1. Introduction
An OS (Operating System) is a software that acts as an interface between the end-user and the hardware of the computer. To perform other programs, every computer must have at least one OS. Applications such as Chrome, Games, MS Word, etc. requires an environment where it runs and does its task. The OS allows you to communicate without being able to speak the language of your machine. Without an operating System, the user cannot use a computer or mobile device.
2. Types of Operating Systems
2.1 Apple iOS
Apple’s iOS is a popular operating system for smartphones. It works on Apple hardware, including iPhone’s and iPad tablets. iOS features include an application shop where users can buy and download free apps, strong safety and encryption focus to limit what unauthorized users can remove from the phone and a simple, streamlined interface with minimal hardware buttons.
2.2 Microsoft Windows
Since 1985 Microsoft Windows has been in one form or another and remains the most common home and office software operating system. The latest versions are also used in some devices, including Windows 10, and the OS is also used on some internet and server computers. Windows may be used by machines from a variety of companies. Windows ‘ original versions worked with a previous Microsoft OS called MS-DOS modern interface on top of traditional DOS text-driven commands. Microsoft Windows UI’s signature features include windows themselves – panel screens that represent individual applications in a rectangular shape. The start menu of Windows helped generations of users to find their programs and files. There are different versions of Microsoft windows, currently mostly used are windows 10 and windows 11.
2.3 Apple MAC OS
Apple’s macOS is running on Apple laptops and desktops as the successor of the popular operating system OS X. Because of its research into AT&T’s Bell Labs in the 1960s on the historic Unix family of operating systems, macOS shares certain features with other Unix-related systems, including Linux. Although the graphical interfaces are different, many of the programming interfaces and command-line features are similar. Signature elements in macOS include the dock used to check for programs and files that are commonly used, single keyboard keys, including the Command key. macOS is famous for its user-friendly functionalities like Siri, Apple’s video chatting software, FaceTime and a natural-voice personal assistant.
2.4 Linux Operating System
Linux is a Computer Operating system which is similar to Unix built under them development and distribution model of free and open-source software. Linux’s popular feature is the Linux kernel, the first operating system kernel released by Linus Torvalds on September 17, 1991. The operating system is loading itself into memory and begins to control the computer’s resources. After that, it offers certain tools for other applications that the client wants to run. Most of the embedded systems run Linux today. Electronic gadgets such as internet router, washing machine, TV, refrigerator, etc. can be run on Linux. Hence Linux is also one of the most popular operating systems nowadays.
The Linux operating system comprises several different pieces:
1. Bootloader – The software that manages the boot process of your computer. For most users, this will simply be a splash screen that pops up and eventually goes away to boot into the operating system.
2. Kernel – This is the one piece of the whole that is actually called ‘Linux’. The kernel is the core of the system and manages the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices. The kernel is the lowest level of the OS.
3. Init system – This is a sub-system that bootstraps the user space and is charged with controlling daemons. One of the most widely used init systems is systemd, which also happens to be one of the most controversial. It is the init system that manages the boot process, once the initial booting is handed over from the bootloader (i.e., GRUB or GRand Unified Bootloader).
4. Daemons – These are background services (printing, sound, scheduling, etc.) that either start up during boot or after you log into the desktop.
5. Graphical server – This is the sub-system that displays the graphics on your monitor. It is commonly referred to as the X server or just X.
6. Desktop environment – This is the piece that the users actually interact with. There are many desktop environments to choose from (GNOME, Cinnamon, Mate, Pantheon, Enlightenment, KDE, Xfce, etc.). Each desktop environment includes built-in applications (such as file managers, configuration tools, web browsers, and games).
7. Applications – Desktop environments do not offer the full array of apps. Just like Windows and macOS, Linux offers thousands upon thousands of high-quality software titles that can be easily found and installed. Most modern Linux distributions (more on this below) include App Store-like tools that centralize and simplify application installation. For example, Ubuntu Linux has the Ubuntu Software Center (a rebrand of GNOME Software) which allows you to quickly search among the thousands of apps and install them from one centralized location.
Open Source (Source Code of Linux is available)
Linux is also distributed under an open source license. Open source follows these key tenants:
• The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
• The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.
• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor.
• The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others. These points are crucial to understanding the community that works together to create the Linux platform. Without a doubt, Linux is an operating system that is “by the people, for the people”. These tenants are also a main factor in why many people choose Linux. It’s about freedom and freedom of use and freedom of choice.
3. Working of Computer OS
The computer operating system works in two different ways:
1. Real-Time Operating System
Real-Time operating systems are also called multitasking systems. The normal system is in charge of managing a computer’s hardware resources. The RTOS carries out such tasks but is particularly designed with high reliability to run applications at a scheduled or precise time.
2. Normal Operating System
The normal operating system is divided into two types:
• GUI: The interface graphical mode is a mouse-based functional system where a user carries out tasks or operations without typing the keyboard commands. Through pressing with a mouse button, files or icons can be opened or closed. The mouse and keyboard are used for several purposes to control the GUI operating systems.
• CUI: A text-based OS that is used to communicate with programs or files by typing commands to perform certain tasks CUI operating systems. The operating system of the command line will only enter commands on a keyboard. DOS and UNIX are included in the command line operating systems. The advanced operating system for commands is faster than the advanced GUI.
4. Architecture of Computer OS
| Parameters | 32-Bit | 64-Bit |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Software | Allow 32-bit simultaneous data processing. | Allow 64-bits simultaneous data processing. |
| Compatibility Applications | 32-bit requires 32-bit operating systems and CPUs. | A 64-bit Operating System and CPU are required for 64-bit applications. |
| Systems Available | Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows XP and Linux models are all available. | Vista, 7, Mac OS X, and Ubuntu. Effective Windows XP. |
| Memory Limits | Systems with 32-bit RAM is limited to 4 GB. | 64-bit systems allow a maximum of 17 Billion GB of RAM. |
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