Module 4 : OPERATING SYSTEM BASIC CONCEPTS

After reading this module, you should be able to:

• Explained how Operating System works

• Familiarized of the major components of operating systems
• Installed Different Operating System

CONTENT

Operating System and its Function

An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer user and computer hardware. An operating system
is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process
management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

Some popular Operating Systems include Linux Operating System, Windows Operating System, Android, OS X,
VMS, OS/400, AIX, z/OS, etc.

Figure 4.1 Operating system acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware

TYPES OF OS

Batch operating system

The users of a batch operating system do not interact with the computer directly. Each user prepares his job on
an off-line device like punch cards and submits it to the computer operator. To speed up processing, jobs with
similar needs are batched together and run as a group. The programmers leave their programs with the operator
and the operator then sorts the programs with similar requirements into batches.

The problems with Batch Systems are as follows −

 Lack of interaction between the user and the job
 CPU is often idle, because the speed of the mechanical I/O devices is slower than the CPU
 Difficult to provide the desired priority
Time-sharing operating systems

Time-sharing is a technique which enables many people, located at various terminals, to use a particular computer
system at the same time. Time-sharing or multitasking is a logical extension of multiprogramming. Processor's
time which is shared among multiple users simultaneously is termed as time-sharing.

The main difference between Multiprogrammed Batch Systems and Time-Sharing Systems is that in case of
Multiprogrammed batch systems, the objective is to maximize processor use, whereas in Time-Sharing Systems,
the objective is to minimize response time.

Multiple jobs are executed by the CPU by switching between them, but the switches occur so frequently. Thus,
the user can receive an immediate response. For example, in a transaction processing, the processor executes
each user program in a short burst or quantum of computation. That is, if n users are present, then each user can
get a time quantum. When the user submits the command, the response time is in few seconds at most.

The operating system uses CPU scheduling and multiprogramming to provide each user with a small portion of
a time. Computer systems that were designed primarily as batch systems have been modified to time-sharing
systems.

Advantages of Timesharing operating systems are as follows −

 Provides the advantage of quick response
 Avoids duplication of software
 Reduces CPU idle time

Disadvantages of Time-sharing operating systems are as follows −

 Problem of reliability
 Question of security and integrity of user programs and data
 Problem of data communication

Distributed operating System

Distributed systems use multiple central processors to serve multiple real-time applications and multiple users.
Data processing jobs are distributed among the processors accordingly.

The processors communicate with one another through various communication lines (such as high-speed buses
or telephone lines). These are referred as loosely coupled systems or distributed systems. Processors in a
distributed system may vary in size and function. These processors are referred as sites, nodes, computers, and
so on.

The advantages of distributed systems are as follows −

 With resource sharing facility, a user at one site may be able to use the resources available at another
 Speedup the exchange of data with one another via electronic mail
 If one site fails in a distributed system, the remaining sites can potentially continue operating
 Better service to the customers
 Reduction of the load on the host computer
 Reduction of delays in data processing

Network operating System (NOS)

A Network Operating System runs on a server and provides the server the capability to manage data, users,
groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The primary purpose of the network operating
system is to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network, typically a local area
network (LAN), a private network or to other networks.

Examples of network operating systems include Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server
2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, Novell NetWare, and BSD.

The advantages of network operating systems are as follows −

 Centralized servers are highly stable
 Security is server managed
 Upgrades to new technologies and hardware can be easily integrated into the system
 Remote access to servers is possible from different locations and types of systems
The disadvantages of network operating systems are as follows −
 High cost of buying and running a server.
 Dependency on a central location for most operations.
 Regular maintenance and updates are required.

Real Time operating System

A real-time system is defined as a data processing system in which the time interval required to process and
respond to inputs is so small that it controls the environment. The time taken by the system to respond to an input
and display of required updated information is termed as the response time. So in this method, the response time
is very less as compared to online processing.

