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COMAPARTIVE ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT OPERATING

SYSTEMS
MS CS 2nd Semester Spring 2025

Name: Shehzad Khan Submitted to: Dr. Inayat Khan

Registration No: 24MFCS033 Date: 11-03-2025

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study of different operating systems, including Unix,
Linux, Window NT, Window Server, Novell NetWare, and Cloud-based OS. The study aims
to evaluate the suitability of each OS for various applications, including enterprise, desktop,
and mobile computing. The paper also analyzes the security, scalability, and reliability of
each OS, as well as their cost-effectiveness and total cost of ownership (TCO).
Key points: operations systems, Unix, Linux, Window NT, Window Server, Novell NetWare,
Cloud Based OS, Security, scalability, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Introduction computers had to contain all the necessary

code to operate on
An operating system (OS) is a software the computer, communicate with the
that manages computer hardware resources linked
and provides common services to hardware, and carry out the intended
computer programs. The OS is the calculation. It is clear that a faulty code
backbone of any computer system, could cause the computer system to
providing a platform for running stop working since communication will
applications and managing hardware break down and there are no error
resources. With the advent of new exceptions built into the programs.
technologies and advancements in According to, even the simplest programs
computing, various operating systems have became extremely complex due to this
emerged, each with its strengths and circumstance. The proprietors of the
weaknesses. central computers began to create system
software as a solution to this issue, making
Literature Review
it easier to create and run computer
Historical Evolution of Operating programs. As a result, the first operating
Systems: systems were created. During the first
When considering the evolution of the generation's existence (1945–1955), only
operating system as a whole, four electronic computers and equipment for
separate generations can be performing basic mathematical operations
distinguished. Operating systems were were available. Over the years, operating
not present on the early computers. systems have changed. Before assuming
Each program that ran on these early its initial form, it underwent a number of
alterations. With the development of new
technologies, these operational

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adjustments improve. Early computers revolutionized by the emergence of mobile

lacked the modern operating systems we operating systems like iOS and Android
take for granted today, such as ENIAC and which were made specifically for
UNIVAC. For each task, users had to smartphones and tablets. According to,
manually modify the devices. When users virtualization and cloud computing have
submitted work in batches to be handled sparked the creation of specific operating
sequentially, the idea of batch processing systems that are intended to function in
evolved. This procedure was automated virtualized environments. These include
with the creation of the first operating infrastructure as a service provider and
systems. With the advent of mainframe operating systems for massive data center
computers, more sophisticated operating management [1].
systems that enabled time-sharing and
multitasking were created. A substantial Windows NT
stride in this direction was made with the When Windows NT releases on July 27,
introduction of IBM's OS/360 in the 1993, Microsoft meets an important
1960s. It utilized virtual memory and time- milestone: the completion of a project
sharing techniques to enable the begun in the late 1980s to build an
simultaneous operation of numerous advanced new operating system from
programs. The creation of UNIX by Ken scratch. "Windows NT represents nothing
Thompson and Dennis Ritchie at Bell Labs less than a fundamental change in the way
in the late 1960s had a significant impact that companies can address their business
on the development of contemporary computing requirements," Bill Gates says
operating systems. Its emphasis on text at its release. Unlike Windows 3.1,
manipulation, file system structure, and however, Windows NT 3.1 is a 32-bit
modular layout had an impact on later operating system, which makes it a
operating systems. A popular open-source strategic business platform that supports
operating system similar to UNIX is called high-end engineering and scientific
Linux. With the release of systems like the programs [3].
Xerox Star and Apple Macintosh,
graphical user interfaces (GUIs) began to UNIX Operating System
grow in popularity in the 1980s. With
UNIX happens to be one of the very few
Windows 95, Microsoft Windows, which
oldest of all operating system in recent
was originally a GUI shell for MS-DOS, time of ICT world that is still generally
became a full-fledged operating system. and widely used and available till date, as
This marked a shift towards user-friendly none conspicuous operating system but its
interfaces. The 21st century brought about somehow secret in its operation and
modern operating systems like Windows interface design, it is primarily designed
for the use by very large enterprise
10, macOS, and various Linux
computing systems. It happens to be one
distributions. This signalled a shift toward of the common operating system that is
intuitive user interfaces. run by servers and other computers that
Modern operating systems including form the large bulk of the Internet.
Windows 10, macOS, and numerous Linux One might never use UNIX on local PC,
variants were created in the twenty-first but indirect use is obvious in one form or
century. Personal computing has been another, every time one log on to the

