What is an operating system?
- By ITEducationalExperts
- 3 April 2021
Contents
1. Operating System
2. History of Operating System
3. A current trending operating system in the market
4. Features of the operating system
5. Advantage of the operating system:
What is an operating system?
Before I start this article, I am assuming that readers are aware of the basic computer fundamentals like keyboard, monitor, mouse, input and output devices, primary memory and secondary memory etc. If readers are not aware of the basics regarding the computer, I would like to suggest they go through before heading into the operating system.
Operating System:
An operating system (OS) is a vital component in computer software which acts as an interface between the user and computer hardware. Every computer must have one operating system to run other programs applications on the computer like chrome, games, MS word etc. This operating system helps the computer to communicate between the end-user and conveniently execute applications.
History of Operating System:
In the late 1950s, the operating system developed as tape storage, later in mid-1960s, disks and UNIX OS had come into action. First DOS was built by Microsoft in the year 1985. The accomplishment of the operating system after 1970 continued by the researchers. Now we have a new improvised version of OS to enhance overall user experience to run an operating system fast and efficient.
A current trending operating system in the market:
| OS | Used in |
|---|---|
| Windows | GUI based and PC |
| GNU/Linux | Personal work stations, IPS, File and printer services |
| Mac OS | Apple personal computers, Mac Book, iMac |
| Android | Smartphones, tablets, smartwatches. |
| IOS | iPhone, iPad, iPods Touch |
Features of the operating system:
Some of the key features in an operating system:
• OS protects system information and resources
• The operating system handles error detection
• It runs input and output operations
• OS helps to execute the programs
• Operating System can perform following function like file management, process
management, memory management, device management, secondary management
and I/O management etc.
Advantage of the operating system:
The operating system is the heart of any computer which interfaces with end-user and hardware device. Without OS, any computer cannot withstand.
• OS introduces GUI to make user-friendly interface.
• With the operating system, users can perform various functions like calculations and
another task.
• There is no need to write coding lines to access the computer hardware.
• OS can perform multi-tasks simultaneously.
• The operating system can safeguard the user data on the computer.
If you want to know more about operating systems, one of the best examples is Linux which explained in Linux online training