Assignment 3

SUBMITTED BY
TALHA SIRAJ
FA23-BBA-309
SECTION: 1-F
SUBMITTED TO
Prof. Faisal Najeeb
ASSIGNMENT NO 3
SUBMISSION DATE
15th - December – 2023

Applications of Information and Communication Technologies
Question1.
Explain how you differentiate between operating systems?
Answer.
Operating systems serve as the fundamental software that manages a device's

hardware and software resources. Their differentiation stems from diverse factors
encompassing architecture, user interface, compatibility, security,
performance, and intended applications.
Architecture distinguishes operating systems through their designs and

functionalities. For instance, Windows, known for its wide compatibility with
hardware and software, utilizes a graphical user interface (GUI) and supports a
vast array of applications. MAC OS, designed exclusively for Apple hardware,
integrates seamlessly with its devices and emphasizes user experience. Linux, an
open-source system, offers diverse distributions tailored for specific purposes,
fostering flexibility and customization.
User interfaces vary between command-line interfaces (CLI) and GUIs,

impacting user interactions. CLI-driven systems like UNIX provide powerful
control through commands, while GUI-based systems, such as Windows and MAC
OS, offer intuitive graphical environments for users.
Compatibility relates to an OS's ability to work with different hardware and

software configurations. Windows dominates this space with extensive support for
a wide range of devices and applications. MAC OS, tightly integrated with Apple
hardware, ensures optimized compatibility within its ecosystem. Linux boasts
adaptability and scalability, allowing customization to match various hardware
setups.
Security measures are crucial, distinguishing systems through their approaches to

safeguarding data and resources. MAC OS and iOS are often lauded for their
stringent security measures and controlled environments. Linux, renowned for
its robustness, benefits from open-source community scrutiny, aiding in swift
vulnerability fixes. Windows provides comprehensive security features but
historically faced more vulnerability due to its widespread use.
Performance optimizations, file systems, and target applications also contribute

to OS differentiation. Windows prioritizes broad application support, MAC OS
emphasizes user experience and multimedia capabilities, and Linux excels in
server environments and customization, while mobile OS like iOS and Android
prioritize app ecosystems, mobility, and security.
Ultimately, an operating system's distinctiveness emerges from a blend of these

factors, tailored to meet the diverse needs of users and devices across various
computing landscapes.
Question2.
Explain different generations of window operating system.
Discuss features of each generation.
Answer.
Windows operating systems have evolved over distinct generations, each
introducing innovations and changes:
1. Windows 1.0 to Windows 3.x (1985-1992):

- Windows 1.0 (1985): Introduced a graphical interface with overlapping
windows.
- Windows 2.0 (1987): Enhanced GUI and functionality.
- Windows 3.0 (1990) and Windows 3.1 (1992): Offered significant
improvements in graphics, multimedia, and application compatibility.
2. Windows 95, 98, and ME (1995-2000):

- Windows 95 (1995): Redesigned with Start menu, taskbar, and 32-bit
architecture.
- Windows 98 (1998): Improved performance, USB support, and introduced
Internet Explorer.
- Windows ME (Millennium Edition) (2000): Focused on multimedia and
home networking but faced stability issues.
3. Windows NT Family (1993-2000):

- Windows NT 3.1 (1993): Geared towards businesses with a more stable
architecture.
- Windows NT 4.0 (1996): Enhanced GUI, networking, and added Active
Directory support.
- Windows 2000 (2000): Merged Windows NT and consumer lines for stability
and compatibility.
4. Windows XP (2001):
- Unified consumer and professional versions.
- Improved interface, stability, and multimedia capabilities.
5. Windows Vista (2007):

- Redesigned interface, security features, and search.
- Criticized for performance and compatibility issues.
6. Windows 7 (2009):
- Enhanced performance, stability, and introduced Aero interface.
- Well-received after Windows Vista.
7. Windows 8 and 8.1 (2012):

