Computer Science / Lecture (2) Dr. Muthanna A.
Al-Tameemi
Operating System
An operating system is software that acts as an intermediary between a user and the
hardware of a computer,smartphone, or similar electronic device. It is the backbone
of the functionality and utility quality of these devices.
Operating systems vary depending on the device, manufacturer, and user
preferences, and understanding themis crucial for anyone working in or interested in
the information technology field.
Historyof Operating Sytems
▪ The history of operating systems dates back to the invention of the first computer,
the Z1, in 1936-1938.
▪ However, Z1 was a motor-driven mechanical computer designed by Konrad Zuse
which runs without an operating system. The first operating system was not
developed until 1956.
▪ In the 1960s, Bell Labs began work on Unix, the first multitasking operating
system. It was designed to allow multiple users to run different applications at the
same time on a single machine.
▪ In 1977, the Apple series was launched, with Apple DOS 3.3 becoming the first
disk operating system. It enables users to save and retrieve data from a hard disk.
▪ In 1981, Microsoft purchased the 86-DOS software from the Seattle company
and created its first operating system called DOS. It is a command-line interface
operating system that allows users to interact with the computer through text
commands.
▪ The most famous Microsoft operating system, Windows, was introduced in 1985
when MS-DOS was coupled with the GUI, a graphics environment. It made it
easier for users to interact with the computer through graphical icons and menus.
▪ Over the years, operating systems have undergone significant changes and
advancements. Today, we have a variety of operating systems such as Windows,
macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, among others, each with its own features and
capabilities.
What are Operating Systems?
An operating system (OS) acts as a software interface that enables communication
between the user and the device hardware. It allows users to interact with the device
and perform desired functions.To manage computer programs and applications, the
operating system uses two key components: Kernel, and Shell.
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Computer Science / Lecture (2) Dr. Muthanna A. Al-Tameemi
The Kernel
The Kernel is the main internal component that processes data at the hardware level.
It handles input-output operations, as well as memory and process management.
The Shell
Shell is the outer layer that facilitates interaction between the user and the OS. The
shell communicates with the operating system by accepting input from the user or
from shell scripts. A shell script is a collection of system commands stored in a file.
Functions of Operating Systems
An operating system has countless functions such as booting, memory management,
data security, device control, and more. In this article, we will discuss each of these
functions briefly.
1. Booting the Computer
The process of starting or restarting a computer is called booting. It can be either a
cold boot, which occurs when the computer is turned on after being completely
turned off, or a warm boot, which involves using the operating system to restart the
computer.
2. Performs basic computer tasks
One of the primary functions of an operating system is to manage peripheral devices
like mice, keyboards, and printers. Most modern operating systems are plug-and-
play, meaning that they can automatically detect and configure devices like printers
without any user intervention.
3. Provides a user interface
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Computer Science / Lecture (2) Dr. Muthanna A. Al-Tameemi
Another essential feature of an operating system is providing a user interface, which
allows users to interact with software. There are two main types of user interfaces:
command line and graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Command line interfaces
involve users typing specific commands to perform tasks, while GUIs rely on using
a mouse to access windows, icons, and menus.
4. Handles system resources
Operating systems also manage system resources such as memory, CPU time, and
input/output bandwidth. Programs and input methods are in constant competition for
these resources, but the operating system ensures that each application gets the
resources it needs to maximize the overall system’s functionality.
5. Provides file management
Finally, operating systems provide file management services, which involve
organizing and tracking files and directories saved or retrieved from the computer’s
disk. File management allows users to create, rename, copy, move, and delete files.
The operating system keeps track of where files are located on the hard drive using
a file system.
Types of operating systems
Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people
use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade
or even change operating systems. The three most common operating systems for
personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface GUI. A GUI lets you use
your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed
on the screen using a combination of graphics and text.
Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a
different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern
operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles
are the same.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been
many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10
(released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista
(2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the
most popular operating system in the world.
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Computer Science / Lecture (2) Dr. Muthanna A. Al-Tameemi
MacOS
macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It
comes preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions
include Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016).
According to StatCounter Global Stats, macOS users account for less than 10% of
global operating systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more
than 80%). One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive.
However, many people do prefer the look and feel of macOS over Windows.
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Computer Science / Lecture (2) Dr. Muthanna A. Al-Tameemi
Linux
Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which
means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is
different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by
the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are
many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from like as Ubuntu
,Debian, Gentoo, Fedora, Lubuntu.
According to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of
global operating systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively
easy to customize.
Operating systems for mobile devices
The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run on
desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and
MP3 players are different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating
systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices. Examples of mobile
operating systems include Apple iOS and Google Android.
Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made
for desktop and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software.
However, you can still do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the
Web, manage your calendar, and play games.
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Computer Science / Lecture (2) Dr. Muthanna A. Al-Tameemi
Microsoft Windows MacOS Linux
Pre-loaded Microsoft Windows is Mac OS is the pre- Linux is not pre-loaded on
Devices pre-loaded on all loaded OS on all many computers, but is
computers except Apple Apple Mac computers. free to download.
products.
Customisability Minimal changes. Minimal changes. Highly customisable as it
is open source.
Huge collaborative
community building a
range of applications.
Icon
Windows icon. Apple icon.
This is the Start Menu It is located in the top Different icons depending
and is located in the left hand corner of the on what software interface
bottom left hand corner screen and it is where you are using e.g. Redhat
of the screen it allows you can access your has a redhat symbol.
you to access your ‘System Preferences’, Ubuntu has the Circle of
‘Control Panel’, ‘Software Update’, Friends symbol.
‘Computer’, programs, ‘About This Mac’ and These symbols are located
folders and more. more. in the top left hand corner
You can also shut down You can also shut of the screen and it is where
your computer using down your computer you can access all your
this menu. using this menu. computer applications.
Search Tool Magnifying glass Magnifying glass If using Ubuntu, click on
located in the Start located in the top right the Circle of Friends icon.
Menu. hand corner.
Task Bar Located at the bottom Located at the bottom
Located on the left hand
of the screen. of the screen.
side of the screen with
It contains shortcuts to It contains shortcuts to
applications running in a
applications, the date applications, files and
vertical manner.
and time, and more. folders. Referred to as
It contains shortcuts to
a ‘Dock’. applications, files and
folders.
Finding Start Menu. Finder. Dash.
Programs An application where An application where The dashboard of Ubuntu
you can view and you can view and where you can view all
organise files and organise files and applications and files.
folders. folders.
Default Internet Explorer. Safari. Firefox.
Browser (Now known as
Microsoft Edge for
Microsoft Windows 10
version and later)
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