OPERATING SYSTEM

Lecture 12

Operating System Configurations:

Windows, Linux, Android

Dr Victoria Mukami
INTRODUCTION
This lecture is the final in a series of 12. We do a review of three operating systems.
The operating systems are Windows, Linux, and Android. We will review memory
management, processor management, input/output management, file management
and security management.

Learning objectives
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Understand the history of the Windows, Linux, and Android operating systems
2. Describe the various types of processors, memory, I/O, and file management
for the three operating systems
3. Understand the type of security management for each of the three operating
systems

OVERVIEW
We have come a long way since the first lecture. We have done an overview of various
operating system terminologies including memory management and processor
management. We also looked at the various types of I/O management, file
management and security practices. This was done in a broad overview that was not
operating system specific. We now concentrate on specific operating systems:
Windows, Linux, and Android. We will look at each and begin with a history of each
proceeded by a review of memory management, processor management, I/O
management, file management and finally, security management.

WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

The Windows operating system is one of the most popular operating systems by
Microsoft. It features a graphical user interface (GUI) that is appealing to users and
has an easy-to-use system. Most computers bought today will come pre-installed with
a Windows operating system. The Windows operating system is versatile as it has
been developed for computers of all sizes from desktops to servers, from laptops to
mobile phones to embedded computers. We start with a brief history of the operating
system.
History

The Windows O/S started with a command-based system known as MS-DOS. The
first operating system was truly developed in 1995 with the inception of the Windows
95 O/S. Previous O/S featured a GUI that was placed on top of the MS-DOS system,
making the MS-DOS the O/S [1]. This had several disadvantages including a lack of
proper security or even worse, no multitasking. With the release of Win-95, a new era
began, and Windows worked toward the current operating system we have today Win-
11.

The Microsoft team specifically, the Windows team have five main design goals during
the development of the O/S. These are extensibility, portability, reliability, compatibility,
and performance [1].

Extensibility: this is the ability of any O/S to support new types of peripheral devices
or new software technologies [1]. With the current world we live in, the developments
happening within the hardware and software fields are immense and as such an O/S
must adapt to changes in the same.

Portability: this is the ability of an O/S to operate on different platforms and more so
to work with different processors [1]. Two main companies manufacture over 90% of
the processors globally i.e., Intel and AMD. The Windows O/S is expected to work and
integrate with any processor regardless of the version. With all the advancements
especially in embedded hardware devices, the operating system needs to be able to
work with a device regardless of the manufacturer.

Compatibility: this is the ability of an O/S to be able to read and write and execute
instructions written in any previous O/S. That is, Windows 11 will be able to support
programs written for Windows 10, 8 and so on.

Performance: this is the ability of an O/S to respond quickly to CPU-bound

applications [1]. Keeping in mind how many applications are installed in an O/S, how
many run concurrently and its impact on performance, it is key to have the O/S
maintain performance.

Memory Management
As learnt previously, memory management focuses on how jobs and processes are
allocated memory as a resource. Windows features the use of virtual memory (VM)
when physical memory becomes full [1]. Mainly within the Windows environment, the
O/S resides in high virtual memory while user data and code reside in low virtual
memory [1]. The virtual memory manager within the Windows system relies on
address space management and paging techniques. The upper part of the VM is only
accessible by the O/S kernel. Paging policies within the VM system will dictate how
and when paging will be done.

Processor Management

When we discussed the processor management schemes, we indicated that they were
either non-preemptive or pre-emptive. Windows supports pre-emptive algorithms,
multitasking and multithreading. Since windows support different types of processors
and multiprocessors. a process can have as many threads as CPUs available [1].

I/O Management

This section devotes to I/O management. Accommodation is made to support all types
of peripheral devices from input to output, storage, and communication devices. The
Windows O/S allows for the recognition of different devices by installing what is known
as drives that make the device work appropriately with the system. Windows O/S
provides a device-independent model for I/O services [1].

File Management

While Windows O/S uses the NTFS (New Technology File System), it can support any
file system available. File management with Windows supports long file names that
include spaces and special characters [1]. The file system converts long names to
standard file names to allow for compatibility with older Windows systems.

Security Management

Windows is one of the more popular O/S. It has a huge target for various intruders and
attacks. Each Windows O/S will feature common security features such as user
accounts that include biometric login options, and a memory protection system that
wipes clean the memory before allowing for a switch of users. Device access follows
with a separation of user accounts and various levels of permission, as well as file
security for different users.

LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM

Linux is based on the UNIX system. Linux differs from UNIX based on various features.
Additionally, Linux is an open-source system that allows any developer to create their
distribution also known as a distro. Linux is generally free, however, there are paid
versions of Linux that offer advanced features.

History

Linux was a system developed by Linus Torvalds [1]. The O/S was first created to run
on small desktop machines and had similar functions found within expensive
commercial O/S [1]. The first Linux O/S was command-based like the Windows O/S.
Newer Linux versions with a GUI have contributed to its widespread acceptance. The
most common distribution of Linux is Ubuntu and more recently Kali Linux. RedHat is
one of the commercial versions of Linux.

Linux is designed around three design goals: modularity, simplicity, and portability [1].

Modularity: means that the Linux Kernel is independent of the graphical interface.
The system does not work as one unit like in the case of Windows.

Simplicity: this is the ability of the operating system to have simple code that is
readable especially since the O/S is developed by numerous people.