Real-time systems are used when there are rigid time requirements on the operation of a processor or the flow
of data and real-time systems can be used as a control device in a dedicated application. A real-time operating
system must have well-defined, fixed time constraints, otherwise the system will fail. For example, Scientific
experiments, medical imaging systems, industrial control systems, weapon systems, robots, air traffic control
systems, etc.

There are two types of real-time operating systems.

 Hard real-time systems- guarantee that critical tasks complete on time. In hard real-time systems,
secondary storage is limited or missing and the data is stored in ROM. In these systems, virtual memory
is almost never found.
 Soft real-time systems- Soft real-time systems are less restrictive. A critical real-time task gets priority
over other tasks and retains the priority until it completes. Soft real-time systems have limited utility than
hard real-time systems. For example, multimedia, virtual reality, Advanced Scientific Projects like
undersea exploration and planetary rovers, etc.

Mobile OS

Mobile operating systems are those OS which is especially that are designed to power smartphones, tablets, and
wearables devices.

Some most famous mobile operating systems are Android and iOS, but others include BlackBerry, Web, and
watchOS.

FUNCTIONS OF OS
 Memory Management
Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is a
large array of words or bytes where each word or byte has its own address.

Main memory provides a fast storage that can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be
executed, it must in the main memory. An Operating System does the following activities for memory
management −
 Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in use by whom, what part are not in
use
 In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get memory when and how much
 Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so
 De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it or has been terminated

 Processor Management
In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which process gets the processor when and for how
much time. This function is called process scheduling. An Operating System does the following activities
for processor management −
o Keeps tracks of processor and status of process. The program responsible for this task is
known as traffic controller
o Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process
o De-allocates processor when a process is no longer required

 Device Management
An Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does the following
activities for device management −
 o Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for this task is known as the I/O controller
o Decides which process gets the device when and for how much time
o Allocates the device in the efficient way
o De-allocates devices

 File Management
A file system is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and usage. These directories may
contain files and other directions.
An Operating System does the following activities for file management −
o Keeps track of information, location, uses, status etc. The collective facilities are often known
as file system
o Decides who gets the resources
o Allocates the resources
o De-allocates the resources

Other Important Activities performed by OS

 Security- By means of password and similar other techniques, it prevents unauthorized access to
programs and data.
 Control over system performance- Recording delays between request for a service and response
from the system.
 Job accounting- Keeping track of time and resources used by various jobs and users.
 Error detecting aids- Production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and error
detecting aids.
 Coordination between other software and users- Coordination and assignment of compilers,
interpreters, assemblers and other software to the various users of the computer systems.

Popular Operating System

MICROSOFT WINDOWS

Microsoft Windows has existed in one form or another since 1985, and it remains the most popular operating
system for home and office computers. Its latest versions, including Windows 10, are also used on some tablets,
and the OS is used on some web and number-crunching server computers as well. Computers from a wide variety
of manufacturers can use Windows.

Initial versions of Windows worked with an earlier Microsoft operating system called MS-DOS, providing a modern
graphical interface on top of DOS's traditional text-based commands. Signature features of Microsoft Windows's
user interface include windows themselves – rectangle-shaped, on-panel screens that represent individual
applications. The Windows Start menu has helped generations of users find programs and files on their devices.

Efforts to use versions of the Windows OS for smartphones have been less successful.

Versions of Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows has seen nine major versions since its first release in 1985. Over 29 years later, Windows
looks very different but somehow familiar with elements that have survived the test of time, increases in computing
power and – most recently – a shift from the keyboard and mouse to the touchscreen.

Here’s a brief look at the history of Windows, from its birth at the hands of Bill Gates with Windows 1 to the latest
arrival under new Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella.

 Windows 1- This is where it all started for Windows. The original Windows 1 was released in November
1985 and was Microsoft’s first true attempt at a graphical user interface in 16-bit. Development was
spearheaded by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and ran on top of MS-DOS, which relied on command-line
input.