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internet. Very few users runs UNIX on analyze in any way what they choose. It
their personal systems, and a lot of has two interfaces which are named as CLI
different versions of UNIX operating (Command Line Interface) and GUI
system are available for UNIX PC, and (Graphical User Interface). It can be
one of such is “UNIXy” which so many downloaded freely and distributed through
users have installed on desktop machines. any medium like magazines, books, etc.
There are so any different types and This operating system is also available in
features basic UNIX interface; Linux, with PRO versions that are usually cheap. A
its different version turn out to be the most user is identified by a username, which is
common and popular for personal given when the user logs on to the system.
computer platform. Internally, a user is identified with a User
Setting up a UNIX OS can be difficult and Identification Number (UID), which is a
it requires some knowledge to operate, but numeric value selected by the system
it is stable and robust, and efficient with administrator at the time the account is
system resources. UNIX OS uses the created. Some of the organizations, which
"UNIX file system". However, most file develop Linux are renowned companies,
systems used by UNIX OS are impartially such as Red Hat, Gentoo, Debian, SuSE,
similar, but different uniquely from of Turbolinux, and Ubuntu. Besides being
other operating systems file systems, such cheap and mostly free, Linux is also
as DOS or Windows. The trademark available for most 32-bit and 64-bit CPU
UNIX® is been owned by the Open architectures. It is also virus free possibly
Group, Only PCs fully compliant with and malware-free, costs no money, makes
certified to the Single UNIX Specification more efficient use of resources like CPU
qualify as "UNIXR", others are referred to and Memory [2].
or known as "Unix system-like" or "Unix-
like". Window Server
Between later and early part of 1970 and
1980 respectively, UNIXs way in Windows Server originated in the early
academic circles led to large scale 1990s with Windows NT 3.1 and has since
acceptance of UNIX by commercial evolved through various versions. Its
businesses, the most prominent of which is architecture is built on the Windows NT
Sun Microsystems. Additional to certified kernel, comprising key components like
UNIX computer systems, today Operating the kernel, device manager, file system,
system like that of UNIX such example networking, and security.
likes BSD products and Linux are
regularly come across. UNIX with is pros Windows Server offers numerous features,
and cons and besides being a free system, including Active Directory, DHCP, DNS,
are found as to run on most machine [2]. file and print services, Hyper-V, Internet
Information Services (IIS), and Remote
Linux Operating System Desktop Services. These features provide a
Linux is free and open-source software robust, scalable, and secure platform for
based on kernel software where the kernel managing data, applications, and services.
is nothing but the main part of the Linux
operating system. The fame of Linux The benefits of using Windows Server
operating system has mainly arisen include improved performance and
because of excellent performance and scalability, enhanced security features,
effectiveness. Anyone can contribute to high uptime and reliability, and simplified
development, modification, rearrange and management and administration. These
all have also access to the source code benefits enable businesses and
which they are free to audit, customize and organizations to efficiently handle

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increased workloads and user demands

while protecting against security threats. Cloud Operating System
To comprehend the essence of a cloud
Novell NetWare software package, it is of utmost
importance to initially grasp the concept of
Novell NetWare is a network operating
cloud computing. In its most basic form,
system (NOS) that was first released in
1983. It was designed to provide a robust cloud computing entails the utilization of
and scalable platform for local area software and hardware hosted on external
networks (LANs). Initially based on a servers to support an organization's
proprietary protocol stack, NetWare systems and computers. The sole
provided a high level of performance and requirement is the installation of an
reliability. application that serves as an intermediary
between the service and the user. This
NetWare's architecture is based on a
client-server model, where a central server approach offers significant advantages in
manages network resources and provides terms of power efficiency, as it diminishes
services to client machines. The NetWare energy consumption and processing time
Kernel is the core of the operating system, by transferring most of the tasks to the
responsible for managing hardware server while handling user data. This
resources and providing basic services. document is stored on a server located at a
The NetWare Protocol Stack provides
considerable distance from the current
communication between NetWare servers
and clients, using protocols such as location and diligently records every
IPX/SPX and TCP/IP. Additionally, keystroke as well as any revisions made.
NetWare provides various network The origination of cloud computing can be
services, including file and print sharing, traced back to the 1950s when the
email, and directory services. academic and corporate domains
employed computers that could be
NetWare is known for its stability and
accessed through terminals, which were
reliability, making it a popular choice for
critical network infrastructure. It can scale subsequently connected to a central
to support large networks with thousands computer. This pivotal advancement laid
of users and devices. NetWare is also the foundation for the progression of
relatively easy to use and manage, with a cloud-based computing. However, given
simple and intuitive interface. the improved access to enhanced,
Furthermore, NetWare provides high-
expeditious, and more reliable internet
performance networking capabilities,
making it suitable for demanding connections, cloud operating systems are
applications. presently in the process of emerging.

