Meaning of Operating System
An operating system is system software that controls the systems, hardware and interacts with the user as well as the application software. The operating system is the computer’s master control program. It provides commands that can be used for interaction between the user and the computer. When any command is given, the operating system converts it into codes that are used by the computer to display the result of the command on-screen or printed. The operating system also acts as the primary controlling mechanism for the computer’s hardware.
The operating system keeps the computer in good condition to ensure easy and effective use for the computer user. It aims at making the computer system convenient for the user. The operating system has a high focus on using the computer hardware efficiently. It makes use of programs easily and solves user problems of different types. It is all about operating the computer. In short, an operating system is system software that makes the computer and its program easy to use ensuring computer hardware is maintained and managed efficiently.
Functions of Operating System
An operating system is the master control system of a computer. It helps in keeping computers, their software, hardware and applications in usable condition with efficiency. The operating system of a computer has to perform the following functions:
a. Memory Management: The operating system manages both primary and secondary memory in the computer. Such management is done through the management of the allocation of memory of the system for different processes.
b. Security Management: The operating system performs the function of security management. It ensures the security of computer systems from various threats and virus attacks. The operating system uses various techniques such as authentication, authorization, cryptography etc. for ensuring the security of the computer system.
c. File Management: File management is another key function of the operating system. The operating system manages the file and directories of a computer system. Here, a file is the collection of information or data that is stored in the memory of a computer system. The operating system allows the user to create, delete, save, edit and rename a file on a computer.
d. Device Management: A computer has to be connected with different devices at the time of work. It is the operating system of the computer that manages all such devices. The operating system in a computer uses different drivers to interact with the hardware devices. It includes management and interaction with the devices like mouse, keyboards, printers, scanners etc.
e. Process Management: Operating system in a computer is concerned with the management of all the processes operating in a computer. A process is nothing but a program that is run by a user on a computer system. All the running processes in a computer are managed by the operating system through the use of system and application software.
Types of Operating System
An operating system in the modern computer era has to facilitate multitasking for multiple numbers of users at a time. That’s why it has to be highly capable and advanced to address the need and requirements of the user. Based on capability and support for applications used, the operating system can be classified into the following types:
a. Batch Processing Operating System: A computer has to perform several tasks. Some of these tasks are similar. The batch processing operating system accumulates such similar tasks in a batch and performs them thereafter. Under this operating system, the user does not have to interact with the computer after input is done. Such a system is most suitable for large files while operating a computer.
b. Multi-User Operating System: Such an operating system enables the system to be used by multiple numbers of users. In other words, it is an operating system that can be used by many users at a time. This type of operating system is designed and developed for multiple users to perform tasks in a single computer system simultaneously. Operating systems such as Windows, Unix, Linux and VM-386 are some examples of multi-user operating systems.
c. Multi-Tasking Operating System: A multitasking operating system allows a user to perform multiple tasks at a time in a single computer system. It is also called a multi-processing or multiprogramming operating system as it can run multiple numbers of programs at a time. Multitasks have been performed through the CPU based on its speed and memory as well as the size of the program. Windows, Linux, Unix etc. are some examples of multitasking operating systems.
d. Multi-Processor Operating System: This type of operating system uses more than one CPU in the system to perform single or multiple tasks at a time. A computer system having more than one CPU can process much faster than that system having only one CPU. It includes operating systems like Linux, Unix and Windows.
e. Real-time Operating System: The real-time operating system provides the quickest response than another operating system. This system processes and gives output in real-time as soon as input is made. The system puts effort into giving output in real-time. It is most useful in the science and engineering field where a response is required with immediacy. This is a costly operating system. It has two types ie. Hard real-time operating system and soft real-time operating system.
f. Time Sharing Operating System: This type of operating system allows equal time to all processes being undertaken in the computer system. Equal time is provided despite the length of the process. IF a process is completed in less than time allowed, the remaining time of the process is allotted to other ongoing processes. This is advantageous as it can complete all the processes in equal time. However, this is not suitable for other aspects than time matters in a computer system.
g. Network Operating System: Under a network operating system, a server is used to connect all the computers at a time. All the computers can be used at a time to perform the same task. If the server is updated and upgraded, all the connected computers can operate smoothly with automatic updates and upgrade. However, in case of crashing of the server, the whole network crashes and becomes useless under the network operating system.
