Operating systems are all about them. operating system

The entry into the world and then into the domestic market of Windows 8, and after that Windows 8.1, significantly changed the ranking of operating systems in terms of their popularity among the people. Over the past year, demand for XP along with Vista has almost halved.

As a result, the number of Windows 8 and NT users has naturally increased. At the beginning of the year, only 4.8 percent switched to G8. In September of the same year, this figure was already 10.2 percent.

Windows 7

It is curious that with the advent of Windows 8, the prevalence of the previous edition not only did not decrease, but, on the contrary, even increased slightly. The reason for this is most likely a decrease in interest in Windows XP, given the fact that Microsoft management intends to stop supporting the operating system "of all times and peoples."

The advantages of the “seven” are not essential. Anyone who has used Windows 7 knows what we're talking about.

Seven has stability, a high-quality graphical interface, and a multifunctional Explorer that supports drag-and-drop. Statistics show that over 55 percent use “seven” and therefore it is number one in the TOP operating systems.

Many users, having tried all the “delights” of the new Windows 10, rolled back to seven.

Windows 8

The second position in the ranking of operating systems belongs to Windows 8. It is known that the “eight” officially appeared in the fall of 2012. Windows 8 was received very poorly by the user audience. The main reason for dissatisfaction was the unusual interface, which was intended for touch devices.

What hasn't been said about Windows 8! The platform turned out to be another failure of the Redmond company: buggy, unsuccessful and inconvenient in every sense.

However, six months passed, and the number of dissatisfied users began to decrease. The eighth Windows could not surpass its predecessor, but offensive epithets in its direction ceased to be heard. Many people are expecting the release of a mobile version of the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system, which is reported in detail on Gadgetick.com. Users are looking forward to this event in the spring.

The modified G8 is mainly used on tablets and other devices that support touch screens.

MacOS

Third position in the operating system rating for MacOS. This platform is being developed by a well-known Apple company. Despite the fact that MacOS is a stable, reliable and beautiful platform, the “axis” has not received mass distribution.

Unfortunately, this operating system can only be installed on Apple computers, which are positioned as high-quality devices at a high price.

The lack of compatibility with hardware from other developers is the main disadvantage of the Mac OS. It should also be noted that MacOS loses in convenience when compared with the “seven” and “eight”. Considering the shortcomings, MacOS has increased security, is virus-resistant and has a colorful design.

Windows XP

For a long time, Windows XP was in a leading position. Computer users were fascinated by its simplicity, lack of high requirements for hardware resources, and stability.

This platform has made history. XP was officially discontinued in the spring of 2014. Nevertheless, this operating system continues to be used.

She will still be able to hold out for a certain period of time. However, demand is constantly decreasing. Sooner or later, this platform will repeat the fate of the previous Windows 2000 and 98.

Linux

No operating system has such a variety of editions, modifications and builds as can be seen with Linux. Despite this fact, the total number of Linux devices cannot be called impressive. Mint and Ubuntu are in demand. These platforms have a convenient graphical interface. Linux Mint is known to resemble Windows.

Among the positive qualities of Linux, it is necessary to note stable operation, free of charge, fault tolerance, low demands on system resources, virus resistance (a small number of malware have been created for this operating system).

We will not predict the further development of Linux, but we can assume that this platform will be an operating system for “experienced” users for a long time.

Results

The collapse of Windows, which hotheads spoke so confidently about, did not happen. They will still express their opinion on this matter.

A new OS was released and the expectations of many were not met. The results are not very good yet, improvements are required. She has every chance of becoming a new disappointment and turning into another target for attacks. One thing is clear: Windows will be popular for a long time.

21 comments. to “Rating of operating systems”

  1. Eugene

    Windows XP is the fastest and most productive system even in 2018.

