Operating Systems and

Software
🎯 Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lecture, you will:

✅ Understand the concept and role of operating systems

✅ Analyze the history & evolution of operating systems

✅ Compare different OS platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)

✅ Differentiate system software from application software

✅ Discuss real-world use cases and emerging trends

by Jons
Operating System (OS)

• What is an Operating System (OS)?

o A program that manages computer
hardware & software resources.
o Acts as a bridge between hardware
and users.
o Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux,
Android, iOS.

• Why Are OS Important?

o Enables multitasking
o Manages memory, storage, security,
and applications
.
 The Evolution of Operating Systems
🔹 1.1 Evolution of Major Operating Systems

Era Key Developments

1950s – 1960s First-generation computers had no OS
BM Mainframes).
1969 – 1980s Unix was developed (AT&T Bell Labs). DOS
emerged for personal computers.
1980s – 1990s GUI-based OS: Apple’s Macintosh (1984),
Microsoft Windows (1985).
2000s Open-source Linux gained popularity.
Android (2008) and iOS (2007) changed
mobile computing.
2010s – Present AI-driven OS features, cloud-based OS
(ChromeOS), and virtualization (Docker,
Kubernetes).
 Windows OS Evolution

🔹 1.2 Evolution of Specific Operating Systems

🔸 Windows OS Evolution
• Windows 1.0 (1985) - First GUI version based
on MS-DOS.
• Windows 95 (1995) - Introduced Start Menu
& Plug-and-Play.
• Windows XP (2001) - Most stable version,
widely used.
• Windows 7 (2009) - Enhanced UI, multi-
touch support.
• Windows 10 (2015) - Universal platform for
PCs & tablets.
• Windows 11 (2021) - Redesigned UI, better
gaming support.
 Windows OS Versions & Distributions
Windows is one of the most widely used operating
systems, known for its user-friendly interface, broad
software compatibility, and gaming capabilities.

💡 Windows Use Cases:

✔ Business & Enterprise: Used in offices, banking systems, government
institutions.
✔ Gaming: Best OS for gaming due to DirectX support.
✔ Productivity & Creativity: Supports Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite,
and development tools.
 macOS, Linux, and Mobile OS Evolution
🔸 macOS Evolution (Apple)
• System 1 (1984) - First Macintosh OS.
• Mac OS X (2001) - UNIX-based OS with
modern GUI.
• macOS Big Sur (2020) - Transition to ARM-
based chips (M1).

🔸 Linux Evolution
• Linux (1991) - Developed by Linus
Torvalds as an open-
source OS.
• Distributions: Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat, Kali Linux.

🔸 Mobile OS Evolution
• iOS (2007) - First iPhone OS,
introduced App Store
(2008).
• Android (2008) - Open-source,
 macOS Versions & Features
macOS is a UNIX-based operating system developed by
Apple, known for stability, security, and seamless
integration with Apple devices.

💡 macOS Use Cases:

✔ Graphic Design & Video Editing: Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro.
✔ App Development: Preferred OS for iOS and macOS app development
(Xcode).
✔ Security & Stability: Used in finance, media, and research institutions.
 Linux Distributions (Distros)
Linux is an open-source OS, offering customizability, security, and
efficiency across different distributions.

💡 Linux Use Cases:

✔ Servers & Cloud Computing: Most cloud servers run on Linux (AWS, Google Cloud).
✔ Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking: Preferred OS for penetration testing (Kali Linux).
✔ Software Development: Used for AI, machine learning, programming (Ubuntu, Fedora).
✔ IoT & Embedded Systems: Runs on Raspberry Pi, smart devices, and industrial
automation.
Comparative Analysis of Windows,
Linux, and macOS