It was notable because it relied heavily on use of a mouse before the mouse was a common computer
input device. To help users become familiar with this odd input system, Microsoft included a game,
Reversi (visible in the screenshot) that relied on mouse control, not the keyboard, to get people used to
moving the mouse around and clicking onscreen elements.
 Figure 4.1 Windows 1 Interface

 Windows 2- Two years after the release of Windows 1, Microsoft’s Windows 2 replaced it in December
1987. The big innovation for Windows 2 was that windows could overlap each other, and it also
introduced the ability to minimise or maximise windows instead of “iconising” or “zooming”.
The control panel, where various system settings and configuration options were collected together in
one place, was introduced in Windows 2 and survives to this day. Microsoft Word and Excel also made
their first appearances running on Windows 2.

Figure 4.2 Windows 2 Interface

 Windows 3- The first Windows that required a hard drive launched in 1990. Windows 3 was the first
version to see more widespread success and be considered a challenger to Apple’s Macintosh and the
Commodore Amiga graphical user interfaces, coming pre-installed on computers from PC-compatible
manufacturers including Zenith Data Systems.

Windows 3 introduced the ability to run MS-DOS programmes in windows, which brought multitasking
to legacy programmes, and supported 256 colours bringing a more modern, colourful look to the
interface. More important - at least to the sum total of human time wasted - it introduced the card-moving
timesink (and mouse use trainer) Solitaire.
 Figure 4.3 Windows 3 Interface

 Windows 3.1- Windows 1 and 2 both had point release updates, but Windows 3.1 released in 1992 is
notable because it introduced TrueType fonts making Windows a viable publishing platform for the first
time.

Minesweeper also made its first appearance. Windows 3.1 required 1MB of RAM to run and allowed
supported MS-DOS programs to be controlled with a mouse for the first time. Windows 3.1 was also the
first Windows to be distributed on a CD-ROM, although once installed on a hard drive it only took up 10
to 15MB (a CD can typically store up to 700MB).

Figure 4.4 Windows 3.1 Interface

 Windows 95- As the name implies, Windows 95 arrived in August 1995 and with it brought the first ever
Start button and Start menu. It also introduced the concept of “plug and play” – connect a peripheral and
the operating system finds the appropriate drivers for it and makes it work. That was the idea; it didn’t
always work in practice.

Windows 95 also introduced a 32-bit environment, the task bar and focused on multitasking. MS-DOS
still played an important role for Windows 95, which required it to run some programmes and elements.
 Internet Explorer also made its debut on Windows 95, but was not installed by default requiring the
Windows 95 Plus! pack. Later revisions of Windows 95 included IE by default, as Netscape Navigator
and NCSA Mosaic were popular at the time.

Figure 4.5 Windows 95 Interface

 Windows 98- Released in June 1998, Windows 98 built on Windows 95 and brought with it IE 4, Outlook
Express, Windows Address Book, Microsoft Chat and NetShow Player, which was replaced by Windows
Media Player 6.2 in Windows 98 Second Edition in 1999.

Windows 98 introduced the back and forward navigation buttons and the address bar in Windows
Explorer, among other things. One of the biggest changes was the introduction of the Windows Driver
Model for computer components and accessories – one driver to support all future versions of Windows.
USB support was much improved in Windows 98 and led to its widespread adoption, including USB hubs
and USB mice.

 Windows ME- Considered a low point in the Windows series by many – at least, until they saw Windows
Vista – Windows Millennium Edition was the last Windows to be based on MS-DOS, and the last in the
Windows 9x line.

Released in September 2000, it was the consumer-aimed operating system twined with Windows 2000
aimed at the enterprise market. It introduced some important concepts to consumers, including more
automated system recovery tools.

IE 5.5, Windows Media Player 7 and Windows Movie Maker all made their appearance for the first time.
Autocomplete also appeared in Windows Explorer, but the operating system was notorious for being
buggy, failing to install properly and being generally poor.