- Introduced a touch-focused interface with live tiles.
- Faced criticism for significant UI changes, refined with Windows 8.1.
8. Windows 10 (2015-present):
- Unified platform for PCs, tablets, and smartphones.
- Regular feature updates, enhanced security, and Windows-as-a-Service.
9. Windows 11 (2021-present):
- Redesigned Start menu, taskbar, and features.
- Focused on a streamlined user interface.
Each generation marked advancements in user experience, security, performance,

and compatibility, mirroring the evolution of computing technology and user
demands.
Question3.
Explain MAC, Linux and Chrome OS in detail.
Answer.
MAC OS:
1. Developer:
- Crafted by Apple Inc.
2. User Interface:
- Recognized for its elegant and user-friendly graphical interface.
3. Underlying Architecture:
- Constructed upon the Unix-based Darwin foundation.
4. Devices:
- Exclusive to Apple hardware, including Macintosh computers.
5. App Store:
- Houses the Mac App Store for software dissemination.
6. File System:
- Initially HFS+ (Mac OS Extended), transitioning to APFS (Apple File System).
7. Software Ecosystem:
- A proprietary system with closed source code.
- Accommodates MAC OS-specific software via the Mac App Store or third-
party sources.
8. Integration:
- Seamlessly integrated with other Apple devices and services.
9. Updates:
- Regularly updated, featuring new functionalities and security patches.
Linux:
1. Kernel:
- Relies on the Linux kernel, created by Linus Torvalds.
2. Distributions:
- Offers a wide array of distributions (distros) sporting different package
management systems (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian).
3. User Interface:
- Supports diverse desktop environments (e.g., GNOME, KDE) and window
managers.
- Also adaptable for command-line interface (CLI) usage.
4. Open Source:
- Open-source nature allows customization and code modification by users.
5. File System:
- Supports various file systems like ext4, Btrfs, XFS.
6. Usage:
- Widely employed in servers, embedded systems, and increasingly on desktops.
7. Security Model:
- Generally regarded as secure, with routine security updates.
8. Software Installation:
- Leverages package management systems (e.g., APT, YUM) for software
installation and updates.
Chrome OS:
1. Developer:
- Forged by Google.
2. User Interface:
- Crafted with a minimalist interface centered around the Chrome browser.
3. Underlying Architecture:
- Based on the Linux kernel.
4. Devices:
- Primarily utilized on Chromebooks, cost-effective laptops.
5. App Store:
- Provides access to the Chrome Web Store for web-based apps and select
Android apps.
6. File System:
- Utilizes the Linux-based file system with a focus on cloud storage.
7. Integration:
- Engineered to seamlessly interact with Google services like Drive and Docs.
8. Security Model:
- Emphasizes security through sandboxing, automatic updates, and a verified
boot process.
9. Offline Capabilities:
- Originally geared for online use but has expanded offline functionalities over
time.
These operating systems showcase individual strengths, with user preferences,

specific requirements, and hardware compatibility often guiding the selection
process.

Assignment 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Assignment 3

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Assignment 3

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SUBMITTED BY

Prof. Faisal Najeeb

15th - December – 2023

Operating systems serve as the fundamental software that manages a device's

Architecture distinguishes operating systems through their designs and

User interfaces vary between command-line interfaces (CLI) and GUIs,

Compatibility relates to an OS's ability to work with different hardware and

Security measures are crucial, distinguishing systems through their approaches to

Performance optimizations, file systems, and target applications also contribute

Ultimately, an operating system's distinctiveness emerges from a blend of these

1. Windows 1.0 to Windows 3.x (1985-1992):

2. Windows 95, 98, and ME (1995-2000):

3. Windows NT Family (1993-2000):

5. Windows Vista (2007):

7. Windows 8 and 8.1 (2012):

Each generation marked advancements in user experience, security, performance,

These operating systems showcase individual strengths, with user preferences,

You might also like