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Intro To Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is essential software that manages computer hardware and provides services to applications and users, focusing on resource management, task scheduling, user interfaces, hardware abstraction, and security. The evolution of OS has progressed from early batch processing systems to modern mobile and distributed systems, adapting to technological advancements and user needs. Various types of operating systems include batch, multiprogramming, time-sharing, distributed, real-time, and mobile, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

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4 views4 pages

Intro To Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is essential software that manages computer hardware and provides services to applications and users, focusing on resource management, task scheduling, user interfaces, hardware abstraction, and security. The evolution of OS has progressed from early batch processing systems to modern mobile and distributed systems, adapting to technological advancements and user needs. Various types of operating systems include batch, multiprogramming, time-sharing, distributed, real-time, and mobile, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Uploaded by

qwertyrhaast
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Operating Systems: Definition, Purpose, Historical Evolution, and Types

1. Definition and Purpose of Operating Systems

Definition:
An operating system (OS) is a software layer that manages the hardware of a computer and
provides services to software applications and users. It acts as an intermediary between hardware
and the user, enabling efficient and coordinated utilization of system resources.

Purpose:
The operating system serves several key purposes, including:

1. Resource Management: Allocating and managing the computer's hardware resources,


such as CPU, memory, and storage, to ensure their efficient use.
2. Task Scheduling: Managing the execution of multiple tasks and applications by
prioritizing processes and ensuring fair access to resources.
3. User Interface: Providing a user-friendly interface (e.g., command-line interface or
graphical user interface) to facilitate interaction between the user and the system.
4. Hardware Abstraction: Abstracting the complexities of hardware components, allowing
application developers to write software without needing to understand the specifics of
hardware.
5. Security and Access Control: Protecting the system from unauthorized access and
ensuring data integrity through user authentication and permission settings.

2. Historical Evolution of Operating Systems

Operating systems have evolved significantly over the decades, shaped by technological
advancements and user demands. The key stages in their evolution include:

a. Early Batch Processing Systems (1950s–1960s):

 Early computers lacked operating systems. Users manually entered programs using punch
cards or magnetic tape.
 Batch systems emerged to process jobs in groups (batches), with minimal user
interaction.
 Example: IBM's FORTRAN Monitor System (FMS) for batch job scheduling.

b. Multiprogramming Systems (1960s–1970s):

 Allowed multiple programs to run simultaneously by sharing CPU time and memory.
 Increased system utilization and reduced idle time.
 Example: IBM System/360 introduced multiprogramming and standardized software.

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c. Time-Sharing Systems (1970s):

 Enabled multiple users to access a single computer system simultaneously.


 Each user interacted with the system through a terminal, receiving a small time slice for
execution.
 Example: UNIX, developed at AT&T Bell Labs, became a pioneering time-sharing
system.

d. Personal Computer Operating Systems (1980s):

 With the advent of personal computers, operating systems became more user-centric.
 Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) like Apple's Mac OS and Microsoft's Windows made
computers more accessible.

e. Distributed Systems (1990s):

 Focused on resource sharing across a network of computers.


 Facilitated collaborative computing and improved fault tolerance.
 Example: Apache Hadoop for distributed storage and processing.

f. Real-Time and Mobile Operating Systems (2000s–Present):

 Real-time systems emerged for applications requiring immediate responses (e.g.,


embedded systems in cars, industrial automation).
 Mobile operating systems revolutionized smartphones and tablets.
 Examples: Android, iOS, and Windows Mobile.

3. Types of Operating Systems

Operating systems can be categorized based on their architecture, functionality, and application
domain:

a. Batch Operating Systems:

 Jobs are processed in batches without user interaction.


 The system executes jobs sequentially, reducing idle time.
 Example: Early IBM systems.

Advantages:

 Efficient use of resources for similar tasks.


Disadvantages:
 Lack of interactivity and slow turnaround.

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b. Multiprogramming Operating Systems:

 Multiple programs are loaded into memory and executed concurrently by sharing CPU
time.
 Ensures efficient CPU utilization.
 Example: IBM System/360.

Advantages:

 Maximizes CPU usage.


Disadvantages:
 Complexity in process scheduling.

c. Time-Sharing Operating Systems:

 Multiple users share system resources simultaneously.


 Each user gets a time slice to interact with the system.
 Example: UNIX.

Advantages:

 Interactive and user-friendly.


Disadvantages:
 High overhead for context switching.

d. Distributed Operating Systems:

 Manages a network of computers as a single system.


 Resources are shared across the network, improving scalability and reliability.
 Example: Apache Hadoop.

Advantages:

 Fault tolerance and resource sharing.


Disadvantages:
 Network dependency.

e. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS):

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 Designed for applications requiring immediate responses.


 Used in embedded systems, medical devices, and industrial automation.
 Example: QNX, VxWorks.

Advantages:

 High reliability and predictability.


Disadvantages:
 Limited flexibility and high cost.

f. Mobile Operating Systems:

 Tailored for handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets.


 Focuses on touchscreen interaction, battery optimization, and app ecosystems.
 Examples: Android, iOS.

Advantages:

 Portable and user-friendly.


Disadvantages:
 Limited computational power compared to desktop OS.

Conclusion

Operating systems play a critical role in enabling the functionality, efficiency, and usability of
computing devices. From the early days of batch processing to the current era of mobile and
distributed systems, operating systems have continually evolved to meet the changing needs of
technology and users. Understanding their purpose, historical evolution, and types provides a
solid foundation for exploring more advanced concepts in operating system design and
management.

RANDY VILLANUEVA OPERATING SYSTEM BSIT

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