In terms of usage, NetWare is still used in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Operating

some legacy environments, where it has System
been deployed for many years. It is also
used in some niche markets, such as The desire to increase productivity on
education and healthcare, where its portable devices and the quick
stability and reliability are valued. development of artificial intelligence
Additionally, NetWare is used in some technologies over the previous five years
embedded systems, such as network have laid the groundwork for the move to
appliances and industrial control systems. an innovative computational framework.

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This framework is conceptualized as a individuals, locations, and associated

contextual card system. We argue that documents. This representation is
Windows Metro got closer to contingent upon the user's intention.
Methodology
encapsulating a true next-generation
Operating System than earlier projects like Linux
Google Now and Windows Metro. The Data Collection
cards in Metro's User Interface were little 1. Linux Documentation: Official Linux
more than representations of already- documentation, including manuals and
existing folders, offering no advantages guides.
above a more conventional display. It did, 2. Linux Forums: Online forums and
however, come with the drawback of discussions, such as Reddit's r/linux.
changing a user's workflow. Furthermore, 3. Linux Books: Books on Linux, such as
there were no developer tools or predictive "Linux: The Complete Reference".
or contextual APIs that made use of the 4. Linux Research Papers: Research papers
new design. In essence, it offered a on Linux, published in academic journals.
fascinating design concept but lacked the
requisite artificial intelligence to provide a Data Analysis
cutting-edge experience. 1. Content Analysis: Analyzing Linux
documentation, forums, and books to
4.4.1 Characteristics of an artificial
identify key features, strengths, and
intelligence-first operating system
weaknesses.
The subsequent rational progression is an 2. Thematic Analysis: Identifying patterns
Operating System that prioritizes Artificial and themes in Linux research papers and
Intelligence. This objective presents a documentation.
formidable task that necessitates various 3. Comparison and Contrast: Comparing
stages, yet the pivotal technological
advancements that delineate a subsequent- and contrasting Linux with other operating
generation OS encompass the following: systems.
Contextual cards and disappearing
applications. The primary means of Unix
interaction with a novel operating system Data Collection
would entail the implementation of a card- 1. Unix Documentation: Official Unix
based system, wherein each card possesses
documentation, including manuals and
the ability to embody a microformat
containing dynamic data, contextual guides.
intention, and visualization of said data. 2. Unix Forums: Online forums and
These cards would be arranged in a discussions, such as Reddit's r/unix.
hierarchical order based on their 3. Unix Books: Books on Unix, such as
significance to the user and their intent, "Unix: The Complete Reference".
which is determined by the analysis of 4. Unix Research Papers: Research papers
historical data patterns within a specific
on Unix, published in academic journals.
context. The fundamental shift in this
paradigm lies in the elimination of
applications in the conventional sense, Data Analysis
thereby allowing a card to represent 1. Content Analysis: Analyzing Unix
various elements such as the user's documentation, forums, and books to
upcoming meeting, inclusive of relevant

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identify key features, strengths, and 3. Windows Server Books: Books on