 Windows 2000- The enterprise twin of ME, Windows 2000 was released in February 2000 and was
based on Microsoft’s business-orientated system Windows NT and later became the basis for Windows
XP. Microsoft’s automatic updating played an important role in Windows 2000 and became the first
Windows to support hibernation.
 Figure 4.6 Windows 2000 Interface

 Windows XP- Arguably one of the best Windows versions, Windows XP was released in October 2001
and brought Microsoft’s enterprise line and consumer line of operating systems under one roof. It was
based on Windows NT like Windows 2000, but brought the consumer-friendly elements from Windows
ME. The Start menu and task bar got a visual overhaul, bringing the familiar green Start button, blue
task bar and vista wallpaper, along with various shadow and other visual effects.
Windows XP was the longest running Microsoft operating system, seeing three major updates and
support up until April 2014 – 13 years from its original release date. Windows XP was still used on an
estimated 430m PCs when it was discontinued.

 Windows Vista- Windows XP stayed the course for close to six years before being replaced by Windows
Vista in January 2007. Vista updated the look and feel of Windows with more focus on transparent
elements, search and security. Its development, under the codename “Longhorn”, was troubled, with
ambitious elements abandoned in order to get it into production.

Windows XP stayed the course for close to six years before being replaced by Windows Vista in January
2007. Vista updated the look and feel of Windows with more focus on transparent elements, search and
security. Its development, under the codename “Longhorn”, was troubled, with ambitious elements
abandoned in order to get it into production.

 Windows 7- Considered by many as what Windows Vista should have been, Windows 7 was first
released in October 2009. It was intended to fix all the problems and criticism faced by Vista, with slight
tweaks to its appearance and a concentration on user-friendly features and less “dialogue box overload”.
It was faster, more stable and easier to use, becoming the operating system most users and business
would upgrade to from Windows XP, forgoing Vista entirely.

 Windows 8- Released in October 2012, Windows 8 was Microsoft’s most radical overhaul of the
Windows interface, ditching the Start button and Start menu in favour of a more touch-friendly Start
screen.

The new tiled interface saw programme icons and live tiles, which displayed at-a-glance information
normally associated with “widgets”, replace the lists of programmes and icons. A desktop was still
included, which resembled Windows 7.

Windows 8 was faster than previous versions of Windows and included support for the new, much faster
USB 3.0 devices. The Windows Store, which offers universal Windows apps that run in a full-screen
mode only, was introduced. Programs could still be installed from third-parties like other iterations of
Windows, but they could only access the traditional desktop interface of Windows.

The radical overhaul was not welcomed by many. Microsoft attempted to tread a fine line between
touchscreen support and desktop users, but ultimately desktop users wanting to control Windows with
 a traditional mouse and keyboard and not a touchscreen felt Windows 8 was a step back. There were
also too few touchscreens in use, or on offer, to make its touch-oriented interface useful or even
necessary - despite the parallel rise of tablets such as the iPad, and smartphones, which had begun
outselling PCs by the end of 2010.

Figure 4.7 Windows 8 Interface

 Windows 8.1- A free point release to Windows 8 introduced in October 2013, Windows 8.1 marked a
shift towards yearly software updates from Microsoft and included the first step in Microsoft’s U-turn
around its new visual interface.

Windows 8.1 re-introduced the Start button, which brought up the Start screen from the desktop view of
Windows 8.1. Users could also choose to boot directly into the desktop of Windows 8.1, which was more
suitable for those using a desktop computer with a mouse and keyboard than the touch-focused Start
screen.

Figure 4.8 Windows 8.1 GUI

 Windows 10- Microsoft's Windows 10 succeeds Windows 8 and is currently the most recent version of
Windows available. Announced on 30 September 2014, and was released as a test version for keen
users on October 1, 2014. The final version was released to the public on July 29, 2015. Windows 10
was famously a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 owners but that only lasted for one year,
through July 29, 2016.

It introduces an updated Start Menu, new login methods, a better taskbar, a notification center, support
for virtual desktops, the Edge browser, and a host of other usability updates. Cortana, Microsoft's mobile
personal assistant, is now part of Windows 10, even on desktop computers.