  2. Pavel

    Microsoft has been leading the market for many years not because it extracts money from honest citizens. People pay for the functionality of systems, a nice interface, convenient settings, performance and a bunch of useful software for the professional activities of a huge number of specialists of different stripes. They are the ones who earn their bread and butter by using products from Microsoft and. And how many of you honestly and always bought licensed products from Microsoft? The best were Windows 3.11, NT35, XP, 7. Ten now also works fine. We use Linux distributions only for servers.

  3. Switchboard forks

    We choose Windows 10 from a professional leader in software production.

    And to sit in the so-called “operating system”, assembled on your knees by a bunch of homemade ones that do not give any guarantees and do not provide technical support, and in the age of high technology enter commands in the terminal, posing as a great user, is at least nonsense, and the fact that it’s for Linux there’s no virus, so they stupidly don’t write them under it, because there’s nothing valuable in it - THE SOURCE CODE IS FREELY ACCESSED, what’s the point in fucking hacking it, don’t make people laugh, and security doesn’t depend on what system you BURN YOUR DATA on ON THE NET, shkolota)))

  4. Vova

    I've been using Windows 10 since it came out, upgrading to Windows 10 Pro. I’ve already forgotten that xp, 7, and I can’t even remember, especially about their glitches.

  5. Andrey

    I use openSUSE Linux, and for those who also want to get off the Windows needle, I recommend Linux mint. Windows 7 is also installed on another PC, but I use it less and less, and apparently this will be the last Windows for me. I don’t even think about Windows 8 and 10 - I’ve already said goodbye to this “step back”.

    • Denis

      don't talk bullshit to the masses

  6. Andrey

    Windows 8,8.1 are the best for me!

  7. Max

    Windows, Windows... The best and most understandable was and is OS/2, but alas, it died in God... what a pity

  8. Vladimir

    I agree that XP 64 worked faster and more reliably than all systems (I note for certain software), and on ordinary hard drives, but there were difficulties with firewood for printers.
    But in general, of course, there is no ideal system (operating system), everything is flawed.
    Regarding convenience, this is how and what I’m used to, if there was one standard for everyone, I’m sure everyone would be happy and unhappy at the same time, but I think this is the right way.
    In my opinion, there was a good idea for a modular computer; at our rate of development, it would last for a long time, but while we live in a world where money rules, this is not beneficial for manufacturers.
    In general, I understood the opinion about the best system subjectively.

  9. Rovsh

    I can’t help but agree, XP 64 showed such speed, but a big drawback was that SP3 was not released for it, as far as I know. I used it for a long time until I was forced to move to the seven.

    • Stanislav Vladov

      SP2 Windows XP x64 corresponds to the security level of SP3 Windows XP x32, the numbering has nothing to do with it.
      All other versions of Windows that came out after Vista are actually a variation of it - according to the numbering of the kernel version after the fifth XP, they are still the same Vista-six, which for marketing advertising purposes was assigned serial numbers 7, 8, 10. In addition, with There are obvious problems with the score at Microsoft - they missed the nine, immediately jumping to the ten.
      The main problem of any Windows is hacker builds, hacked software, cracks, activators. Most users believe that if their antivirus program is silent, then everything is fine with their Windows...
      Strange people, however... Do you think that if, when using an infectious activator, you do not notice anything bad on your computer, this means that nothing bad is happening to your computer and system? These hacking programs are written by professionals and they know their stuff well! What is the benefit for them to work in the sweat of a programmer's face for free under capitalism? This is not communism, in which everything should be free and safe! Free cheese only comes in a mousetrap. But the hamsters believe that these are all scarecrows and that hackers work exclusively for charitable purposes, with nothing to do, nourishing altruistic motives and spiritual love for these same hamsters, and also experiencing class hatred for the damned greedy bourgeois from Microsoft! What childish naivety! Yes, yes, turn off your antivirus - it’s not needed anyway! All cracks are harmless! Hackers are Mother Teresa! Even if your antivirus does not detect anything there, this is not a guarantee that there is nothing there, because programs for
      hacking your system is written by high-class professionals who know the principles of operation of anti-virus programs, and in order to make you part of a botnet, they develop ways to bypass the antivirus detection scanner that are simply unknown to the developers of your Caspers and web doctors. The fact that the system can slow down - in one case, immediately after using the activator, in another case a little later - is a scientific fact, experienced by myself and a lot of other freebie users. Use free “communist” software - Linux, BSD, etc. - if you cannot pay slavish tribute to the greedy bourgeois masters.
      In fact, with the release of the latest tenth version of Windows, the Microsoft system itself has turned into one solid Trojan horse - a spy program to meet the needs of the CIA, FBI, NSA, with an additional number of programs chock full of proprietary advertising spyware.

