Operating system

Operating System (OS)

An operating system is a program that acts as an
interface between the user and the computer
hardware and controls the execution of all
kinds of programs.
 Following are some of important
functions of an operating System.
• Memory Management
• Processor Management
• Device Management
• File Management
• Security
• Control over system performance
• Error detecting aids
• Coordination between other software and users
 TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM
• Real-time operating system (RTOS) - Real-time
operating systems are used to control machinery,
scientific instruments and industrial systems. An RTOS
typically has very little user-interface capability, and no
end-user utilities, since the system will be a "sealed
box" when delivered for use. A very important part of
an RTOS is managing the resources of the computer so
that a particular operation executes in precisely the
same amount of time, every time it occurs. In a
complex machine, having a part move more quickly
just because system resources are available may be just
as catastrophic as having it not move at all because the
system is busy.
• Single-user, single task - As the name implies, this
operating system is designed to manage the computer
so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time.
The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a good
example of a modern single-user, single-task operating
system.
• Single-user, multi-tasking - This is the type of
operating system most people use on their desktop
and laptop computers today. Microsoft's Windows and
Apple's MacOS platforms are both examples of
operating systems that will let a single user have
several programs in operation at the same time. For
example, it's entirely possible for a Windows user to be
writing a note in a word processor while downloading a
file from the Internet while printing the text of an e-
mail message.
• Multi-user - A multi-user operating system allows
many different users to take advantage of the
computer's resources simultaneously. The
operating system must make sure that the
requirements of the various users are balanced,
and that each of the programs they are using has
sufficient and separate resources so that a
problem with one user doesn't affect the entire
community of users. Unix, VMS and mainframe
operating systems, such as MVS, are examples of
multi-user operating systems.
 Window 95

The new Windows operating system with the

internal version 4.0 is the successor of Windows
3.11 and brings a completely new design of the
interface and of the kernel with it. 32-bit
applications are supported fully, DOS applications
can also virtually be used now in a DOS box,
furthermore 16-bits of programs are supported.
Windows 95 to ME still needs DOS for the loading
up program and for the DOS box. New hardware
is comfortably recognized by plug and play, the
memory management was developed further
considerably.
 Features
• plug and play, high number of device drivers
• high compatibility to DOS, Windows 3.x
• high number of software
• no multiprocessing
• low local/network security
• old system architecture (16-bit software
compatibility)
• badly scalable
 Window 98
Microsoft announced with this new system
software Version 4.10 the revised version of
Windows 95. The operating system Windows 98
contains as innovation mainly detail
improvements and bug fixes. The hardware
component is enhanced with USB support
improved and the operation of several monitors
is possible now. Windows 98 is prepared for DVD
movies, for the view of DVD Movies a separate
software must be installed.
 Features
• Multitasking: You can crash several programs all at
once. No waiting!
• Built-in Networking: You can crash several PC`s all at
once. No need to buy Novell Personal Netware or
LANtastic to crash.
• Microsoft Network: Connect with other Windows 98
users and talk about your crash experiences. Support
groups in different cities will be organized.
• PnP: Plug and Pray (that it works)
• Multimedia: Experience the immense sight and sound
of crashing.
• Compatible with existing software: It will also crash
your existing software.
• User-Friendly: Picture of clouds
• State of the Art: Pay for Bill`s next bid for a work of art.
• Macintosh-like: It took Microsoft 14 years and it`s not
even original.
• Online Registration: Dial into Microsoft and let them
snoop around your hard drive. This will guarantee you
a place in Microsoft`s files for the rest of your life.
• MS Plus: More money for Bill`s plus side.
• Optimize: It will increase the utilization of your hard
drive and CPU so much so that you`ll end up upgrading
your system. See "Increased Productivity".
• Increased Productivity: You will need to increase your
budget to buy more products like RAM and Hard
Drives. Better yet, get a new computer! That`s
productivity.
 Window XP
• Windows XP is a computer operating system
and graphical user interface (GUI), which
enables you to work with a wide variety of
programs on your computer, often
simultaneously. Windows XP is itself a special
computer program that communicates your
instructions to the actual computer hardware,
and displays the results.
 Features of Windows XP
• Standard features of Windows XP - Home and
Professional
• Fast user switching
• Network assistant
• Remote control for the diagnosis (Remote
assistant)
• Simplified user interface
• Windows Media Player
• Internet Explorer 6.0
• Windows Movie Maker