Operating system: what it is, what it is for and main features
Find out now what an operating system is, what it is for, and what the main ones are, so that you can interact correctly!
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to interact with your electronic devices without an operating system?
The term “operating system” refers to a set of software programs. They manage and run the resources of a system, such as a PC or smartphone. Their main task is to act as an interface between the user and the machine. This simplifies interaction and allows applications to run and files to be managed.
With the evolution of technology , operating systems have shifted from text-based environments to graphical interfaces. This has improved accessibility for users. Well-known examples include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. These software programs are used not only on computers and mobile phones, but also on video game consoles, smart TVs, and other devices.
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Main points
- The main function of an operating system is to manage the resources of electronic devices .
- Operating systems have evolved from text-based interfaces to graphical interfaces.
- Popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Devices such as video game consoles and smart TVs also use operating systems.
- The Android operating system was released by Google in 2008 and is widely used and modified by manufacturers.
Different operating systems have their own specificities and functionalities. They meet the specific needs of different types of electronic devices . This makes it easier to user-machine interaction and drives the technology on several fronts.
What is an operating system?
An operating system is a software or set of softwares which acts as resource manager of a device. It not only allows applications to run, but also manages the hardware and software . This keeps the processes separated and the hardware components synchronized. In addition, it facilitates the digital interaction between the user and the device, translating commands into actions.
Since 1969, operating systems such as Unix have pioneered preemptive multitasking. They have originated in families such as Linux, BSD, and FreeBSD. These families include macOS, Orbis OS (from the PS4), Oracle's Solaris, and Xenix from Microsoft . In the PC world, the MS-DOS was the default until it was replaced by Windows 95.
Today, the most used operating systems are Microsoft Windows and macOS. Windows is installed on many personal computers. macOS has been found on Mac devices. Mobile devices use their own operating systems, such as iOS and Android. Android is used in about 75% of the mobile devices .
| Operating System | Common Devices | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows | Personal computers | About 90% |
| Android | Smartphones, Tablets | 75% of the mobile devices |
| Mac OS | Mac Computers | Exclusive in products Apple |
| Linux | Desktops, servers, bank tellers | Widely used in various sectors |
It is important to understand the categories of operating systems, such as general purpose, mobile, embedded, and network. This helps you see how they are used in different industries. For example, bank ATMs in Brazil still use OS/2, showing the diversity and durability of these systems.
Main functions of an operating system
An operating system has several important functions to make your computer work well. memory management is crucial as it allows several processes run at the same time without any problems. It distributes RAM effectively so that each application has the space it needs.
The administration of the processes is another fundamental task. The system takes care of the creation and deletion of processes and communication between them. This helps multiple programs run together without interfering.
You input and output devices are also managed by the operating system. This ensures that peripherals such as monitors and keyboards work well with the software . Data is transferred to and from the computer efficiently.
Below is a table with the main functions of the operating system kernel:
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Slack treatment | Hardware outage management to ensure the system responds quickly to events. |
| Creation and deletion of processes | Control and administration of the life cycle of processes within the system. |
| Synchronization between processes | Coordinator of access to shared resources between concurrent processes. |
| Memory management | Allocation and release of memory for running processes. |
| File system management | Control and organization of data stored in the system. |
A user-friendly interface of an operating system makes it easy to use without having to understand the binary code. Good use of input and output devices , O memory management and the administration of processes are fundamental to a good user experience.
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History and evolution of operating systems
The evolution of operating systems has been a fascinating journey. Since the release of UNIX in 1969, many systems have been created. They have evolved as they interact with computers.
In 1981, the MS-DOS was launched by Microsoft and IBM. It was one of the first to popularize the use of personal computers. However, it was single-user and did not support multitasking.
In 1984, the Apple introduced the Mac OS. It was the first to use a graphical user interface ( GUI ) on a large scale. This opened a new era of accessibility and interactivity.
Windows 3.0 in 1990 brought major advances. It supported multiple graphics adapters and flavors. Windows 95 in 1995 solidified Microsoft's position in the market with new features.
More than half of computer users around the world currently use Windows 7 as the main operating system. It has been known to be stable and popular since its release in 2009.
Windows 8, in 2012, brought radical changes. Windows 10, in 2014, sought to balance innovation with comfort. It reintegrated the Start Menu and added new features.
Today, the evolution of operating systems focuses on security, ease of use and integration with devices. GUI and the models of open source , like Linux, are essential in computer revolution .
Types of operating systems
Operating systems are essential for the functioning of any device. They range from personal computers to mobile devices and smart home appliances. There are several types, each with its own characteristics and specificities. Some of the best known are Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Windows is the most popular operating system. It has versions such as Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 and Windows Vista. macOS is exclusive to Apple and is known for its stability, security, and sophisticated design. It has versions such as macOS Mojave, High Sierra, and Sierra.
Linux is a platform for open source very popular among developers. It allows customization and full control over the system. The most popular variants include Ubuntu , Fedora, Red Hat and openSUSE.
For mobile devices, Android is the market leader. It offers a highly customizable interface and a wide selection of apps. The latest version is Android Pie.
