Types of Operating System (OS)
Operating system is a set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the activities among the computer hardware resources. Most operating system performs similar functions that include starting booting a computer, managing memory and configuring devices. Some operating system also allow user to control a network and administer security measures.
- Stand-alone OS – WinXP, Windows Vista, Mac OS, Linux, Dos
- Networking Operating System (NOS) – Windows NT, Windows Server 2000, Linux, Unix, Solaris
- Embedded Operating System – Windows CE, Palm OS, Symbian OS, Embedded Linux.
Platforms For Operating System
PC Platform Operating Systems - The examples of operating systems used on PC platforms or IBM compatible computers are DOS used a command line interface when Microsoft first developed it. Microsoft Windows XP’s operating environment is a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Both are closed source software.
Apple Platform Operating Systems - The operating systems used on Apple platforms are Mac OS & Mac OS X. Mac OS was the first commercially successful graphical user interface. It is a closed source software and are targeted for use with home desktops and workstations. Mac OS X is a multitasking operating system and targeted for use with home desktops, workstations and servers. It also has better security protection compared to Mac OS, for example the integrated firewall utility.
Cross-Platform Operating Systems - Cross-platforms operating systems are UNIX and LINUX. UNIX is a multitasking operating system. Some versions of UNIX have a command line interface but most versions of UNIX offer a graphical user interface. Linux is a popular, free, UNIX-like graphical user interface operating system. It is an open source software. Linux provides a great deal of liberty to those that interact with Linux technology. Although Linux runs on many kinds of equipment, it is best known for its support ofThe Main Functions Of OS
- starting a computer
- providing a user interface
- managing data & program
- managing memory
- configuring devices
- A warm boot means restarting a computer that is already on. It normally happens after installing a new software or hardware or after an application crashes or stops working.
- A cold boot means starting a computer that is already off. It happens when we turn on a computer that has been completely powered off.
Providing a User Interface - This function controls how the user enters data and instruction and how information is displayed. The three type of user interface are Command-Line, Menu-Driven and Graphical User Interface . The user interface typically enables users:
- to start an application program
- to manage disks and files such as formatting, copying and renaming
- to shut down the computer safely by following the correct procedures
Managing Data & Programs - When we start an application, the CPU loads the application from storage into memory. In the early days, single-tasking operating systems could run only one application at a time. Multitasking operating systems enable users to work with two or more application programs at the same time.
Managing Memory - The computer's operating system is responsible for managing memory such as:
- optimizing the use of RAM
- allocating data & instruction to an area of memory while being processed
- monitoring the contents of memory
- releasing data & instructions from being monitored in memory when the process is done
Configuring Devices - Another function of an operating system is handling input and output, as well as enabling communication with input and output devices. Most operating systems come with drivers for popular input and output devices. These drivers install new devices and check whenever there is conflict with these devices.
Operating System Interface
The three type of user interface are Command-Line, Menu-Driven and Graphical User Interface.
Command-Line User Interface
It is difficult to use because it requires exact spelling, syntax or a set of rules of entering commands and punctuation. Complicated rules of syntax that specify exactly what you can type in a given place require memorization. It is also easy to make a typing mistake. The advantage of command-line interface is, it helps the user to operate the computer quickly after memorizing the keywords and syntax.
MENU DRIVEN USER INTERFACE
Menu-driven user interface enables the user to avoid memorizing keywords such as copy, paste and syntax. On-screen, menu-driven interface provide menus as means of entering commands. It shows all the options available at a given point in a form of text-based menu. Menu-driven user interfaces are easy to learn.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - GUI makes use of the computer’s graphics capabilities to make the operating system and programs easier to use, which is also called ‘user-friendly’. Today GUIs are used to create the desktop that appears after the operating system finishes loading into memory.
GUI is commonly used and has become a standard. It is easy to differentiate the interfaces between Mac OS, Windows XP or Linux by looking at their desktops. GUI with menus and visual images such as buttons, icons and other graphical objects to issue commands where many actions can be initiated by clicking icons that represent computer resources such as files, programs and network connections. On the desktop, we can initiate many actions by clicking the icons that represent the computer resources such as files, programs and network connections.
Differences Between Command-line Interface and Graphical User Interface
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