An Operating System (OS) is a program that oversees a computer’s hardware and software resources. It handles essential tasks such as memory management, process management, and device management, offering a user interface for interactions between the user and the computer.
Primary Categorization of Operating Systems
The typical categorization of operating systems is segmented into these classifications:
Desktop operating systems consist of examples such as Microsoft Windows and macOS, created for personal computers and everyday tasks. They provide a diverse selection of applications and a visual user interface for numerous activities, such as well-known online games like Aviator.
Server OS: Examples comprise Windows Server and Linux distributions such as Ubuntu Server and CentOS, designed for reliable server performance, efficient network resource handling, and optimal performance under sustained load.
Mobile operating systems: Examples are Android and iOS, designed for smartphones and tablets, emphasizing touch interfaces, mobile applications, energy efficiency, and connectivity.
Embedded OS: Examples are FreeRTOS and VxWorks, utilized in embedded systems and devices such as microcontrollers and automotive electronics, delivering minimalistic, reliable, and efficient performance tailored for specific tasks.
Where are Operating Systems Located?
Traditionally, operating systems are kept on hard drives, which are not as efficient or durable as SSDs, offering superior reading and writing speeds that can improve system performance. Lately, there has been growing attention on hosting the OS on cloud services, where the OS is maintained as an image that is loaded into the computer’s memory upon startup. Advantages of cloud storage encompass:
Convenience – Users do not have to be concerned about storage capacity.
Protection – The operating system is housed in a secure data facility.
Efficiency – The operating system can be loaded into memory in only a few seconds.
OS Architecture
A typical operating system is made up of three primary components:
An Operating System (OS) is software that controls a computer’s hardware and software resources. It handles fundamental tasks such as managing memory, overseeing processes, and controlling devices, offering a user interface for user-computer interactions.
Primary Categories of Operating Systems
The primary classification of operating systems is segmented into these categories:
Desktop Operating Systems: Examples consist of Microsoft Windows and macOS, created for personal computers and everyday tasks. They provide a diverse range of applications and a visual user interface for different tasks, such as well-known online games like Aviator.
Server operating systems include options such as Windows Server and Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server and CentOS, designed for reliable server functioning, efficient network resource management, and strong performance under sustained workloads.
Mobile operating systems encompass Android and iOS, designed for smartphones and tablets, emphasizing touch interfaces, mobile applications, energy efficiency, and connectivity.
Embedded OS: Examples are FreeRTOS and VxWorks, utilized in embedded systems and devices such as microcontrollers and automotive electronics, offering streamlined, dependable, and efficient performance tailored for particular tasks.
Where are Operating Systems Located?
Traditionally, operating systems are kept on hard drives, which are not as efficient and durable as SSDs that provide faster reading and writing speeds, improving system performance. Lately, there is a growing emphasis on hosting the operating system on cloud services, where the OS is stored as an image that loads into the computer’s memory at startup. Advantages of cloud storage comprise:
Ease – Users don’t have to concern themselves with storage capacity.
Safety – The operating system is kept in a protected data center.
Efficiency – The operating system can load into memory in only a few seconds.
Ecosystem Framework
A typical operating system includes three primary elements:
Kernel: The central part that oversees hardware and interacts with other operating system elements. Accountable for managing memory, processes, and devices