This article is part of our Operating Systems and System Software resource section.
Table of Contents
Operating System Definition
An Operating System is known as OS. And also, controls the operation of a computer. It is a mediator between the existing hardware, software and the user.
- On your computer, you are 75 percent likely to use the Windows OS.
- But on your smartphone, you use 90 percent of the Android OS.
What does an Operating System do?
A computer can divide into three levels:
- At the bottom, you have the hardware of your PC (motherboard, hard disk, processor).
- And then there is the OS.
- In the OS, you install software or apps to be able to work and with the PC as well.
This article is part of our Software Fundamentals resource section.
The Operating System(OS) is the mediator between hardware and software:
The OS responds in the background to the installed hardware through drivers and passes on its signals to the installed software.
Example:
If you surf the Internet, the OS in the background controls the data exchange of your network card (WLAN module).
Listen to music and the OS controls the data between sound card and speakers.
Example:
A computer WITHOUT operating system
You have assembled a new PC that has no operating system. Once an operating system is installed, platforms such as Windows provide the interface and system functions needed to run applications and interact with computer hardware.
- What can you do with it now? – nothing!
- The PC is useless without an operating system.
You can see that on a computer without an Operating System:
Without an OS, you can not use any software.
No operating system > No software> No operation> no use
The best known Operating Systems
Windows (by Microsoft):
Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems designed for personal computers, laptops, workstations and servers. It provides a graphical interface for managing files, running applications, connecting hardware and performing everyday computing tasks. Readers can explore our complete Windows definition and overview to learn more about its features, development and different versions.
Organizations sometimes need to run older or specialized Windows applications without installing them conventionally on every computer. Technologies such as VMware ThinApp application virtualization can package applications separately from the underlying operating system, helping IT teams simplify deployment and reduce certain compatibility conflicts.
Android (from Google):
Android is a mobile operating system used primarily on smartphones and tablets, although versions of the platform also support televisions, vehicles and other connected devices. It manages the device’s hardware, applications, connectivity and user interface. Our detailed guide explains what Android is and its main features.
mac OS (by Apple):
macOS is Apple’s desktop operating system for Mac computers. It manages applications, files, memory, connected devices and security while providing an interface developed specifically for Apple hardware.
The term “Mac” in this context refers to Apple’s computer platform and should not be confused with a MAC, or Message Authentication Code. In cybersecurity, a MAC is a cryptographic value used to help verify the authenticity and integrity of data.
DOS (from Microsoft):
Means ” Disk Operating System”, had no graphical user interface and used floppy disks to launch the software.
Tasks of an Operating System
The OS is at the user interface of a computer.
And also, The functions of an operating system include the management of process and memory, the device and file management and the abstraction.
however, the operating system generates new processes and reserves the necessary memory. And It also regulates the communication and synchronization of the methods with each other.
In conclusion, this process is called interprocess communication.
Server Operating Systems
Server operating systems are designed to manage network resources, users, applications, storage and other services required by connected computers. Among the available server platforms, Linux is widely recognized for its flexibility and use across development, hosting, and server environments. Microsoft Windows Server, Linux and Unix-based platforms are among the commonly considered options, but the appropriate choice depends on application compatibility, administrative expertise, security requirements and infrastructure costs.
Linux is an open-source operating system available through numerous distributions for desktops, development environments and servers. Its flexibility, command-line capabilities and broad software ecosystem make it an important platform for web hosting, cloud infrastructure and enterprise systems.
Because it is not possible to give a normal answer secondly to one or the other is better suited for a network or data center.
And also, The key advantages for Windows in server operation include native usability and applications that require are also difficult to emulate a Windows environment for instance.
Therefore, many more components and most important integrated already into the system, and standards cover most of the usual software requirements by Microsoft or other vendors.
Precisely, there are many advantages of using a Linux-based system.
These include the source and an adaptable and changeable at any time and an unbeatable price. Linux offers a huge open source community with many new features and fast security updates.
besides, There are professional and free, open-source software solutions for almost all applications in the server sector.
Linux applications are fast.
Do not mix with Unix
That used to be: “Do not do anything with Unix“.
The first porting of SAP software was, in turn, a sensation. And also, The “System R / 3” development started in 1988. The first R / 3 application.
And moreover, it ran only under Unix, is shown 1989 on the CeBIT.
Besides, Client-server and Unix (and SAP) started the high-altitude flight. Unix operating systems still play a significant role in data centers.
And also, the main characters by mechanical stability and reliability.
Here Unix or the Unix derivatives such as AIX, HP-UX have proven themselves – and still, it keeps customers on the former Sun operating system Solaris firmly.
Unix is nowhere near as vulnerable and certainly compared to Microsoft Windows.
