What is Operating system, How does an Operating system works

An Operating System (OS) is a sort of software, which acts like a bridge in between the user and the computer hardware or any other device. The system software, through which the other software functions. A computer is useless without the OS. Managing hardware, process control, and proper usage of memory and files, along with establishing communication with the user are its primary responsibilities, What is Operating system, How does an Operating system works.

Operating system history goes way back in the 1950s, where General Motors came up with the first OS of IBM 705 that was invented in 1956 for IBM 704 computers. In the year 1969, Unix came into being as an operating system, bringing a new trend in the computer world. Currently, there are several operating systems available in the world such as Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android, and iOS, that work on different gadgets, What is Operating system, How does an Operating system works.

What is the history of operating system

The history of operating systems began in the 1950s. The first operating system, GM-NAA I/O, was developed in 1956 by General Motors for the IBM 704 computer. This system could execute only one program at a time, so its functionality was very limited. It was during this decade that IBM also started work on operating systems for their mainframe computers.

Operating systems have improved greatly in the 1960s. UNIX is the first operating system to perform multi-user and multitasking. UNIX was developed in 1969 at Bell Labs. It was written in the C programming language and would later become the basis of modern operating systems such as Linux and Mac OS X. This decade also introduced time-sharing systems, where many people can use the same computer at the same time.

This led to the development of microprocessors in the 1970s, where personal computers emerged. It was during this period that graphical user interface operating systems like Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows developed. In 1981, Microsoft released MS-DOS, a major step for personal computers, What is the history of operating system.

The first version of Windows based on a GUI was launched by Microsoft in the 1980s. The company released Windows 1.0 in 1985, followed by Windows 3.0 and Windows 95, which made it easier to use computers. In the meantime, Apple updated its Macintosh OS further popularizing the graphical interface.

In 1991, Linus Torvalds created the Linux operating system, based upon UNIX and designed as an open-source system. It rapidly grew in popularity and still is today, widely used on servers and personal computers. It was about this time that Microsoft released Windows NT and Windows 98, serving business and general users alike.

From 2000 onwards, there came mobile operating systems, starting with the release of iOS in 2007, followed by Android, released in 2008. The operating systems changed smartphones, and a plethora of new technologies and applications opened up; now we have different operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android to fit our diverse needs.

How does an Operating system works

An OS is software that operates a computer or smartphone and handles everything necessary to make it functional. It acts as an intermediary between hardware components like the processor and memory with the software such as apps and programs.

Process Management

It helps to decide which program will utilize the processor (CPU) and when. It guarantees that all the programs in operation are in order, and no program is causing trouble to others. So, in case you are doing multitasking—playing a game while listening to music—an OS will make sure that the CPU will carry out all these tasks correctly.

Memory Management

The operating system manages the computer’s RAM, where programs and data are stored temporarily while in use. It ensures that each program is allocated enough space to execute. The OS reins in any program that uses too much space in RAM, so the system doesn’t bog down.

File Management

The operating system keeps all your files, including documents, pictures, and videos, organized and stored. It ensures you can open, edit and save files easily. It is also responsible for managing folders and drives (such as C: or D:), How does an Operating system works.

Input/Output Management

The operating system receives input from input devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.) and sends output to output devices (screen, printer, etc.). That is to say, when you click an icon with the mouse, the result would immediately come out on the screen.

User Interface

It’s the user interface that you use to interact with a computer. These are the operating systems with a graphical user interface, or GUI for short. You use this and do everything without using text commands—just clicking an icon would accomplish the task. The use of GUIs is much easier than CLIs.

Security

The operating system has such features as password, firewalls, and antivirus that can keep your data safe. It makes sure that unauthorized persons can’t access your system. The use of security measures protects from cyber attacks and data theft.

Network Management

Network management refers to how your computer is hooked up to the Internet or other networks; it is an OS function. It makes the transfer of data speedy, secure, and effective. For example, on such actions as sending an email or opening a website, it ensures that data goes in the right direction.

Which are the most famous operating systems of the present time

Which are the most commonly used operating systems of the modern world

Microsoft Windows

Windows is the most commonly used operating system, running on desktops and laptops. It is very user-friendly, and the huge number of software and apps available make Windows 10 and Windows 11 really great to bring speed and modern experience to end-users. It’s also popular for gaming, office work, and general use.

macOS (Apple)

macOS is the operating system used by Apple computers: MacBook, iMac. It’s aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly in design and usability. It works seamlessly with Apple hardware and has special features for security and privacy. It’s best used for design, video editing, and other creative work.

Linux

Linux is a free, open-source operating system; hence, it is modifiable by anybody according to need. It’s light, fast, and secure. Mostly used on servers and by developers. Many versions of Linux have been made for various purposes, such as Ubuntu and Fedora. Linux is known for its stability and customization, Which are the most famous operating systems of the present time.

Android

Android is the operating system developed by Google, which is run mainly on smartphones and tablets. Android runs more devices worldwide than iOS or any other OS does. Since this is open-source software, every device can customize Android among millions of other applications related to gaming, social media, or productivity.

iOS

iOS is an operating system from Apple. iPhones and iPads run on it. Fast, secure, and easy to use, it seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices—Mac and Apple Watch—and provides quality apps and games to users for a great experience.

Chrome OS

Chrome OS: This is the Google operating system. It runs on Chromebook devices, lightweight, fast, and designed mainly for online work. That means the main apps from Google—Gmail, Google Docs—are really easy to use. It’s hugely popular for education and light tasks.

Unix

Unix is one of the really powerful old operating systems still in operation on big computers and servers. It’s very secure and stable, so it finds its place in large enterprises and data centers, allowing a variety of users working together with complete reliability.

What is the difference between single-tasking and multi-tasking operating systems

Single-tasking Operating System

A Single-tasking Operating System only allows one task to be performed at a time. For example, older operating systems like MS-DOS could only run one program at a time. It uses fewer system resources, but the user has to focus on only one task at a time.

Multi-tasking Operating System

A multi-tasking operating system, as the name says, enables you to do many things at a time. For example, in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android etc., you can operate several applications simultaneously. You can be working in one application and browsing in another. It consumes more system resources but gives an advantage to the user by saving time, What is Operating system, How does an Operating system works.

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