  10. Stanislav Vladov

    Windows XP x64 is the best version of Windows released by Microsoft so far, if you are a regular user and not an avid gamer who is constantly chasing the latest games. It provides all the necessary needs and is the most productive of all existing Windows.

  11. Andrey

    I have been a Windows user for over 17 years.
    Regarding the versions (... XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1) at the moment, imho, I consider 7 a complete, stable and safe system.
    XP - it's just time to say goodbye
    Vista - looked and threw it away
    8 - same as Vista
    8.1 - sawed cross-platform “under”

    I read here... about security (viruses, etc.) - don’t make people laugh.
    There is malware even for budget devices with a proprietary OS (which can be inserted... say into the custom firmware of these devices)!!!
    And if you choose between “axes”, then I chose Windows because (taking into account the popularity and prevalence) there are more security products for it!!!... even Microsoft itself is trying to twist something out of Defender.
    And by and large:
    1) Thinking about safety? - Don’t put “craft axes”!
    2) Don't want to be "hacked"? - Don't go online!
    3) Don’t want to be “infected”? - Don’t “poy” anything that gets into the “car”!
    4) “climb” and “pour”? — Set up the “axis”, antivirus and firewall!
    5) Can't set it up? - Study!

    P.S. Don't want to study? — See clause 1), 2), 3).

    • Alexei

      It seems like you don’t want to learn, but continue to eat cactus. For 17 years they have not realized that Windows is a leaky bucket, whose developers shake money from you every year. And if you don’t pay, they will spam you with advertising in every second application!
      I've been using Linux for 5 years, Windows was demolished in the first year of using Linux. There are, of course, small problems, but everything can be solved. And in general, there is no ideal system and there never will be!

      I work at a school and my whole life I have been dreaming about how to throw off this Microsoft creation and switch to Linux completely. Several factors interfere:
      1. At school, work programs are constantly required to be remade; Office is needed, and LibeOffice does not always open docks correctly.
      2. There is a constant need to work with presentations; children bring presentations developed in Power Pointe and are very upset if the presentation either does not work correctly or does not open at all from Linux.
      But all the Windows computers at school are filled to capacity with viruses; during an event or holiday, it’s scary to insert a children’s flash drive with music. But Linux doesn't care about these problems. You just open the flash drive and manually delete these hidden files with strange names and extensions like .exe .bin .com .dll .tmp where they shouldn’t be.

    • Marat 08/19/2014

      I wouldn’t say that I’m an ardent opponent of Windows 8, but still try to enter safe mode??? I’m sure that Windows 9 won’t take this into account either (of course there are ways). Although what I really like most about it is fast loading, flash drives are removed much faster than in other OSs, a functional explorer, etc. But at the moment I’m using Linux Ubuntu myself and I don’t want to switch back to Windows 8 yet, but time will tell. Maybe win 9 will justify itself well in the sense of price and quality. In the meantime, I don’t see any economic rationale for shelling out for the eight.

    • SERG

      At least UBUNTU installs drivers for printers and devices itself, and it’s very difficult to get 8 to work correctly. Try attaching the HP 1102 just for fun.

    • visitor

      Linux - for advanced users? Made me laugh to tears! (for beginners this is the miracle of Linux)

These groups have been waging an almost equal struggle for market monopolization for a long time, and this struggle is expected for a long time - it is difficult to single out a favorite in it. Let's try to figure out which product is of the highest quality.