Disk Operating System (DOS)
Disk Operating System (DOS) is an operating system using Character User Interface (CUI). It was first introduced in August 1981 by Microsoft. Due to which it is called MS-DOS. It was compatible with IBM computers. It is a command-based operating system in which all inputs are given through the keyboard. This OS does not have the advantage of mouse and clicks while working on a computer. Hence, the user has to remember all the commands for each function to be performed on the computer. This makes it a tough and time-consuming operating system. The learning curve of DOS is steep. MS-DOS laid the foundation for the evolution and development of Windows. It is less used because of the GUI in modern Windows. Command Prompt and its bigger brother Windows PowerShell are still available in modern Windows for those who still prefer even minute control on their system. However, some of its commands are still in use in Windows.
Advantages of MS-DOS
a. Entire operation system of MS-DOS can be kept in small space of modern ROM chips
b. Direct control over the processes in the computer
c. Easy and direct access to the BIOS calls and the underlying hardware
d. It is a lightweight operating system
e. It is easier to write ‘special purpose’ programs for, so long as they could not require ‘fancy’ graphics
f. It can run on a smaller system and can boot faster than other operating systems
g. It is good for making a workaround through a quick combining of programs
h. Easy and effective management and administration of MS system
Disadvantages of MS-DOS
a. It does not support multitasking
b. Only a 2GB partition is possible as it supports FAT 16
c. Difficult memory access while addressing more than 640KB of RAM
d. It does not support networking
e. It has a character-based interface which is difficult to operate as compared to a graphical-based interface
f. Automatic Interrupt Request is not supported by MS-DOS which means the user has to manage all the hardware related interruptions
Windows
Windows is a computer operating system. It is the latest version of a series of operating systems that Microsoft has produced for use on a personal computer. It is an improved, upgraded and follow-up version of the Windows Vista Operating System which was released in 2006. Windows operating system allows a computer to manage software and perform essential tasks on the computer. It is a Graphical User Interface (FUI) that allows visual interaction with the computer in a logical, fun and easy way.
Windows are highly improved interactive and advanced operating systems. It can ensure the co-existence of several running programs in memory of the computer at the same time. Windows can switch between different applications by sending message data to the programmer when the program requires doing something. Each window program waits to receive a message, acts on a message that it receives and returns its control to windows as early as possible using graphics to organize the workspace and present the user with intuitive ways to accomplish different tasks on a computer. That’s why it is called Graphical User Interface (GUI). It makes the execution of commands easy with different icons, menus and dialog boxes. It is a prompt operating system as compared to other types of computer operating systems.
Features of Windows
Multi-Tasking: The multi-tasking feature of windows enables its user to perform more than one task at a time. It allows users to activate and accomplish more than one task at a time. For example, a user working on an MS Word program can use search browsers and listen to the music through Windows Media Player at a time.
File System: It is a file or folder-based operating system. It enables a user to create, copy, move, save, open, find, remain, delete and close a file or folder while working on a computer having Windows installed.
The Desktop Components: Desktop is the main screen area seen after the computer is turned on and logged on to windows. It is a digital desk on whose top different icons, files, folders and programs can be placed. It consists of a taskbar that sits at the bottom of the desktop. It shows all the programs in use and helps in switching between them. It also contains the start button which can be used to access programs, folders and computer settings. The desktop also contains a control panel that can be used to change the setting of windows. It controls all aspects of the computer and its programs making it look and feel the way a user wants it to be.
Device Manager: The device manager enables the management of different aspects of the device. With the help of the device manager, the user of the computer can view and update the device drivers installed in a computer, check the working condition of the computer hardware and modify hardware settings.
