OPERATING SYSTEM NOTES

UNIT - 1
An operating system (OS) is the main software on a computer that controls everything. It manages how
the computer's hardware (like the keyboard, mouse, and screen) works with software (apps, programs).
The OS makes sure your computer can run different tasks at the same time, like browsing the web, writing
documents, or playing music. It also organizes files and lets you interact with your computer using a
desktop and icons. Without an operating system, your computer wouldn’t be able to function or
understand commands from you or the programs you use as known as operating system
Popular examples of operating systems include:
 Windows
 macOS
 Linux
 Android
 iOS

History and Evolution of Operating Systems (in Simple Words)

The story of operating systems (OS) began with early computers that were big, slow, and could do only one
thing at a time. Over the years, as computers became more advanced, operating systems evolved to
handle more tasks, become user-friendly, and power modern devices like smartphones, laptops, and
servers.

1. The Beginning: 1950s – Early Computers

In the 1950s, the first computers didn’t have operating systems. People had to write specific instructions
directly for the machine to complete a task, and it could only handle one job at a time. This process was
slow, and people had to load their programs using punch cards or paper tapes. Early computers were giant
machines used only by scientists or businesses, and each program had to be run from start to finish before
another could begin.

2. The Rise of Simple Operating Systems: 1960s

As computers became more common, people realized they needed a system to handle multiple jobs more
efficiently. Early operating systems were created to do just that. The first major OS was called Batch
Processing, which allowed the computer to queue up jobs and run them one after another automatically.
However, it still only ran one task at a time.

Later in the 1960s, Time-Sharing Systems were developed, allowing many users to work on the same
computer simultaneously. Instead of waiting for one job to finish, the computer would switch between
tasks very quickly, giving the illusion that it was doing many things at once. This concept led to the idea of
multitasking.

3. Personal Computers and User-Friendly OS: 1970s – 1980s

In the 1970s, smaller and cheaper computers, called personal computers (PCs), started appearing.
Operating systems had to evolve to meet the needs of everyday users, not just scientists. One of the first
popular operating systems for personal computers was CP/M in the 1970s. However, the real
breakthrough came in the 1980s with the release of MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). MS-DOS
was simple but required people to type commands to interact with the computer.

During the same period, UNIX was developed, which became the foundation for many modern operating
systems, including Linux and macOS. UNIX was more powerful and used on servers and bigger systems, but
it was also more complex.

4. The Graphical User Interface (GUI): 1980s – 1990s

In the 1980s, operating systems became more user-friendly. The biggest change was the development of
the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Instead of typing commands, users could now interact with their
computer using a mouse to click on icons, open windows, and use menus. This made computers accessible
to everyone, not just experts.

Apple introduced the first GUI-based OS with its Macintosh in 1984, followed by Microsoft Windows in
1985. Windows became hugely popular in the 1990s, making personal computers a part of everyday life for
millions.

5. Modern Operating Systems: 2000s – Present

With the arrival of the internet and mobile devices, operating systems continued to evolve. Modern
operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux have become powerful, fast, and easy to use. They
now support complex tasks, like running multiple apps at once, connecting to the internet, and managing
large amounts of data.

In the mobile world, Android (based on Linux) and iOS (based on UNIX) became the dominant operating
systems for smartphones and tablets. They are designed to be simple, touch-friendly, and optimized for
smaller devices.

6. Cloud and Virtualization

In recent years, operating systems have evolved to support cloud computing and virtualization, where
users can run virtual machines or store data and programs online. This allows businesses to run multiple
virtual operating systems on a single computer and access data from anywhere in the world.

7. The Future

Operating systems are constantly improving, becoming smarter and more integrated with artificial
intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). In the future, OS may become even more seamless, where
devices can talk to each other effortlessly, and users can interact with technology in new ways, like
through voice or augmented reality.

Here are the basic functions of an operating system (OS) explained in simple words:

1. Managing Hardware

The OS controls and communicates with the computer’s hardware, like the keyboard, mouse, screen,
printer, and hard drive. It makes sure all the parts work together and do what the software (programs) asks
them to do.

2. Running Applications
The OS allows you to run multiple programs (apps) on your computer. It starts the programs, makes sure
they get the resources they need, and closes them when you're done.

3. File Management

The OS organizes files on your computer. It lets you create, save, open, delete, and move files, and ensures
everything is stored properly.

4. Memory Management

The OS manages your computer's memory (RAM), making sure that each running program gets the
memory it needs. It keeps track of which programs are using memory and makes space for new ones.

5. User Interface

The OS provides a way for you to interact with the computer. This can be a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
with windows, icons, and buttons or a command-line interface where you type commands.

Resource abstraction in an operating system (OS) means hiding the complex details of the computer's
hardware (like CPU, memory, or storage) from users and programs. Instead of dealing with the actual
hardware, the OS provides simple, easy-to-use versions of these resources. For example, instead of directly
controlling the hard drive, users see files and folders. This allows programs to use the hardware without
needing to know how it works inside. The OS takes care of the complex tasks behind the scenes, making
the system easier to use and letting multiple programs share resources efficiently.

Types of Operating Systems

1. Batch Systems
o In batch operating systems, tasks (called jobs) are collected in batches and executed one by
one. Users submit their jobs to the system, and the OS processes them in sequence without
immediate user interaction. This was used in the early days of computers, and users had to
wait for their jobs to finish in the queue. It's efficient for large jobs that don’t need user
input while running.
2. Multiprogramming Systems

A multiprogramming system allows several programs to run at the same time. The OS switches
between programs quickly so that it looks like everything is happening simultaneously. This
improves the utilization of the computer’s resources, as the OS can run another program while
one is waiting for an input or resource.