 Windows 11 - The Windows 11 operating system was released October 5, 2021. It is a free upgrade for
existing Windows 10 users. Interface is rounded design, has better Xbox app integration. Its AutoHDR
makes old games look more vibrant
APPLE IOS

Apple's iOS is one of the most popular smartphone operating systems, second only to Android. It runs on Apple
hardware, including iPhones, iPad tablets and iPod Touch media players.
Signature features of iOS include the App Store where users buy apps and download free software, an emphasis
on security including strong encryption to limit what unauthorized users can extract from the phone, and a simple,
streamlined interface with minimal hardware buttons.

IOS Versions

 iOS 1- Initial Version was released on June 29, 2007 and the final Version released on July 15, 2008.
iOS 1 is the first release of Apple’s mobile operating system. This version of iOS was the first iteration
of the touch-centric mobile operating system. The pre-installed system features of this version included
Camera, Calendar, Photos, Notes, Safari, Phone, Mail, iPod, videos, and music. This was the first
version of the software compatible with the iPod touch.
 iOS 2- Initial Version released on July 11, 2008 and final Version was released on January 27, 2009.
iOS 2 version of iOS introduced the third-party applications and system features that are available to
iPod and iPhone Touch. The system features of this version included Calendar, Text, Camera, Weather,
Photos, YouTube, Camera, Stocks, Maps, Calculator, Notes, Clock, iTunes, App Store, Settings.
 iOS 3- Initial Version was released on June 11, 2010 and the final Version was released on August 11,
2010. iOS 3 introduced the spotlight and search indexing features that are designed to help the users to
connect with specific information on their device. The system features of this version included iTunes,
Text, Calendar, Weather, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Calculator, Clock, Settings, Notes, Voice Memos,
Maps, App Store.
 iOS 4- Initial Version was released on June 22, 2010 and the final Version– Released on 4.3.5 on July
25, 2011. The iOS 4 was announced at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 2010.
iOS 4 version introduced folders on the home screen and increased the number of apps that can be
displayed. The system features of this version are Spell check, Camera, Home screen, Mail, and Safari.
 iOS 5- Initial Version was released on October 12, 2011 and the final version was released on May 7,
2011. Apple responded to the growing trend of cloud computing by introducing new platforms and
system features. iOS 5 revamped notifications, added temporary banners that appear at the top of the
screen. The system features of this version are Newsstand, Siri, and Reminders.
 iOS 6- Initial version was released on September 19, 2012 and final version was released on February
21, 2014. iOS 6 version was first introduced by Siri and later surpassed by competitors and revolutionary
technology. The system features of this version are Siri, Settings, and Facebook Integration.
 OS 7- Initial version was released on September 18, 2013 and the final version was released on June
30, 2014. iOS 7 version was completely designed for User Interface. The system features of this version
are AirDrop, Design, Notification Center, Multitasking, Control Center, and Siri.
 iOS 8- Initial Version was released on September 17, 2014 and the final version was released on August
13, 2015. With the help of iOS 8 version, the consistency and stable operation returned to the operating
system and became beneficial to users with UX system modification. The system features of this version
are Spotlight, Continuity, Keyboard, Notifications, and Multitasking.
 iOS 9- Initial Version was released on September 16, 2015 and the final version was released on August
25, 2016. iOS mobile operating system brought few changes to both the interface and technical
foundation of the iOS with a stable, dependant and solid performance. Major improvements of iOS 9
version are delivered on older devices and other groundwork.
 iOS 10- Initial version was released on July 19, 2017 and the final version was released on September
13, 2016. iOS 10 version incorporated changes to 3D Touch and the lock screen. The reviewers were
impressed with the image recognition technology process of iOS 10 version. The system features of this
version are Keyboard, Home screen, Notification Center, Settings, Universal Clipboard.
 iOS 11- The initial version was released on September 19, 2017 and the final version was released on
May 29, 2018. iOS 11 developed customization and interoperability features in the mobile operating
system. The lock screen and notification center of this version are developed with the display option.
The system features of this version are Siri, Control Center, Camera, Wallpapers, and Settings.
 iOS 12- Initial version: Released on September 17, 2018 and the Final version: 12.0. Released Sept.
17, 2018
 iOS 13- Apple announced iOS 13 on June 3, 2019, at its annual Apple Worldwide Developers
Conference (WWDC) event, and it was released to the public on September 19, 2019 alongside the
iPhone 11 series (11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max). It is the thirteenth major release of the iOS mobile operating
system developed by Apple Inc. for their iPhone, iPod Touch, and HomePod lines. The successor to
iOS 12 on those devices, it was announced at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference on
June 3, 2019 and released on September 19, 2019. iOS 13 introduces a dramatic new look for iPhone
with Dark Mode, new ways to browse and edit photos, and a private new way to sign in to apps and
 websites with just a tap. iOS 13 is faster and more responsive with optimizations across the system that
improve app launch, reduce app download sizes and make Face ID even faster.
 iOS 14- iOS brings a fresh look to the things you do most often, making them easier than ever. New
features help you get what you need in the moment. And the apps you use all the time become even
more intelligent, more personal, and more private. Apple announced iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 on June 22,
2020 at its annual WWDC 2020 event, with a developer beta released on the same day and a public
beta released on July 9, 2020.
 iOS 15 - Apple in June 2021 introduced the latest version of its iOS operating system, iOS 15, which
was released on September 20. iOS 15 introduces new features for FaceTime calls, tools to reduce
distractions, a new notifications experience, added privacy features, complete redesigns for Safari,
Weather, and Maps, and more

