Operating Systems

The Operating System (“OS”) is installed on a suitable formatted computer storage device, most often a HDD and more recently a SSD. Once the OS is installed, compatible applications can be installed. Modern operating systems include many software utilities as well as hundreds of device drivers.

1. Functions

1. Controls all other hardware and software
2. Provides the GUI (or UI)
3. Offers security
4. Manages memory (RAM)

2. Types

As end-users we most we are no doubt familiar with Desktop and Mobile operating systems.

2.1 Desktop

PC’s and laptops usually run one of the following operating systems:

• Microsoft Windows
  • 7, 8, 10, 11
• Apple macOS
  • Releases: Mountain Lion, Yosemite, Mojave
• Linux (open-source)
  • Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, Debian, openSUSE

2.2 Server

Specific operating systems exist for servers:

• Microsoft Windows Server
  • Versions: 2022, 2019, 2016
• Linux (open-source)
  • Distros: Ubuntu Server, Red Hat Enterprise, CentOS
• Apple macOS Server
  • discontinued 2022

You could easily have a situation where a server is running a standard desktop operating system. I have Apache HTTP Server software running on my Windows 10 laptop to use as a web development machine.

2.3 Mobile

Operating systems for smartphones and other mobile devices are becoming more and more powerful and perhaps soon there will be little difference between desktop and mobile OS’s.

• Google Android
  • Releases: Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Nougat, Oreo, Pie, Q
• Apple iOS (iPhone & iPad)
  • Versions: 10, 11, 12
• Microsoft Windows Mobile, now Windows Phone

2.4 Embedded

“An embedded operating system is a type of operating system that is embedded and specifically configured for a certain hardware configuration.” ^[1]

They are designed to run on small devices with limited resources, such as appliances & smart devices.

Cellphone and smartphone OS’s are embedded operating systems, although the latest versions can now be considered full multi-tasking OS’s.

3. Components

3.1 Interface

Most modern OS’s have a Graphical User Interface (“GUI”).

3.2 Kernel

“It is the portion of the operating system code that is always resident in memory and facilitates interactions between hardware and software components.” ^[3]

References:

1. Rouse, M. [online] (no date) Embedded Operating System. Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/30014/embedded-operating-system [Accessed 11 September 2023].
2. Wikipedia contributors. (2023) Operating system. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system (Accessed: 11 September 2023).
3. Wikipedia contributors. (no date) Kernel (operating system). Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kernel_(operating_system)&oldid=1179128315 (accessed October 22, 2023).