Operation Systems 101: What Is an Operating System? [Explained]

Did you know that the first operating system was created in the 1950s? It was called GMOS, and in comparison to what’s currently available on the market, it was really slow and primitive.

However, nothing comes from nothing. There had to be a first operating system to reach this point in the time of technological advancement. If you’re completely unfamiliar with the wide world of operating systems, no worries. You’ve come to the right place.

Keep on reading for our full breakdown of everything you need to know about operating systems.

What Exactly Is an Operating System?

Let’s start with the basics.

An operating system, sometimes known as an “OS,” is a piece of software that interacts with the computer’s hardware and enables other applications to operate.

These files are essential for your computer to start and perform properly. Computer engineers build an operating system into every computer, tablet, and smartphone. It allows the device to work in the most basic ways.

Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux are all common desktop operating systems. A desktop and file and folder management are standard features across all operating systems, regardless of how they vary from one another.

Installing and running applications designed for the operating system is also possible using these tools. Windows and Linux are all meant to operate on PCs, but OS X can only run on Apple hardware.

As a result, the operating system(s) you can run depends on the hardware you use.

Tablets and smartphones, for example, have operating systems that have a graphical user interface and can execute apps. Operating systems for smartphones are available for a wide range of devices, including Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

Because these engineers created operating systems primarily for mobile devices, touchscreen input is the primary input method.

A Look at Past OS

Even while early mobile OSes lacked many of the features available in desktop OSes, they now include sophisticated capabilities including the ability to launch third-party programs and run several apps at once.

As a computer’s primary user interface, the operating system has a considerable impact on how you use the device. As a result, many users have a preference for one particular operating system over another.

For example, some users prefer a Windows-based PC over an OS X-based one. Of course, other users will like the alternative to an iPhone, which is an Android-based smartphone.

It is the responsibility of software developers to code and assembles programs for a certain operating system. This is due to the fact that each operating system interfaces with the hardware in a different way and has a unique API that the programmer must utilize.

While many well-known applications are cross-platform. This means that engineers created them to run on several OSes, others will limit the device to a particular OS. Because of this, when purchasing a computer, be certain that the operating system is compatible with the apps you want to use.

The Purpose and Features of Operating Systems

Now that you have a basic understanding of the nuances of an operating system, it’s time to explore the many features it possesses.

Let’s take them one functionality at a time.

Organizing Your Computer’s Memory

Primary memory, often known as main memory is the building block of memory management. There are many data or bytes in the main memory, and each word or byte has its own address.

The CPU can immediately access the fast storage provided by the main memory. A program must be in the main memory to run. The operating system carries out these memory management actions.

Your CPU will track your primary memory so that you can know how much is in use and how much is not.

When using many programs at once, the operating system chooses which ones receive memory and when, as well as how much.

When a process asks for memory, this function allocates it. When a process has finished, it de-allocates the memory it used to have.

Processor Management

Multiprogramming environments use an operating system (OS) to allocate processor time based on which processes are executing when and for how long. A process scheduler manages all of the tasks in an organization. This is what an operating system performs for processor management.

Your software will track your processor and process status. The traffic controller is the name of the software in charge of this job. Then, an application may request an allocation of the processor’s resources (CPU). Your software will notify you at the end of the process and will release the processor.

Device Management

Operating systems will use drivers to control device connectivity. It manages devices by doing the following tasks.

They track all of your devices using this app. It’s the I/O controller’s job to manage the input and output devices.

They determine when and for how long each process will have access to the device. The software will manage your gadget allowance in an effective manner.

File Management

Directories are used to arrange a file system for ease of use and navigation. Files and other directives may be found in these folders.

An operating system performs the following file management activities:

Keeps track of data, such as where it is, what it’s being used for, and if it’s active. The file system is a common name for the system’s many components.

The History of OS Development: From Unix to Linux

Even in the early days of computing, operating systems were there, and they have continued to evolve ever since.

In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular kinds of operating systems.

Batch Operating System

Batch operating systems don’t allow direct user interaction with the machine. Offline devices like punch cards are used by each user to prepare and submit their work to the computer operator.

It’s common practice to batch-process tasks that have comparable needs. A programmer gives code to an operator who sorts it into batches according to requirements.

There are a few disadvantages of using batch systems. To begin with, the user isn’t doing anything while the job is running.

Also, since mechanical I/O devices run at a slower rate than the CPU, the CPU is frequently left idle while not in use. It’s difficult to assign the appropriate level of importance to different tasks.

