change. Linux is capable of supporting many users, and can run multiple applications at once. There are multiple distributions of Linux on the market today. Common way to remember Linux is a saying that Linux is not Unix. Linux often comes in a form of distributions - a collection of the software on top of the Linux operating system. The common distributions are RedHat (paid), Ubuntu (optionally paid) and Debian. For a big list of the Linux operating systems and their popularity please visit distrowatch web site.
BSD flavors
B stands for Berkley… It is similar to Linux, except it’s not Linux. Many of the distributions are open source as well, BSD tends to be more stable unlike Linux which is in many cases a bleeding edge. I will not explain BSD in here mainly because I don’t have first hand experience with it.
The web
Many applications have migrated to the web. We have gradually moved from the operating systems that are native to computers to applications. You may use an email application which is web based, or the editor, or a place to store the files, or the databases. It is very convenient to store files on the web, if the customers are out there as well. The cost of having web based presence is initially lower than a PC, but it can add up to a higher cost over time, but at the same time you usually have people that support that web presence as well. You may know, however, that these applications may require computers to run them anyway.
Portable operating systems (Android and IOS)
On phones you may see either Android or the IOS on the Apple devices. Android is supported and maintained by Google, and IOS is supported and maintained by Apple. You need to research if the operating system on phones is updated and maintained regularly. There is so much choice in phones nowadays, so please review support status for the phone you may have now or plan to buy.
There are other mobile operating systems out there, but I will focus on these two, as I am more familiar with these two.
Virtualization
There are two main reasons why virtualization is being used. One is to provide resources for the developers to experience different environments and unthought of cases, second for the QA department to validate that developers completed their job well. Virtualization is usually easy to use. It saves the cost of purchasing actual hardware and splits a single computer onto several that may be used concurrently without impacting each other.
I will not cover Windows mobile or the Blackberry mobile operating systems. They are less popular than Android or IOS. There are also other operating systems out there, I know of them, I even used some of them, but I will not cover these in this video because they are not as popular as others, and I don’t have sufficient experience with them.
If the viewer is working with one, please let me know and I may include it in my review.
Similar to virtualization is containerization. When a single OS is installed, that allows for multiple user space instances running.
Operating Systems FAQ
1. What is an operating system and why do I need one?
An operating system (OS) is software that manages your computer's hardware and resources, allowing you to interact with it and run other programs. It acts as a bridge between you and the computer, simplifying complex tasks like copying files, connecting to the internet, and running applications. Without an OS, using a computer would be incredibly difficult.
2. What are some common operating systems?
Some popular operating systems include:
Windows: Developed by Microsoft, Windows is widely used on personal computers and is known for its user-friendliness and broad software compatibility.
Mac OS: Created by Apple, Mac OS is designed specifically for Apple computers and is known for its sleek interface and creative focus.
Linux: An open-source operating system with numerous distributions like Ubuntu and Debian, Linux is popular for its flexibility, customization options, and strong security.
3. What is multitasking and how does it work?
Multitasking allows your computer to run multiple applications seemingly simultaneously. Modern operating systems leverage multi-core processors and a technique called multithreading, which enables a single processor core to handle multiple tasks at once. This makes your computer more efficient and allows you to work on different projects without closing and reopening applications constantly.
4. What are the differences between Linux and BSD operating systems?
Both Linux and BSD are Unix-like operating systems, but they differ in their licensing and development approach. Linux refers specifically to the kernel, while Linux distributions bundle the kernel with other software. BSD operating systems are distributed as complete packages with their own kernels. BSD is often considered more stable, while Linux tends to be more cutting-edge.
5. What is the role of the web in modern computing?
The web has become a platform for numerous applications, including email, file storage, and even complex software development tools. Many applications have migrated to the web, offering accessibility from any device with an internet connection. This shift has impacted traditional operating systems, as web-based applications can run on various platforms without needing specific OS compatibility.
6. What are portable operating systems, and which ones are popular?
Portable operating systems are designed for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The most popular ones are:
Android: Developed by Google, Android is known for its open-source nature and wide device compatibility.
iOS: Apple's mobile operating system, iOS is exclusive to Apple devices and known for its smooth user experience and focus on privacy.
7. What is virtualization, and what are its benefits?
Virtualization allows you to create virtual versions of computer hardware, operating systems, and applications on a single physical machine. This offers several benefits:
Cost savings: Reduces the need for separate physical hardware for different environments.
Testing and development: Provides developers and testers with isolated environments to experiment and validate software.
Disaster recovery: Allows for quick recovery of systems in case of hardware failure.