GOOGLE'S ANDROID OS

Android is the most popular operating system in the world judging by the number of devices installed. Largely
developed by Google, it's chiefly used on smartphones and tablets. Unlike iOS, it can be used on devices made
by a variety of different manufacturers, and those makers can tweak parts of its interface to suit their own needs.
Users can download custom versions of the operating system because large portions of it are open source,
meaning anyone can legally modify it and publish their own. However, most people prefer to stick with the version
that comes on their devices.

Android, like iOS, comes with an application and media store called the Play Store built by Google. Some phone
manufacturers and other organizations also offer their own stores to install software and media.

Android’s Version

 Android Version 1.0 to 1.1: No codename- Android officially publish its Android version 1.0 in September
2008. It is the initial version of Android operating system. It supports Web browser to show HTML and
XHTML web pages, camera, access web email server (POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP). This version contains
Google Calendar, Google Maps, Google Sync, Google Search, Google Talk, Instant messaging, Media
player, Notifications appear in the status bar, wallpaper, YouTube video player, Alarm Clock, Calculator,
Dialer, Pictures (Gallery), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
 Android version 1.5: Cupcake- On April 27, 2009, the Android updated to 1.5 with the codename of the
dessert item (Cupcake). It has Linux kernel 2.6.27. It supports third-party virtual keyboard, Video
recording and playback in MPEG-4, Copy and paste feature, Animated screen translations, auto-rotation
option, ability to upload a video to YouTube, upload photos to Picasa, check phone usage history.
 Android version 1.6: Donut- On September 15, 2009, Android 1.6 was released with the name Donut. It
contains numerous new features such as voice and text entry search, bookmark history, contacts, web,
"speak" a string of text, faster camera access, user can select multiple photos for deletion, support text-
to-speech engine, WVGA screen resolutions.
 Android version 2.0 to 2.1: Éclair- On October 26, 2009, Android 2.0 was released, whose codename
was Eclair. It was based on Linux kernel 2.6.29. It contains the several new features as expanded
account sync, Microsoft Exchange email support, Bluetooth 2.1, ability to tap a Contact photo and select
to call, SMS, ability to search all saved SMS, MMS messages, delete the oldest message automatically
when the defined limit is reached, Minor API, bug fixes.
 Android version 2.2 to 2.2.3: Froyo- On May 20, 2010, Android 2.2 (Froyo) was released based on Linux
kernel 2.6.32. It contains several features as speed, memory, performance optimization. JIT compilation,
Integration of Chrome's V8, JavaScript engine into the Browser application, support Android Cloud to
Device Messaging service, Adobe Flash support, security updates, and performance improvement.
 Android version 2.3 to 2.3.7: Gingerbread- On December 6, 2010, the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) was
released based on Linux kernel 2.6.35. It includes the following changes: support for extra-large screen
size and resolutions, updated user interface design with increased simplicity and speed, enhanced
copy/paste functionality, select a word by press-holding, support Near Field Communication (NFC),
headphone virtualization, new Download Manager.
 Android version 3.0 to 3.2.6: Honeycomb- On February 22, 2011, Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) was
launched for the first tablet for Android-based on Linux kernel 2.6.36. It contains the features like
"holographic" user interface for tablet, added system Bar, simplified multitasking tapping Recent
Application in system Bar, redesign the keyboard making fast typing, quick access to camera exposure,
hardware acceleration, support for multi-core processor, UI refinements, connectivity for USB
accessories, support for joysticks and gamepads, high-performance Wi-Fi lock, improved hardware
support, Google Books, fixed data connectivity issues when coming out of Airplane mode.
 Android version 4.0 to 4.0.4: Ice Cream Sandwich- On October 19, 2011, Android 4.0.1 (Ice Cream
Sandwich) was launched, which was based on Linux kernel 3.0.1. It was the last version of officially
support Adobe System Flash player. It introduces the numerous new features: refinements to "Holo"
 interface with new Roboto font family, separation of widgets in a new tab, integrated screenshot capture,
improved error correction on the keyboard, improved copy and paste functionality, build-in photo editor,
fixed minor bugs, improvement to graphics, spell-checking, better camera performance.