Windows

At the moment, there are three current versions of the OS of this corporation - 7, 8, 10. Windows XP has already gone out of fashion - now it is installed mainly on old computers. The newest version is Windows 10, but not the most popular version from the company. Windows 7 is firmly in the ranking of the most used systems: 52% of personal computers in the world are serviced by it.

Windows operating systems are optimized and work stable on most computers, with XP and 7 being the most preferred on older versions. Windows is not the most secure product, so if you use Windows OS, you need to take care of installing licensed security software.

Many users compare operating systems based on their interface. Windows is not inferior to its competitors - a large selection of themes for data visualization, window animation and translucency create a pleasant contrast. Newer versions of Windows have retained elements of the very first systems from this manufacturer, which attracts the user.

One of the key advantages is the ability to install programs to perform a wide variety of tasks. This applies to office programs and gaming applications, as well as other applied areas.

Linux


Here, manufacturers decided to release many versions that have a special purpose. Ubuntu is the most widely recognized Linux product. It has become popular with Linux because it is the most optimal for home use.

The Linux product is unique in that you can change everything in the system settings in such a way that the system will be completely rebuilt taking into account the PC parameters. This fact ensures the highest performance, and in this component Linux is the undisputed leader among OS manufacturers. Linux also has the advantage of high reliability and security, since distribution kits provide many mechanisms for restricting access to user information.

As for the appearance, it can be customized in any way. Linux has many variations for choosing an interface - from simple and strict to complex and colorful, with a large number of effects. One of the most important details for Linux is that in order to manage it effectively, the user must learn to work on the command line.

Many professional programming applications are written on the Linux kernel. But as for the choice of applications for performing applied tasks, everything here is not as rich as that of competitors.

MacOS


MacOS desktop

The “OS” itself occurred along with the appearance of the first products from Apple, and accordingly, it is used on these devices. Currently, the latest version of MacOS is version 10.

MacOS are oriented to a certain hardware standard, so their performance is the highest among all available operating systems. It is worth noting that the high performance of MacOS systems is a distinctive feature - all products from this manufacturer are characterized by very stable and productive operation. MacOS systems are very reliable, the total number of virus programs on this platform is not very large, and there is no need to worry about installing additional security software.

Most users believe that MacOS is the most convenient and attractive operating system, judging by the user interface. The manufacturer pays a lot of attention to this component, and it is not surprising that they are superior to their competitors in this component. Developers use a huge range of technologies that are aimed at harmonizing and improving the appearance of controls. Interestingly, the company regularly requires developers of third-party software to use a design style that is as similar as possible to the standard Mac application style, so that users work in the new program in the same way as in the familiar one.

DOS


FreeDOS desktop

There are few users left who remember these operating system developers. It must be remembered that they became innovators in the field of OS development, inventing the entire operation of the operating system. Yes, competitors have moved on, improving all the developments of DOS, but the developers of the first OS have now begun to come up with innovations for previous developments. Since the beginning of the 2000s, DOS has released a couple of OS emulators for PCs, but they were not recognized by users due to low performance and the lack of most of the necessary characteristics for modern OSs.

However, DOS remains necessary for many users. DOS software is the best option for those users who want to use old computers with new applications. To do this, the developers launched FreeDOS and DJGPP, which included several programs that are popular today - a file manager, text editor, web browser, email client, etc. In other words, DOS products are still suitable for running on older PCs.

Safety and reliability

In general, Windows, Linux and MacOS are competing for the title of the best OS group - DOS has already stopped competing with more modern developments. In terms of reliability and safety, the most optimal are Linux and Apple products. The best Linux distribution for this component is Ubuntu. Experts believe that systems with a Linux kernel are preferably used as a keeper of particularly important information, since the protection against unauthorized access to information stored in the system is very strong. By the way, users themselves need to be very careful when assigning passwords and long paths to their necessary files - otherwise they may lose them.