Difference Between DOS and Windows
| S.N. | Basis | DOS | Windows |
| 1. | Definition | It is a command-line operating system operated through a keyboard | It is a multiprocessing and multitasking operating system operated through mouse and keyboard |
| 2 | Tasking Nature | It is a single-tasking operating system | It is a multitasking operating system |
| 3 | Power Consumption | DOS consumes low power | Windows consume high power |
| 4 | Networking Support | It has no support for networking | It supports networking |
| 5 | User Interface | It is a character-based user interface | It is a graphic-based user interface |
| 6 | Memory Consumption | DOS has a low memory requirement | Windows has high memory requirement |
| 7 | Usage | It is complex to use DOS as all command is most to remember | It is simple to use due to its graphical user-friendly interface |
| 8 | Multimedia | No support for multimedia in DOS | It supports all types of multimedia |
| 9 | Speed | The command on DOS is executed faster than on Windows | Windows operations are slow as compared to DOS |
| 10 | Multi Windows | DOS supports a single window at a time | Windows support multiple windows at a time |
Linux Operating System
Linuxis a free and open-source operating system based on Unix standards which provides a programming interface as well as user interface compatibility. Linux was first distributed under GNU General Public License in 1992. It contains many separately developed elements, free from proprietary code. The traditional monolithic kernel is employed in the Linux kernel for performance purposes. Its modular feature allows most drivers to dynamically load and unload at run time. Linux was created by Finnish student Linus Torvalds, who wanted to create a free operating system kernel that anyone could use. It was launched much later than Windows, in 1991. Although it still was regarded as a very bare-bones operating system, without a graphical interface like Windows. With just a few lines of source code in its original release to where it stands today, containing more than 23.3 million lines of the source code, Linux has surely grown considerably.
Linux also runs on embedded systems, i.e. devices whose operating system is typically built into the firmware and is highly tailored to the system. This includes routers, automation controls, smart home technology (like Google Nest), televisions (Samsung and LG Smart TVs use Tizen and WebOS, respectively), automobiles (for example, Tesla, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Toyota all rely on Linux), digital video recorders, video game consoles and smartwatches.
Linux Vs. Windows
Linux and Windows are two different computer operating systems. They both act as a mediator between a computer and its user. They both ensure the software and hardware of the computer are in proper and effective interaction with the user through the facilitation of the input processing. However, they both are different in certain respects. The comparative distinctions between Linux and Windows have been presented below:
1. Linux is an open-source operating system whereas Windows are not an open-source operating system.
2. Many Linux GUIs are not user friendly, but Windows GUI is very user friendly
3. There is a compatibility issue with applications. On the other hand, Windows are compatibles with most of the applications
4. Linux is free of cost whereas a Windows license needs to be Purchased.
5. Linux’s file name is case-sensitive. Instead, the Windows file name is case-insensitive.
6. In Linux, a monolithic kernel is used. But in Windows, a microkernel is used.
7. Linux provides more security than windows.
8. Linux is widely used in hacking purpose-based systems. But Windows does not provide much efficiency in hacking.
9. Linux is not much useful for gaming as compared to the usefulness and popularity of Windows for gaming.
Unix Operating System
Unix is a family of multitasking, multi user computer operating systems that derive from the original AT & T Unix, whose development started in the 1970s at the Bell Labs research center by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie and others. Initially intended for use inside the Bell System, AT&T licensed Unix to outside parties in the late 1970s, leading to a variety of both academic and commercial Unix variants from vendors including the University of California, Berkeley (BSD), Microsoft (Xenix), Sun Microsystems (SunOS/Solaris), HP/HPE (HP-UX) and IBM (AIX).
Unix systems are characterized by a modular design that is sometimes called the “Unix philosophy”. According to this philosophy, the operating system should provide a set of simple tools, each of which performs a limited, well-defined function. A unified filesystem (the Unix filesystem) and an inter-process communication mechanism known as “pipes” serve as the main means of communication and a shell scripting and command language (the Unix shell) is used to combine the tools to perform complex workflows. Unix distinguishes itself from its predecessors as the first portable operating system: almost the entire operating system is written in the C programming language, which allows Unix to operate on numerous platforms.
Linux Vs. Unix
Linux and Unix are different types of operating systems with distinct characteristics and use. They both have distinct development processes and interfaces. In such a context, Linux and Unix can be compared as below:
1. Linux is an open-source operating system developed by the Linux community of developers whereas Unix was developed by AT & T Bell Labs and is not open-source.
2. Linux is a free operating system. But Unix is a licensed and paid OS.
3. Linux is used for desktops, smartphones and mainframe computers. On the other hand, Unix is mostly used in servers, workstation and PCs.
4. Bash (Bourne Again Shell) is the default shell for Linux whereas Bourne Shell is the default shell for Unix.
5. Initially, Linux was developed for Intel’s X86 hardware processor and can support more than 20 processor families today. But Unix supports the PA-RISC and Itanium family of processors.
6. Ext 2, Ext 3, Ext 4, JFS, ReiserFS, Xfs, Btrfs, FAT, FAT 32, Ntfs etc. are the main supported files by Linux. On the other hand, Unix-supported files are fs, gpfs, hfs, hfs+, ufs, xfs, zfs etc.