 Android version 4.1 to 4.3.1: Jelly Bean- On June 27, 2012, Google announced Android 4.1(Jelly Bean)
in the Google I/O conference. It is based on Linux kernel 3.0.31. It updates to following features:
smoother user interface, enhance accessibility, expandable notification, fixed bug on Nexus 7, one-finger
gestures to expand/collapse notifications, lock screen improvement, multiple user accounts (tablets
only), new clock application, Bluetooth low energy support, volume for incoming call, 4K resolution
support, native emoji support, bug fixes for the Nexus 7 LTE.
 Android version 4.4 to 4.4.4: KitKat- On September 3, 2013, Google announced Android 4.4 (KitKat).
Initially, its code name was "Key Lime Pie". Google started on Google's Nexus 5 on October 31, 2013.
The minimum required amount of RAM should available to Android is 340 MB. The other devices with
less than 512 MB of RAM must report themselves as "low RAM" devices. It includes several new features
as clock no longer display bold hours, wireless printing capability, WebViews are based on Chromium
engine, sensor batching, built-in screen recording feature, better application compatibility, camera
application loads Google+ Photo instead of Gallery.
 Android version 5.0 to 5.1.1: Lollipop- Android 5.0 "Lollipop" was initially named "Android L" on June 25,
2014. It was officially introduced on November 12, 2014. Lollipop provides several features like
redesigned user interface, support for 64-bit CPUs, support for print previews, material design, Project
Volta for battery life improvement, multiple user accounts, audio input, and output through USB devices,
join Wi-Fi networks, support for multiple SIM cards, device protection, high-definition voice calls, native
Wi-Fi calling support.
 Android version 6.0 - 6.0.1: Marshmallow- On October 5, 2015, Android lunches "Marshmallow" for all
android devices. It contains the various new features as App Standby feature, introduce the Doze mode
to save battery life, native fingerprint reader support, run-time permission requests, USB-C support,
Unicode 7.0 & 8.0 emoji support.
 Android version 7.0 to 7.1.2: Nougat- Android 7.0 "Nougat" was the major release for the Android
operating system. Its initial codename was "Android N". It was first released as a developer preview on
March 9, 2016, with factory images for the Nexus device.
On August 22, 2016, the final preview built was released with following features: file-based encryption,
zoom in the screen, multi-window support, new Data Saver mode, JIT compiler makes 75 percent faster
app installation, picture-in-picture support, support manager APIs, circular app icons support, send GIFs
directly from the default keyboard, battery usage alerts.
 Android version 8.0 to 8.1: Oreo- Android 8.0 "Oreo" was the 8th major release of the Android operating
system. It was first released for developer preview on March 21, 2017. The final developer preview was
released on July 24, 2017. On August 21, 2017, its stable version was released with several features:
picture-in-picture support, support for Unicode 10.0 emoji (5.0), restructured settings, adoptive icons,
notification channels, notification dots, 2 times faster boot time, Google Play Protect, Integrated printing
support, Neural network API, shared memory API, Android Oreo Go Edition, autofill framework,
automatic light, and dark themes.
 Android version 9.0: Pie- Android 9.0 "Pie" was the ninth major version of the Android operating system.
It was first announced and preview launched by Google on March 7, 2018. It was officially released on
August 6, 2018. It has the following features: the clock has moved to the left of the notification bar, the
"screenshot" button has been added, battery percentage always shown on display.
 Android version 10:- Android 10 is the tenth extensive version of the Android operating system. Android
10 has developed under the codename "Android Q". It was initially announced by Google on March 13,
2019 and its first beta version was released on same day and its second beta was released on April 3,
2019. The stable version of Android 10 was released on September 3, 2019. It contains features like
new permissions to access location in the background, floating setting panel, support for an AV1 video
codec, support for biometric authentication, support the WPA3 Wi-Fi security.
 Android 11- Android 11 operating system is the eleventh big release of Android. It is the 18th version of
Android mobile OS, which was released on 8 September 2020. The alphabetic naming system of
Android, based on deserts, was stopped since Android 10. So therefore, this operating system has
branded with "Android 11".
 Android 12 - the twelfth major release and 19th version of Android, the mobile operating system
developed by the Open Handset Alliance led by Google. The first beta was released on May 18, 2021