Apple mobile devices, such as iPhones and iPads, use iOS. The latest versions include iOS 12, 11, and 10. They integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices.
Chrome OS is developed by Google for Chromebook devices. It has versions like Chrome OS 68 and 69. This system is ideal for a web-focused experience.
In addition, there are operating systems for smart TVs, video game consoles, and industrial equipment. They also play an important role in the market.
A choice of operating system should consider your needs and preferences. Factors such as ease of use, security, customization, and compatibility are important.
Windows Operating System
O Windows , from the Microsoft , and the Most used OS on computers. It was created in 1981 and started with a graphical interface for the MS-DOS . Its popularity comes from its easy-to-use interface and great compatibility with software and devices.
O Windows leads with 74,73% of the market, followed by macOS with 14,4% and Linux with 2,81%. The Windows 10 is used in more than 66% of computers. The Windows 7 is still used in 17% of the devices. The Windows 11 is gaining popularity with its new improvements.
Windows has specific licenses, while macOS and Linux have different approaches. This gives users more choice, whether at home, at work, or on servers. Microsoft continues to be the leader in revenue, showing the strength of Windows.
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macOS and iOS: Apple's operating systems
Apple has several operating systems, including macOS and iOS. They are used on many of the company's devices. macOS is for computers, such as the iMac and MacBook, and began in 2001. iOS is for phones and tablets, and began in 2007.
One of Apple's biggest strengths is integration into the Apple ecosystem . This allows computers and mobile devices to work together. This makes the experience of using Apple products very good.
Apple is very good at digital security*. macOS has tools like Gatekeeper and Xprotect to protect against threats. iOS is easy to use and always has updates to improve security.
Apple's operating systems are updated throughout the year. However, older devices may not be able to accept the new versions. This may require a hardware upgrade to use the new features.
See the main features of Apple's operating systems:
| Feature | Mac OS | iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | 2001 (as Mac OS X) | 2007 |
| Compatible devices | iMac, MacBook | iPhone, iPod Touch |
| Security tools | Doorman, Xprotect | Regular security updates |
| Connectivity | High level of integration in Apple ecosystem | High level of integration in Apple ecosystem |
| Main versions | Mac OS X Cheetah, Snow Leopard, macOS Catalina, Big Sur, Ventura | iOS 15, iOS 16 |
Apple's operating systems, such as macOS and iOS, are devices, security, and a great user experience. This makes Apple ecosystem a popular choice for many people.
Linux operating system
Linux is an operating system open source Very flexible. It can be used on many types of devices, from smartphones to supercomputers. This is thanks to its openness to customization.
This openness allows many people to contribute to its development. This leads to constant improvements.
One of the Linux distributions most popular is the Ubuntu . It's great for beginners or those with experience. It has an easy-to-use interface and lots of documentation.
Other distributions, such as Fedora, Debian, and CentOS, are also widely used. Each offers a unique experience. The Linux kernel was created by Linus Torvalds in 1991 and is the largest Linux project in the world. software open source.
Below you will find a table with some Linux distributions and its characteristics:
| Distribution | Main Use | Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu | Work area | GNOME |
| Fedora | Development | GNOME |
| Debian | Servers | Multiple options |
| Arch Linux | Customization | Variable |
| Mint | Work area | Cinnamon |
Linux is used by major companies like Facebook, Netflix, and Amazon AWS. It is also the basis of the Android operating system. This shows its reliability and excitement.
The GNU project began in 1984 with the goal of creating a free operating system. The Linux kernel later updated the GPL license in 1992, creating GNU/Linux.
Linux offers many interfaces, such as UNITY, GNOME Shell, KDE, and others. This allows users to choose the best one for their needs. After 30 years, Linux has remained popular among enthusiasts and businesses.
Android: Google's operating system
Android was created by Google and is widely used in smartphones and tablets. It started in 2008 and is open source, which allows manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi to customize it. This helps it serve a wide range of users.
The newest version, the Android 13 , brings important improvements. For example, it is now possible to control access to applications according to specificities. In addition, battery consumption can be reduced by up to 10% with Bluetooth Low Energy.
Android works well with services Google , such as Google Search and YouTube. This helps developers build better apps. They have a lot of tools to improve their work.
Android isn't just for smartphones and tablets. It's also used in smartwatches , smart TVs and other devices. This shows that the Android 13 It is very versatile and can meet many needs.
Android supports over 63 languages and has over 2 million apps on the Google Play Store. This makes users' lives easier and more fun. Android is known for innovation and accessibility, showing Google's effort to improve the technology mobile.
SEE ALSO: Encryption: what is it and what is it for?
Conclusion
Operating systems are very important for the use of technological devices. They connect the hardware to the user, making it easier to use. This ranges from simple systems to the most complex, thanks to technological innovation .
Choosing the right operating system can make a big difference to your online experience. You can choose between Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android. Each has its own advantages in terms of security, accessibility, and customization.
The kernel is the heart of the operating system. It manages the hardware, ensuring that everything works properly. With new technologies, operating systems improve in terms of security, mobility and cloud use.
Understanding operating systems is essential to choosing the best one. This helps increase productivity, security, and flexibility when using devices.