weaknesses. Windows Server, such as "Windows
2. Thematic Analysis: Identifying patterns Server: The Complete Reference".
and themes in Unix research papers and 4. Windows Server Research Papers:
documentation. Research papers on Windows Server,
3. Comparison and Contrast: Comparing published in academic journals.
and contrasting Unix with other operating
systems. Data Analysis
1. Content Analysis: Analyzing Windows
Windows NT Server documentation, forums, and books
Data Collection to identify key features, strengths, and
1. Windows NT Documentation: Official weaknesses.
Windows NT documentation, including 2. Thematic Analysis: Identifying patterns
manuals and guides. and themes in Windows Server research
2. Windows NT Forums: Online forums papers and documentation.
and discussions, such as Microsoft's 3. Comparison and Contrast: Comparing
Windows NT forum. and contrasting Windows Server with
3. Windows NT Books: Books on other operating systems.
Windows NT, such as "Windows NT: The
Complete Reference". Novell NetWare
4. Windows NT Research Papers: Data Collection
Research papers on Windows NT, 1. Novell NetWare Documentation:
published in academic journals. Official Novell NetWare documentation,
including manuals and guides.
Data Analysis 2. Novell NetWare Forums: Online forums
1. Content Analysis: Analyzing Windows and discussions, such as Novell's NetWare
NT documentation, forums, and books to forum.
identify key features, strengths, and 3. Novell NetWare Books: Books on
weaknesses. Novell NetWare, such as "Novell
2. Thematic Analysis: Identifying patterns NetWare: The Complete Reference".
and themes in Windows NT research 4. Novell NetWare Research Papers:
papers and documentation. Research papers on Novell NetWare,
3. Comparison and Contrast: Comparing published in academic journals.
and contrasting Windows NT with other
operating systems. Data Analysis
1. Content Analysis: Analyzing Novell
Windows Server NetWare documentation, forums, and
Data Collection books to identify key features, strengths,
1. Windows Server Documentation: and weaknesses.
Official Windows Server documentation, 2. Thematic Analysis: Identifying patterns
including manuals and guides. and themes in Novell NetWare research
2. Windows Server Forums: Online papers and documentation.
forums and discussions, such as
Microsoft's Windows Server forum.

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3. Comparison and Contrast: Comparing security enhancements for each operating

and contrasting Novell NetWare with other system.
operating systems. 2. AI-Based and Security Research Papers:
Research papers on AI-based and security
Cloud-Based Operating System enhancements for each operating system,
Data Collection published in academic journals.
1. Cloud-Based OS Documentation: 3. Online Forums and Discussions: Online
Official documentation from cloud-based forums and discussions on AI-based and
OS providers, such as Amazon Web security enhancements for each operating
Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. system.
2. Cloud-Based OS Forums: Online
forums and discussions, such as AWS and Data Analysis
Azure forums. 1. Content Analysis: Analyzing AI-based
3. Cloud-Based OS Books: Books on and security documentation, research
cloud-based OS, such as "Cloud papers, and online forums to identify key
Computing: Concepts, Technology & features, strengths, and weaknesses.
Architecture". 2. Thematic Analysis: Identifying patterns
4. Cloud-Based OS Research Papers: and themes in AI-based and security
Research papers on cloud-based OS, research papers and documentation.
published in academic journals. 3. Comparison and Contrast: Comparing
and contrasting AI-based and security
Data Analysis enhancements across different operating
1. Content Analysis: Analyzing cloud- systems.
based OS documentation, forums, and
books to identify key features, strengths, Comparison of Operating Systems
and weaknesses. Data Collection
2. Thematic Analysis: Identifying patterns 1. Operating System Documentation:
and themes in cloud-based OS research Official documentation for each operating
papers and documentation. system.
3. Comparison and Contrast: Comparing 2. Operating System Research Papers:
and contrasting cloud-based OS with other Research papers on each operating system,
operating systems. published in academic journals.
3. Online Forums and Discussions: Online
AI-Based and Security Enhancements forums and discussions on each operating
Data Collection system.
1. AI-Based and Security Documentation:
Official documentation on AI-based Data Analysis
Here is the rest of the methodologies: 1. Content Analysis: Analyzing operating
system documentation, research papers,
AI-Based and Security Enhancements and online forums to identify key features,
Data Collection strengths, and weaknesses.
1. AI-Based and Security Documentation: 2. Thematic Analysis: Identifying patterns
Official documentation on AI-based and and themes in operating system research
papers and documentation.

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3. Comparison and Contrast: Comparing Unix, Windows NT, Windows Server,

and contrasting different operating systems Novell NetWare, and cloud-based
based on their features, strengths, and operating systems.
weaknesses. 2. AI-Based and Security Enhancements:
An analysis of the AI-based and security
Expected Outcomes enhancements in each operating system.
The expected outcomes of this study are: 3. Suitability Evaluation: An evaluation of
the suitability of each operating system for
1. Comprehensive Comparison: A various applications and environments.
comprehensive comparison of Linux,