Unlike Linux and MacOS distributions, Windows clearly loses in reliability and security. The Windows product still remains with the title of the most unreliable operating system. Third-party security software is released regularly, but system protection is at the lowest level, and if you value the security of your information, you should not choose Windows as the OS for your PC. As for MacOS, security here is also at the highest level.

The most gaming system

As mentioned above, in terms of the number of programs in different directions, Windows leads, and in the gaming component this developer is the undoubted leader. Quite a lot of gaming applications are also produced for Linux, since these “operating systems” are also quite popular in the world, for example, everyone’s favorite Steam can be found here. But in the end, in the total volume of gaming applications, Windows will outperform both Linux and MacOS combined. The system itself has good enough characteristics for the smooth and error-free operation of gaming applications on any computer, but, however, this rarely happens.

If you look at Windows distributions, then users are very cautious about calling Windows 7 the most preferable for games, despite the fact that three new versions of the system have already been released! Of course, the “seven” is a proven system, and therefore it is given greater preference by users. But this won’t last long - within a year and a half the whole world will be talking about the fact that the eighth and tenth versions of Windows are much better than the seventh in terms of gaming.

The simplest OS

If we take into account all the operating systems available in the world and choose the simplest one, the absolute champion here will be DOS systems. But if we talk specifically about the three giants of OS release at the present time, then Windows will again be ahead of everyone in simplicity. Simplicity can be different - banality of development, ease of use, etc. We are more interested in which systems are more convenient for users to work with. And most of them believe that Windows is the simplest operating system, starting from its very first versions.

Indeed, Windows is the simplest system to use, but very complex to develop. MacOS ranks second in ease of use, as noted by experts. Linux is the most complex system, but once you get used to it, you will never go back to, for example, the Windows family.

For weak PCs

Of course, here you should give preference to DOS! However, DOS is quite difficult to find now, therefore, Linux distributions with a lightweight desktop environment (LXDE, OpenBox, MATE, Xfce) are most suitable for weak PCs.

The most optimal distribution for use on weak PCs from the Microsoft family will be Windows XP. In fact, this OS is quite good in that it has good performance and an attractive interface. It is quite simple and quite suitable so that even on a weak PC you can play your favorite classic games.

The downside is that XP is no longer supported by the manufacturer, and by installing this system, you risk picking up a lot of viruses and Trojans.

This means that if you actively use the Internet, without additional security software, your PC will not be able to work for a long time. So, think carefully about choosing an operating system before installing it on your weak PC.

Availability of software installation

Once again, Windows is the undisputed leader here! After all, the products from this developer were the very first to appear on the market, and therefore they are sold instantly. Nowadays, only the lazy do not develop programs and applications for Windows, which means that the software will always be available for these operating systems. But it is important to remember: due to the low degree of security of the Windows OS, you must be extremely careful when installing software on your computer. Of course, you need to use licensed software, and if you don’t have one, then know: you are taking a risk by installing unwanted programs on your PC with a low level of protection.

Which system to choose in the end?

Recently, system developers have done a great job of improving OS versions. Of course, MacOS will have a minimal market share and popularity, since it is a relatively new product. In terms of characteristics, it is not inferior to Windows and Linux. If this product continues to be in great demand, MacOS could soon become a sales leader.

Linux is an excellent system for office PCs and for computers that are used for programming and administration. They have high performance, are extremely safe and reliable to use, but they are too narrow-profile, so these “OSes” are not widely used.

Windows is the clear winner in almost all respects among its competitors, and the popularity of the product is understandable. For modern computers, Windows will be the optimal OS; everyone chooses the version themselves. It depends on the user which OS to install - if the computer is needed for work, it is better to install Linux, if for games - Windows. It is necessary to determine all the parameters that you want to receive more from the OS - and in this case you will be able to make the right and informed choice!