Time-Sharing Operating Systems

Time-sharing is a method that allows several users at different terminals to share the usage of a single computer system at once. Multiprogramming’s logical extension is time-sharing or multitasking.

Time-sharing refers to the usage of a processor’s time by numerous users at the same time.

With multi-programmed Batch Systems, the goal is to get the most out of the processor. With Time-Sharing Systems, the goal is to get the least amount of reaction time possible out of the system.

The CPU can handle many tasks at once by switching between them, but this happens all the time. As a result, the user will get a quick answer.

The process executes each user program in a brief burst or quantum of computing, as an example. Theoretically, each of the users present may acquire a time quantum. It takes just a few seconds to respond to a user’s command submission.

The operating system uses CPU scheduling and multiprogramming to allocate a modest amount of time to each user. Batch-oriented computer systems are now time-sharing ones.

Distributed Operating System

This is an OS that runs across several computers in a network. In order to service several real-time applications and multiple users, distributed systems employ multiple central processors. Accordingly, data processing tasks are divided up among the processors.

The processors exchange information through a variety of communication channels (such as high-speed buses or telephone lines). Loosely connected systems are sometimes known as dispersed systems.

It’s possible that a distributed system’s processors are all of different sizes and functions. All of these processors are collectively referred to as sites.

Network Operating System

On a server, the network operating system manages data, users, groups, and other networking services including security and applications.

Operating systems for networks are designed to make it possible for computers on a network to access shared resources like files and printers. This may be in the form of an intranet or an extranet.

Real-Time Operating System

A real-time system is one that processes inputs and makes responses in a short period of time. Basically, it controls the environment with an iron fist.

Response time refers to the amount of time it takes for a system to process and display new information in response to user input. As a result, this approach has a much faster reaction time than online processing.

When the functioning of a processor or the flow of data has strict timing constraints, utilizing real-time systems. You can also use real-time systems as a control device in a specific application.

Without well-defined and established time limitations, a real-time operating system will fail.

To provide a few examples, consider scientific research, medical imaging systems, industrial controls, armament systems, robotics, and air traffic control systems.

Common Types of Operating Systems

The operating system is pre-installed on the majority of computers when you purchase one. You may update or even switch from your computer’s default operating system, which is what most users choose for.

For personal computers, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux are the three most popular operating systems to choose from.

The same applies to a traditional business operating system. Graphical user interfaces, sometimes known as GUIs (pronounced gooey), are common in modern operating systems. You can click on icons, buttons, and menus with your mouse in a GUI, which uses visuals and text to present everything plainly on the screen.

A new operating system’s GUI will seem and feel strange at first since each one’s GUI is distinct. Modern operating systems, on the other hand, are user-friendly and share many of the same fundamental ideas.

Windows Operating System: Microsoft Windows

In the mid-1980s, Microsoft developed the Windows operating system. In terms of Windows releases, the most recent ones are Windows 10 (which came out in 2015), Windows 8 (which came out two years later) (2007).

Most new computers come pre-installed with Windows, making it the most widely used operating system in the world.

Mac Operating Systems: macOS

Apple’s macOS operating system (formerly known as OS X) is a group of software products. All Macintosh computers, sometimes known as Macs, come pre-installed with it. Mojave (launched in 2018), High Sierra (issued in 2017), and Sierra (2016).

There’s just around 10% of the world’s computers use macOS. This is in comparison to more than 80% who use Windows.

Apple computers are more costly, which is one of the reasons behind this. Many users, on the other hand, prefer macOS’ appearance and feel over those of Windows.

Linux Operating System

Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a group of free and open-source operating systems that anyone may use and modify. Proprietary software, such as Windows, can only be changed by the corporation that owns it.

This is not the case with open-source software. Linux has the benefits of being open-source and available in a wide variety of distributions or versions.

Linux is used by the majority of servers because of its flexibility and ease of customization.

The Mobile Device Editions of Operating Systems

So far, we’ve discussed operating systems for desktop and laptop computers.

Tablet computers and MP3 players are distinct from desktop computers in that they run mobile-specific operating systems rather than those built for the latter.

Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android are two examples of mobile operating systems.

Mobile operating systems aren’t as feature-rich as desktop and laptop operating systems, and they can’t execute the same apps. However, there are still many things you can do with them, such as watching movies, browsing the web, managing your calendar, and playing games.

Ready to Pick the Right OS?

If the mere mention of computer terminologies sends your nervous system into overdrive, we hope that our guide has shed some light on the basics of how an operating system works, and how to pick the right one for your needs.

And, if you like reading our explainer, then you’ll love checking out our additional tips and tricks. All of them will be available in our business and technology sections.