Operating Systems
- The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer.
- Operating system is an interface between computer and user.
- It is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer.
Types of Operating System
- Real-time
- Multi-user vs. Single-user
- Multi-tasking vs. Single-tasking
- Distributed
- Embedded
Real-Time
- A real-time operating system is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing real-time applications.
- Responds to input instantly
Multi-user vs. Single user
- A multi-user operating system allows multiple users to access a computer system concurrently.
- Time-sharing system can be classified as multi-user systems as they enable a multiple user access to a computer through the sharing of time.
- Single-user operating systems, as opposed to a multi-user operating system, are usable by a single user at a time.
- When a single program is allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped under a single-tasking system
- While in case the operating system allows the execution of multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as a multi-tasking operating system.
Distributed
- A distributed operating system manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear to be a single computer.
- The development of networked computers that could be linked and communicate with each other, gave rise to distributed computing.
Embedded
- Embedded operating systems are designed to be used in embedded computer systems.
- They are designed to operate on small machines like PDAs with less autonomy.
- They are able to operate with a limited number of resources.
Major Functions of Operating System
- Resource management
- Data management
- Job management
- Standard means of communication between User and Computer
Resource Management
- The resource management function of an OS allocates computer resources such as CPU time, main memory, secondary storage, and input and output devices for use.
Data Management
- The data management functions of an OS govern the input and output of data and their location, storage, and retrieval.
- It also is responsible for storing and retrieving information on disk drives and for the organization of that information on the drive.
Job Management
- The job management function of an OS prepares, schedules, controls, and monitors jobs submitted for execution to ensure the most efficient processing.
- A job is a collection of one or more related programs and their data.
Standard Means of Communication between User and Computer
- The OS also establishes a standard means of communication between users and their computer systems.
- It does this by providing a user interface and a standard set of commands that control the hardware.
User Interface
- A program that controls a display for the user (usually on a computer monitor) and that allows the user to interact with the system) .
- The user interface allows the user to communicate with the operating system.
- The user interface provides means of: – Input - allowing the users to manipulate a system – Output - allowing the system to indicate the effects of the users' manipulation.
Types of User Interface
- Command-line interface
- Graphical user interface
Command Line Interface (CLI)
- A command-line interface is a mechanism for interacting with a computer operating system or software by typing commands to perform specific tasks.
- This method of instructing a computer to perform a given task is referred to as "entering" a command.
- Accept input via keyboard only.
- Not suitable for beginners.
Command Line Interface (CLI) • Examples of command:
Command | Description |
DIR | To display list of files or folder |
COPY | To copy file or folder |
MD | To make new folder |
CLS | To clear screen |
Quit | To quit |
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- Is a type of user interface which allows people to interact with computer with images rather than text commands.
- Accept input via keyboard and pointing devices.
- Easy to learn.
Elements of Graphical User Interface
- Pointer • Icons • Desktop • Windows • Menus
Pointer
- A symbol that appears on the display screen and that you move to select objects and commands.
- Usually, the pointer appears as a small angled arrow.
Icons
- Small pictures that represent commands, files, or windows.
Desktop
- The area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often referred to as the desktop because the icons are intended to represent real objects on a real desktop.
Windows
- Used to divide the screen into different areas.
- In each window, you can run a different program or display a different file.
Menus
- Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a choice from a menu.
- Two types of menu: – Pull-down menu – Pop-up menu
Types of User Interface
CLI | GUI | |
Ease | Because of the memorization and familiarity needed to operate a command line interface, new users have a difficult time navigating and operating a command line interface. | Although new users may have a difficult time learning to use the mouse and all GUI features, most users pick up this interface much easier when compared to a command line interface. |
Control | Users have much more control of their file system and operating system in a command line interface. For example, users can copy a specific file from one location to another with a one-line command. | Although a GUI offers plenty of control of a file system and operating system, the more advanced tasks may still need a command line. |
Multitasking | Although many command line environments are capable of multitasking, they do not offer the same ease and ability to view multiple things at once on one screen. | GUI users have windows that enable a user to view, control, and manipulate multiple things at once and is much faster to navigate when compared with a command line. |
Speed | Command line users only need to use their keyboards to navigate a command line interface and often only need to execute a few lines to perform a task. | A GUI may be easier to use because of the mouse. However, using a mouse and keyboard to navigate and control your operating system for many things is going to be much slower than someone who is working in a command line. |
Examples of Operating System • MS-DOS • Windows • Mac OS • Linux • Solaris • Android
Microsoft DOS
- DOS stands for Disk Operating System.
- Developed by Microsoft Inc.
- Using command line interface.
- It does not support multiple users and multitasking.
- First version: MS-DOS 1.0 (1981)
Windows
- Produced by Microsoft, Inc.
- Using graphical user interface.
- Support multitasking and multiuser.
- First version: Windows 1.0 (1985)
Mac OS
- The official name of the Macintosh operating system.
- Created by Apple Inc.
- Operating System for Apple Macintosh computer.
- First version: Mac System 1 (1984)
Linux
- A freely-distributable open source operating system that runs on a number of hardware platforms.
- Linux has become an extremely popular alternative to proprietary operating systems.
- First version: Linux (1992)
Android
- Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers
- It is developed by the Open Handset Alliance, led by Google, and other companies
- First version: Android 1.0 (2008)
Solaris
- Solaris is a Unix operating system originally developed by Sun Microsystems
- Solaris can be installed from physical media or a network for use on a desktop or server
- Used on server and workstation
- First version: Solaris 1 (1991)
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