According to Roskomstat, Windows has 84% ​​popularity among Russian personal computer users. Linux is ahead of MacOS by 3% - 9% versus 6%. The situation will change if there are serious reasons for attractiveness among users, and system developers are continuously working in this area.

And only then do you turn to the applications you need. Most of everything a user does with his computer is done through the operating system. It should be considered as the control center of the computer. Most modern personal computers run Microsoft Windows operating systems. Macs come preloaded with OS X, which until recently was called Mac OS X. Many enterprise servers run Linux and UNIX operating systems.


These days, operating systems are found not only in computers, but also in many other electronic devices. And modern mobile phones and wireless access points also run operating systems, although somewhat different from computer ones. Needless to say: a modern telephone is more powerful than a desktop computer from the beginning of the century.

The general task of an operating system is to organize and control the hardware and software components of a computer. This ensures flexibility and predictability in the behavior of the digital device. Today we will talk about the operating system of a computer. It should be remembered that a laptop, a smartphone, and a tablet are also computers in essence. Consequently, although the principles of operation of the operating systems of these devices may, of course, differ in detail, they fundamentally repeat those that are characteristic of any personal computer, no matter how gigantic or, on the contrary, miniature it may be.


Not every computer has an operating system. For example, the computer that controls the microwave oven in your kitchen does not have an operating system. The fact is that this computer has to deal with only one set of tasks, determined by the settings of time, temperature and operating modes. And perhaps several preset modes. “Mental flexibility” is not required from this computer and the operating system would only increase the costs of developing and manufacturing this kitchen device. For all its simple tasks, a microwave computer needs just one program implemented at the hardware level.

But there are other devices that the operating system provides with several important abilities:

  • Allows you to perform various tasks
  • Provides user interaction with the device at a more complex level
  • Maintains changes made by the user in order

All desktop computers have operating systems. The most common operating systems are the Windows family, developed by Microsoft Corporation. Apple preinstalls its own operating system on its computers, which was discussed above. In addition, there is a huge family of UNIX systems. The history of their development is full of outstanding individuals, innovative corporations and examples of cooperation in order to achieve a common goal. There are hundreds of different operating systems in the world, focused on performing highly specialized tasks. These include operating systems for large computers (mainframes), robots, industrial equipment and real-time systems.

Every device that has an operating system usually allows changes to be made while it is running. And for this there is no need to rearrange the microcircuits at all. The user issues commands in software, which then tell the device's hardware how to behave under changing conditions.

For a desktop computer user, this means the ability to install security updates, system patches, additional applications, and even change the operating system. But the computer remains the same. In other words, you can change the behavior of your computer without changing anything in its hardware. The same applies to modern mobile phones. Regardless of which device the operating system is installed on, it takes control of every task it performs and manages its system resources.

Operating system features


If we greatly simplify the description of the tasks performed by the operating system, we can distinguish two main ones:
  1. It manages hardware and software system resources. If we talk about a typical desktop computer, these resources include, but are not limited to: processor, memory, and disk space. If we talk about a mobile phone, then the keyboard (or touch screen), address book, dialing system, battery and network connection are also added here
  2. It provides stable and consistent interaction between applications and hardware. The application may not be familiar with detailed hardware specifications

The first task, managing hardware and software resources, is extremely important. The fact is that various programs and data entry methods compete for the attention of the central processing unit (CPU, CPU, CPU), the principles of which we have already discussed. They require memory, storage space, and input and output bandwidth. The operating system plays the role of a good mentor, arranging everything so that each application gets the resources it needs without conflicting with other applications. The operating system allocates the computer's limited resources in such a way that the result for all users and all applications is the best. Of course, among those possible in this configuration. A computer has a very specific processor performance and memory capacity, the expansion of which - as we already know - does not always lead to an increase in machine performance. The operating system will have to allocate these and other resources in the most profitable way.