🔹 Summary & Conclusion

✔ Windows is best for general users, businesses, and gaming.
✔ Linux is ideal for developers, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
✔ macOS is preferred by designers, video editors, and Apple ecosystem users.
Each OS has unique strengths, making them suitable for different user needs
and industry applications.
OS Architecture, Software Types &
Platform Comparison
🔹 2.1 OS Functions & Architecture (30 minutes)
1. Memory Management – Allocates RAM,
prevents memory leaks.
2. Process Management – Schedules CPU
tasks.
3. File System Management – Manages file
storage & permissions.
4. Security Features – Firewalls, encryption,
biometric authentication.
Comparing OS Platforms
🔹 2.2 Comparing OS Platforms

Feature Windows macOS Linux Android iOS

Developer Microsoft Apple Open-source Google Apple
Source Code Closed-source Closed-source Open-source Open-source Closed-source
Security Moderate High High Moderate Very High
Customization Limited Minimal Highly Customizable High Limited
User Interface Start Menu & Taskbar Dock & Finder CLI & GUI (GNOME, KDE) Touchscreen Touchscreen
Best For Gaming, Business Creative professionals Developers, Servers Mobile Users Apple Ecosystem
Software Support Vast (MS Office, Adobe) Limited outside Apple apps Large developer community Large Play Store apps Optimized App Store apps
Real-World Applications & Future Trends
🔹 3.1 Real-World Use Cases of OS
1. Personal Computing: Windows/macOS/Linux for
desktops & laptops.
2. Enterprise Systems: Windows Server, Unix-based OS.
3. Cloud Computing OS: ChromeOS, AWS cloud-based
OS.
4. Embedded Systems: IoT devices, ATMs, smart TVs.
________________________________________
🔹 3.2 Future Trends in OS Development
5. Cloud-Based OS: More reliance on web-based OS
like ChromeOS.
6. AI Integration: Smart assistants & automation (Siri,
Google Assistant).
7. Virtualization & Containers: Docker & Kubernetes
for enterprise apps.
8. Security Enhancements: Blockchain security,
biometric authentication.
Timeline of OS Evolution
Year Development
1950s Batch Processing OS (IBM)
1969 Unix OS (AT&T Bell Labs)
1981 MS-DOS released by Microsoft
1984 macOS introduced with GUI
1991 Linux kernel released
1995 Windows 95 launched
2007 iOS launched with iPhone
2008 Android released by Google
2011 Cloud-based OS (ChromeOS)
2021 Windows 11 and macOS Monterey
Activities to Reinforce
Group Research & Presentation:
1. Debate Topic (30 mins):
GROUP 1 & 3 – Cloud OS
GROUP 2 & 4 – Traditional OS
 “Will cloud-based OS replace traditional OS in the
future?”
Activities to Reinforce
GROUP 1&3 - CLOUD-BASED OS
GROUP 2&4 - TRADITIONAL OS
Debate Questions for Both Groups (focus only on the topic provided):

Definition and Features: What key features distinguish cloud-based operating systems from traditional
operating systems, and how do these features impact user experience?

Accessibility: How does accessibility differ between cloud OS and traditional OS, particularly for users
in remote or underserved areas? Cost-Effectiveness: What are the cost implications of using cloud-
based OS versus traditional OS, both in the short term and long term?

Scalability: How do cloud OS and traditional OS address scalability for growing businesses or
applications?

Collaboration: In what ways do cloud-native applications enhance collaboration compared to

traditional applications?

Security: What are the primary security concerns associated with cloud OS, and how do these compare
to those of traditional OS?

Dependency on Infrastructure: How does reliance on internet connectivity for cloud-based systems
influence user experience compared to traditional OS?

Updates and Maintenance: How do the processes for updates and maintenance differ between cloud
OS and traditional OS, and what are the implications for users?

Performance and Efficiency: In what contexts do cloud OS or traditional OS provide better performance
or efficiency for users?

User Adoption and Trends: What current trends in user adoption suggest a preference for cloud-based
OS or traditional OS, and what factors might influence future shifts in these trends?
Activities to Perform
Research:
1. How will cloud computing impact the future and
beyond?

2. For quantum computing, what future awaits us?

Express your thoughts.

Please email your work to [email protected], no later

than 5pm today, Feb 25, 2025. Late passers, will not be
checked.