8. What is containerization and how does it differ from virtualization?
Containerization is similar to virtualization but focuses on isolating applications and their dependencies within a single operating system. Unlike virtualization, which creates entire virtual machines, containerization shares the OS kernel while providing isolated user spaces for different applications. This makes containers more lightweight and efficient than virtual machines.
Operating Systems: A Brief Overview
This document summarizes key themes and facts from the provided text about operating systems (OS).
Core Function:
Operating systems facilitate user interaction with computers by enabling common tasks like file management, internet access, and software execution. They make complex processes appear simple, abstracting away the underlying complexities from the average user.
Evolution:
Operating systems have progressed significantly from single-tasking systems like DOS to sophisticated multitasking environments like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Modern OS leverage multi-threading and multi-core CPUs to execute multiple tasks concurrently, significantly enhancing performance.
Key Players:
Windows: Developed by Microsoft, Windows dominates the desktop OS market share. Known for its wide adoption and extensive software support, it is a popular choice for both personal and enterprise use.
macOS: Apple's operating system boasts a sleek user interface and strong integration with its ecosystem. While holding a smaller market share than Windows, macOS is favored for its creative applications and user-friendliness.
Linux: This open-source OS offers a variety of distributions (like Ubuntu, Debian, and RedHat), catering to diverse user needs. Known for its flexibility and stability, Linux is widely used in servers and embedded systems.
BSD Flavors: Similar to Linux in functionality, BSD operating systems are often praised for their robustness and security.
Mobile OS (Android and iOS): The smartphone landscape is dominated by Google's Android and Apple's iOS. These mobile OS platforms prioritize user experience and app ecosystems.
Emerging Trends:
Web-Based Applications: Many applications have transitioned to the web, offering accessibility and platform independence. This shift signifies a move away from traditional desktop applications.
Virtualization and Containerization: Virtualization enables running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, while containerization allows for isolated user spaces within a single OS. These technologies provide cost-effective solutions for development, testing, and resource management.
Quotes:
"Operating systems make common tasks look easy. Many people don't think about what is going on behind the scenes to copy a file, or to start a computer - it just works."
"Linux is not Unix. Linux often comes in a form of distributions - a collection of the software on top of the Linux operating system."
"Virtualization is usually easy to use. It saves the cost of purchasing actual hardware and splits a single computer onto several that may be used concurrently without impacting each other."
Omissions:
The source focuses on popular operating systems and trends. It excludes detailed discussions of specific functionalities, architectures, or less common OS like Windows Mobile or Blackberry OS.
Note: This briefing doc is based solely on the provided excerpt. Further research may be needed for a more comprehensive understanding of operating systems.
Operating Systems: A Brief Overview
This document summarizes key themes and information from the provided text about operating systems.
What is an Operating System?
Operating systems (OS) are the foundation of computing. They enable users to interact with their computers and execute tasks like copying files, accessing the internet, and running applications.
"The best way to describe the operating systems is that they allow you to perform common tasks on a computer...Operating systems make common tasks look easy."
Types of Operating Systems:
The text focuses on several major types of operating systems:
Desktop OS:
Windows: Developed by Microsoft, Windows is the most popular desktop OS, known for its robust functionality and wide software support.
Mac OS: Developed by Apple, Mac OS is known for its user-friendly interface and strong integration with Apple's ecosystem.
Linux: A family of open-source operating systems known for its flexibility and customization options. Linux distributions like RedHat, Ubuntu, and Debian bundle the Linux kernel with various software packages.
BSD: Similar to Linux, BSD is known for stability.
Mobile OS:
Android: Developed by Google, Android is the dominant mobile OS, powering a vast range of smartphones and tablets.
IOS: Developed by Apple, iOS is known for its intuitive interface and focus on security, powering iPhones and iPads.
Virtualization and Containerization: These technologies allow for running multiple operating systems or isolated user spaces on a single physical machine.
Key Concepts:
Multitasking and Multithreading: Modern operating systems can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, leveraging multi-core processors and multithreading capabilities.
The Shift to the Web: Many applications have transitioned to web-based platforms, offering accessibility and potentially lower initial costs.
Notable Quotes:
"Linux often comes in a form of distributions - a collection of the software on top of the Linux operating system."
"Virtualization is usually easy to use. It saves the cost of purchasing actual hardware and splits a single computer onto several that may be used concurrently without impacting each other."
Observations:
The text focuses on the most popular operating systems, acknowledging the existence of less common options.
The author invites readers to provide information about their experiences with other operating systems, suggesting an interest in expanding their knowledge and the scope of the document.
Future Considerations:
The text could be expanded by:
Providing a more in-depth explanation of the technical differences between Linux and BSD.
Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of web-based applications compared to traditional software.
Exploring the security considerations and challenges of different operating systems.
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