The second task, ensuring the interaction of software and hardware, is of particular importance given the fact that modern computers are open to changes in their configuration. Application program interface (API) tools allow a developer to write a program on one computer and have little doubt that it will work on another computer of the same type. Even if the memory or storage capacity on the two machines differs from each other.

The operating system arranges everything so that the application continues to run on a given computer even after its hardware is modified or software updates are made. The fact is that it is the operating system, and not each specific application, that monitors the hardware and the distribution of its resources. Operating system developers face a difficult task: making the system compatible with equipment from thousands of companies that produce computer components and peripherals. A modern operating system can “recognize” thousands of different printers, hard drives and special peripheral devices. Moreover, in each specific case this equipment will be combined in a different way.

Types of operating systems


The huge variety of existing operating systems can be divided into four main types:
  1. Real-time operating systems (RTOS). Real-time operating systems are designed to control machinery, scientific instruments, and industrial systems. Typically, the user interface of such systems does not indulge in design delights, and there are no end-user-oriented utilities. This is a ready to use "closed box". The most important task of this type of operating system is to ensure that a certain operation is performed within a certain period of time. And these segments were equal. In complex machines, their elements cannot be allowed to move faster than necessary, since the system has “extra” resources. Or, on the contrary, they did not move at all because the system was busy
  2. Single-user, single-task operating systems (Single-user, single task). As their name suggests, these operating systems are designed to allow one user to perform one task at a time. A striking example of a system of this type is Palm OS for Palm handhelds. These devices enjoyed some popularity before the mass distribution of smartphones began.
  3. Single-user multitasking operating systems (Single-user, multi-tasking). Systems of this type control most modern desktop and laptop computers. Both Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X are of this type. For example, a Windows user can simultaneously write a note in a text editor and download a file from the Internet. At the same time, the printer can print and the email client can receive email.
  4. Multi-user operating systems (Multi-user). Multi-user operating systems allow multiple users to simultaneously access device resources. The operating system has to maintain a balance between the demands made by different users. At the same time, the operating system has to ensure that each of the running programs has enough resources, and the task being solved by one of the users does not interfere with other users. Prominent examples of multi-user systems include Unix, VMS, and mainframe operating systems like MVS.

It is important to clarify some subtleties that can make it difficult to determine the type of operating system. There are multi-user operating systems and systems that support network connections. And these are different operating systems. For example, Windows 2000 and Novell Netware supported hundreds and even thousands of network connections. However, they cannot be considered truly multi-user. The only real user of Windows 2000 and Netware is the system administrator. Network support and all remote user accounts are included in the overall operating system plan, software defined by its administrator.

Computer operating systems


When you turn on the computer's power, the first program to run is a set of instructions contained in the computer's read-only memory (ROM). This code tests the system hardware and makes sure everything is working correctly. This process is called power-on self test (POST). During this process, the processor, memory and basic input/output system (BIOS, BIOS) are checked for errors. Test results are stored in a special memory area. If the self-test is successful, the software located in the permanent memory is launched. It is known as BIOS. This software begins activating your computer's hard drives. In most modern computers, when the hard drive is activated, the first piece of the operating system is located: the bootstrap loader.

The boot loader is a small program that has only one function: to load the operating system into memory. This will get you started. In general, a boot loader runs small driver programs that interact with and control various hardware subsystems. All this is located in the same memory that contains the operating system itself, user information and applications. It is driven by a data structure that contains a vast array of signals, indicators, and timings that enable interaction within and between the computer's subsystems and applications. Control of the computer then passes to the operating system.

We'll put a comma here because we still have to talk about what groups of tasks a typical operating system performs. But this will become the topic of another story.

To be continued…

Based on materials from computer.howstuffworks.com

The operating system is the main software that manages all the hardware and other software on the computer. The operating system, also known as the "OS", interacts with the computer's hardware and provides services that applications can use.

What does the operating system do?

The operating system is the main set of software on the device that holds everything together. Operating systems interact with device hardware. They handle everything from keyboard and mouse to Wi-Fi radio, storage and display devices. In other words, the operating system handles input and output devices. Operating systems use device drivers written by hardware developers to communicate with their devices.