Portability: This is the ability to work with numerous hardware devices like the
Windows O/S.

Memory Management

Based on memory allocation, Linux will allocate a percentage of memory to the kernel.
The rest is shared between the user’s code, data, and any shared library data [1].
Linux uses the Least Recently Used algorithm to release pages especially when the
Kernel requires pages. Page tables are used to manage the list of free and busy
pages. Linux also uses virtual memory with demand paging implementing it. Linux
also sometimes uses a modified version of the Least Frequently Used policy [1].
Processor Management

Process management within Linux uses several tables to coordinate the execution of
processes. Each process within Linux has a descriptor that contains about 70 fields
that describe various process attributes. These descriptors will be in ready or in
execution state and contain fields like the next run and previously run [1]. Linux uses
wait queues when processes need to synchronize with each other. To solve problems
of mutual exclusion one of the conditions of deadlock, semaphores are used.
Processes to be executed are normally selected based on a predefined criterion. FIFO
in collaboration with priority scheduling is two of the algorithms heavily used within
Linux.

I/O Management

Linux is device-independent [1]. This means that it ensures that portability between
systems is improved. Like Windows, Linux uses device drivers that ensure data is
transmitted between memory and the device [1]. Each device within Linux is identified
by using a major device number and a minor device number like UNIX. The major
device number is used to access the appropriate code for specific devices while the
minor device number is used to access a specific device within similar devices [1].
Devices within Linux are allocated and deallocated using open and release
respectively. Devices are either characterized as a character, block, or network.
Character devices are accessed by a stream of bytes [1]. These include terminals,
communication ports, monitors etc. Block devices are those that contain files that can
be accessed directly such as the hard disk, solid state drive, optical drives etc. Network
devices are those that send and receive packets of data or information such as routers,
ethernet cards etc.

File Management

Linux files are arranged in an inverted tree structure [1]. The highest level is called the
root with paths from the roots called branches and the leaves representing the
individual files. File names within Linux are case sensitive where a name like a
FileName, filename and FILENAME would be seen as three different files. We
discussed the characters allowed for the file names during Lecture 10.
ANDROID OPERATING SYSTEM

The Android operating system was designed to run on mobile devices such as
smartphones, wearable devices, and tablets. The Android 0/S was built on a Linux
Foundation and has a very customizable user interface. Android is open-source
software, however, only the key elements of its source code are shared [1].

History

The Android O/S was first developed by Andy Rubin before it was purchased by
Google in 2005 [1]. When Google purchased it, the operating system was widely
installed across millions of devices. Various versions of Android exist with the most
recent one being Android 13 named Tiramisu. Whenever a new version of Android is
released, the source code is released to manufacturers of various devices and
software developers to allow for app installation and customized software. The design
goals for android include enchanting me, simplifying my life and making me amazing.
These design guides work to ensure that the applications used in Android are visually
pleasing, easy to understand and easy to use.

Memory Management

Remember that Android is developed based on Linux O/S. Memory has a division
between the top level and bottom level within the kernel. The top level will hold various
applications such as the calendar, and browser while the bottom level will hold the
Linux kernel that will hold various device drivers. Applications developed for Android
are designed to use resources when require and to use minimal resources when
dormant [1]. This means that if an App is open, it resides in memory even when it is
hidden or not displayed. Android uses the LRU algorithm to monitor apps residing in
memory and will kill apps that have not been used in a while especially when memory
becomes scarce [1]. This means that users do not have to force close applications like
they would on Windows.

Processor Management

There are four main objects that each app must have. These include manifest, activity,
task and intent [1]. Manifest: contains all the information required before the app can
begin processing. This file also contains all the permissions that an app requires.
Activity: defines the interface screen that users interact with. Task: a collection of
activities that the users interact with. Intent: used to signal from one app to another
especially when it needs to cooperate to accomplish something. Activities go through
specific lifecycles and have similar states such as ready, running, waiting and finished
state.

I/O Management

Android works on very many versatile devices therefore it is necessary for it to be

accommodated by all [1]. Applications for Android are developed by quite many
independent developers and in this regard must make sure that their application can
run on a variety of devices from smartphones to wearable devices, smart TVs etc.
Android ensures that it matches each app with the right device. Features like GPS,
Bluetooth and others are normally turned off to ensure batteries last.

File Management

The same limitations and characteristics that are found within Linux are shared with
Android. Any routine file control within Android is managed by Linux at the Kernel level.
Each App has a User ID that allows it to manage and alter its files [1].

Security Management

The Android system has a multitiered security structure that protects a user’s data, the
system resources and application isolation. Android provides user-defined
permissions as the person installing applications needs to give specific access to
resources per application. The device security features passwords and biometrics.

SUMMARY

We have reviewed three operating systems. The operating systems were Windows,
Linux, and Android. We started with a history for each of the operating systems. We
then reviewed memory management, processor management, I/O management, file
security and security management for the three operating systems.

DISCUSSION TOPIC

We have so far looked at the various management features used by the operating
systems. Do a review of Ubuntu Linux and Kali Linux and find out what the differences
are between the two in file management and security.
REFERENCES

[1] McHoes, A., & Flynn, I., Understanding Operating Systems. Boston: Cengage
Learning, 2018

[2] Stallings, W., Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles. Harlow: Pearson
Education Limited, 2018.