Expected Outcomes

Quality Comparison of Windows, UNIX and Linux based on Features and

Functionalities
Window Linux UNIX
Linux is developed
Three biggest distributions
as open source OS
are Solaris running
under the GNU
(Oracle), AIXon (IBM) &
Manufacturer Microsoft Inc. project by the
HPUX Hewlett Packard.
Originator, Linus
And Apple Makes OSX,
Torvalds and many
an Unix basedOS
others.
Unix system hasvarious
Linux is Open
Developed and flavors, most of which are
Development Sourced and
distributed by developed by AT&T with
and Distribution distributed by
Microsoft. other commercial vendors
various vendors.
and non-profit orgs.
Available on PA-RISC and
Itanium machines. Solaris
Computer x86, x86-64, also available for x86/x64
Architecture x86, x86-64 PowerPC, SPARC, based systems. OSX is
Supported Alpha, Others PowerPC(10.0-
10.5)/x86(10.4)/x64 (10.5-
10.8)
Workstation,
Personal Desktop/Server
Target System 8086 UNIX system,PDP-
Computer, Media Depends on
Type 11/70 system
Centre, Tablet PC, Distribution
Embedded.
File System NTFS, FAT & ext2, ext3, jfs, gpfs, hfs, hfs+, ufs, xfs,
Supported exFAT with ISO ex4,ReiserFS,FAT, zfs format
9660; UDF, 3rd ISO 9660,UDF,
Party driver that NFS, and others.
supports file
system ext2, and

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ext3, ReiserFS,
and HFS
Depends on
User Friendly Very User Unix is user-friendly. It's
Distribution. More
for Lay Users Friendly just choosy about
friendlier to users

Comparison of Major of Cloud

OS and AI-OS
Major
Trend of Strength Weakness Future Works
OS
The complexity and
cost of managing
your devices and
Creating a
applications are Depends largely
version of Cloud
reduced. This is on internet
OS that can be
because the service connection and
used even when
providers perform server
offline and
such tasks on behalf availability.
automatic
of the client. Also, Clients don't
synchronization
Professionals are have control
when the
available at data over their data
internet
Cloud OS centers to perform and settings
connection is
security and posing a threat
available. Users
hardware-compatible to privacy.
should be given
issues; hence users Customization of
the option to
need not worry about OS to suit the
choose security
such matters. One customer is
protocols and
other strength is that difficult since it's
ensure a hybrid
one can access the done by service
control of the
OS and applications providers.
security of data.
from anywhere,
anytime from any
device.
AI-OS Artificial Intelligence Has the ability AI-OS can be
OS can grow itself for to understand modelled in
time-based on user data such such a way that
previous activities as emails, calls, some aspects
and so becomes and messages need human
better as it grows. and this can be reasoning all the
The OS also helps a source of time, hence
users perform security threat. proposing a
complex Building AI-OS is hybrid approach
computations and very expensive where AI
expert tasks in a due to complex humans perform
short time. The AI-OS engineering tasks together.
is able to reduce processes. The Since AI is a self-
operational time, OS can perform learning

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technology that
can learn and
make decisions
based on
experiences, AI-
intrusion
complex detection
calculations, mechanisms can
predictions, be incorporated
decision making into the OS to
and speech prevent security
recognition; all breaches. Also
these processes because the OS
are likely to slow can understand
down the user data, there
optimum should be a self-
performance of check protocol
provides better
the OS. Also, the that makes sure
security, parallel
automotive and the AI OS can
process management
self-reasoning understand the
and memory
nature of the AI- messages, and
management
OS, makes emails of the
humans lazy in user but cannot
reasoning and transmit or send
having common sensitive data to
sense. This a third-party
poses a threat device or
to the application
intellectual without the
capabilities of authorization of
the future the user. Also,
generation. Access control
measures can
be put in place
to authorize
even the AI
when a task is to
be performed

Conclusion this study will provide valuable insights

for organizations and individuals seeking
In conclusion, this study aims to provide a to choose the most suitable OS for their
comprehensive comparison of seven needs.
popular operating systems, highlighting
their strengths and weaknesses, and References
suitability for various use cases, with a
focus on AI-based and security [1] https://ssrn.com/abstract=4609975
enhancements. The expected outcomes of

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[2] A Comparative Study of Operating [3] A. Idris, A. A. Aliyu, U. S.

Systems: Case of Windows, UNIX, Muhammad,“Comparative
Linux, Mac, Android and iOS Analysis of Modern Operating
International Journal of Computer Systems” NIJOCET 1(2): 50-64,
Applications (0975 – 8887) 2022
Volume 176 – No. 39, July 2020

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