Operating systems also include many software products, such as common system services, libraries, and application programming interfaces (APIs), that developers can use to write programs that run on the operating system.

The operating system sits between the applications you run and the hardware, using hardware drivers as the interface between the two. For example, when an application wants to print something, it offloads that task to the operating system. The operating system sends instructions to the printer using the printer drivers to send the correct signals. The app that prints doesn't need to care what kind of printer you have or understand how it works. The OS handles the details.

The OS also handles multitasking by allocating hardware resources among multiple running programs. The operating system controls which processes are running and distributes them among different CPUs if you have a computer with multiple processors or cores, allowing multiple processes to run in parallel. It also manages the system's internal memory by allocating memory between running applications.

An operating system is one large piece of software that does a lot of things. For example, the operating system also controls the files and other resources that programs can access.

Most software applications are written for operating systems, which allows the operating system to do a lot of the work. For example, when you start Minecraft, you run it on the operating system. Minecraft doesn't need to know exactly how every single hardware component works. Minecraft uses various operating system functions, and the operating system translates them into low-level hardware instructions.

Operating systems aren't just for PCs

When we say "computers" run operating systems, we don't just mean traditional desktop PCs and laptops. Your smartphone is a computer, just like tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, smart watches, and Wi-Fi routers. Amazon Echo or Google Home is a computer device that runs an operating system.

Familiar desktop operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS, Google Chrome OS, and Linux. The main operating systems for smartphones are iOS from Apple and Android from Google.

Other devices, such as a Wi-Fi router, may run "embedded operating systems." These are specialized operating systems with fewer features than a typical operating system, designed specifically for one task - for example, running a Wi-Fi router, navigation, or controlling an ATM.

Where operating systems end and programs begin

Operating systems also include other software, including a user interface, that allows people to interact with the device. This could be a desktop on a PC, a touch interface on a phone, or a voice interface on a digital assistant.

An operating system is a large piece of software made up of many different applications and processes. The line between what is an operating system and what is a program can sometimes be a little blurry. There is no exact official definition of an operating system.

For example, on Windows, the File Explorer (or Windows Explorer) application is an integral part of the Windows operating system—it even handles the rendering of your desktop interface—and the application that runs on that operating system.

The center of the operating system is the kernel

At a low level, the "kernel" is the main computer program that powers your operating system. This separate program is one of the first things loaded when your operating system starts. It handles memory allocation, converting software functions into instructions for your computer's processor, and processing input and output data from hardware devices. The kernel typically runs in an isolated area to prevent unauthorized use by other software on the computer. The operating system kernel is very important, but it is just one part of the operating system.

But not everything is specific here either. For example, Linux is just a kernel. However, Linux is still often referred to as an operating system. Android is also called an operating system and it is built on the Linux kernel. Linux distributions such as Ubuntu use the Linux kernel and add additional software to it. They are also called operating systems.

What is the difference between firmware and OS

Many devices simply run “firmware,” a type of low-level software that is typically programmed directly into the hardware device's memory. Firmware is just a small piece of software designed to handle only the absolute basics.

When the computer boots, it loads the UEFI firmware from the motherboard. This firmware is low-level software that quickly initializes your computer's hardware. It then boots your operating system from your computer's SSD or hard drive. (This solid state drive, or hard drive, has its own built-in firmware that manages the storage of data on physical sectors within the drive.)

The line between firmware and operating system can also be a little blurry. For example, Apple's operating system for iPhones and iPads, called iOS, is often called "firmware." The PlayStation 4 operating system is officially called firmware.

These are operating systems that interact with multiple hardware devices, provide services to programs, and distribute resources among applications. However, the very simple firmware that runs on a TV remote control, for example, is not usually called an operating system.

The average user is not required to understand exactly what an operating system is. It may be useful to know what operating system you are using and what software and hardware are compatible with your device.

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