3. Multiprocessing Systems
o Multiprocessing systems have more than one CPU (Central Processing Unit). This allows the
OS to run multiple processes at the same time, with each CPU handling a different task. It's
like having multiple brains working together, which makes the system faster and more
powerful, often used in high-performance systems or servers.
4. Time-Sharing Systems
o In time-sharing systems, multiple users can work on the same computer system
simultaneously. The OS divides its time between tasks, giving each user a tiny slice of time
to use the system. This creates the appearance that all users are working at the same time,
even though the system is switching between them very quickly.
5. Distributed Operating Systems
 o A distributed OS runs on multiple connected computers (nodes) that work together as a
single system. Each computer has its own OS, but they share resources and tasks over a
network, making it seem like a single powerful computer.
6. Real-Time Systems
o Real-time systems are designed to process data and respond to events within a strict time
limit. They are used in critical environments like air traffic control, medical devices, or
industrial machines, where fast and precise responses are essential to avoid failure or
danger.

Operating Systems for Personal Computers, Workstations, and Handheld Devices

1. Operating Systems for Personal Computers

o These OS are designed for regular users on home or office computers (PCs). They are easy to
use, run many different applications, and support various tasks like web browsing, gaming,
and document editing. Examples include:
 Windows: Very popular and used on many personal computers worldwide.
 macOS: Designed by Apple, mainly used on Mac computers.
 Linux: Open-source and used by tech-savvy users for customization or programming.
2. Operating Systems for Workstations
o Workstation OS are designed for more powerful computers used for tasks like scientific
research, graphic design, or software development. These systems need to handle heavy
workloads, run complex software, and support multiple users. Some examples include:
 Windows Professional/Enterprise: A more advanced version of Windows with extra
features for businesses.
 Linux: Often used in workstations due to its flexibility and ability to handle heavy
tasks.
 UNIX: A powerful OS used in many workstations, especially for technical tasks.
3. Operating Systems for Handheld Devices
o These OS are used on smartphones, tablets, and other small devices. They are designed to
be lightweight, easy to use, and optimized for touchscreens. They also focus on battery
efficiency. Examples include:
 Android: The most popular OS for smartphones and tablets, developed by Google.
 iOS: Developed by Apple for iPhones and iPads.
 Windows Mobile: Used on older Windows phones, now largely replaced by Android
and iOS.

Applications of Various Operating Systems in the Real World

1. Windows OS
o Home and Office Use: Windows is widely used in personal computers for tasks like browsing
the internet, watching videos, writing documents, playing games, and using office software
like Microsoft Word or Excel.
o Business Use: Many companies use Windows for daily operations, like managing employee
data, accounting, and running specific business software.
2. macOS
o Creative Work: macOS is popular among designers, video editors, and musicians due to its
strong support for creative software like Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, and Logic Pro.
o Office and Personal Use: Mac computers are also used in homes and offices for everyday
tasks like internet browsing, emails, and office work.
3. Linux
o Servers: Linux is often used in web servers that host websites and apps because it’s stable,
secure, and free. Companies like Google and Facebook use Linux for their servers.
 o Programming and Development: Developers often use Linux because of its flexibility and
ability to customize the environment for coding.
o Education: Linux is used in schools and universities for teaching programming and computer
science.
4. Android
o Smartphones and Tablets: Android powers most smartphones and tablets, making it
essential for apps like social media, maps, messaging, and gaming.
o Smart Devices: Android is also used in smart TVs, smartwatches, and other IoT (Internet of
Things) devices.
5. iOS
o iPhones and iPads: iOS is used on Apple’s mobile devices, supporting millions of apps for
communication, productivity, entertainment, and education.
o Health and Fitness: With features like Apple Health and fitness tracking, iOS is used in
health-related applications.
6. UNIX
o Workstations and Servers: UNIX is used in powerful workstations for scientific research,
engineering, and big data analysis. It is also commonly used in financial institutions and
universities.
7. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
o Embedded Systems: RTOS is used in devices that need quick, reliable responses, such as
medical equipment, robots, industrial machines, and automotive systems (like airbags and
anti-lock brakes).

Prevalent Operating Systems (in Simple Words)

1. Windows
o What it’s used for: Mainly on personal computers (PCs) and laptops. It’s popular in homes,
schools, and businesses.
o Key features: Easy to use, with a graphical interface (windows, icons, etc.), and supports
many apps, including Microsoft Office, games, and more.
2. UNIX/Linux
o What it’s used for: Servers, scientific computing, programming, and sometimes personal
use.
o Key features: Stable, secure, and customizable. Linux is free and open-source, while UNIX is
mainly used in workstations and servers.
3. Android
o What it’s used for: Smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and other smart devices.
o Key features: Open-source, customizable, and used on millions of devices. Supports apps for
communication, entertainment, and productivity.
4. macOS
o What it’s used for: Apple’s Mac computers, popular among designers, creatives, and
professionals.
o Key features: Polished, user-friendly, and integrated with other Apple devices (like iPhones
and iPads).
5. Blackberry OS
o What it’s used for: Previously used in Blackberry smartphones, known for its security
features.
o Key features: Focused on email and messaging, but now mostly discontinued as Blackberry
switched to Android.
6. Symbian
o What it’s used for: Older mobile phones before smartphones became popular.
 o Key features: Designed for mobile phones, used by Nokia, but is now largely obsolete as
smartphones took over.
7. Bada
o What it’s used for: Samsung’s smartphones (before Android became dominant).
o Key features: It was a simple OS for basic smartphones, now discontinued and replaced by
Android.