Apple macOS
Apple's macOS, successor to the popular OS X operating system, runs on Apple laptops and desktops. Based in
part on the historic family of Unix operating systems dating back to research in the 1960s at AT&T's Bell Labs,
macOS shares some features with other Unix-related operating systems including Linux. While the graphical
interfaces are different, many of the underlying programming interfaces and command line features are the same.
Signature elements of macOS include the dock used to find programs and frequently used files, unique keyboard
keys including the Command key, and the stoplight-colored buttons used to resize open program windows.
MacOS is known for its user-friendly features, which include Siri, a natural-voice personal assistant, and
FaceTime, Apple's video-calling application.

Linux Operating System

Unlike many other operating systems, development on Linux isn't led by any one company. The operating system
was created by Finnish programmer Linus Torvalds in 1991. Nowadays, programmers from all over the world
collaborate on its open source code and submit tweaks to the central kernel software and other programs.

A wide assortment of commercial and open source software is available for Linux, and various Linux distributions
(disros) provide custom user interfaces and tools for installing software onto machines running the operating
system. A favorite of many programmers, Linux is widely used on corporate and scientific servers, including cloud
computing environments. Linux can be run on a wide variety of hardware and is available free of charge over the
internet.

Top Linux Distribution

 Ubuntu- Ubuntu is one of the most popular flavors of Linux and is strongly recommended for Linux
newbies, as it's extremely accessible. New versions of Ubuntu are released every six months, and every
other year the developer Canonical releases an LTS (long term support) version of Ubuntu. These
guarantee five years of security and general maintenance updates, so you can carry on using your
machine without the hassle of running a full upgrade every few months. Standard releases are supported
for one year only.
 Elementary OS- If you’re after a distro that gets you as far away as possible from the image of a nerdy
hacker type bashing away at a terminal interface, Elementary OS is what you need. It’s probably the
most attractive distro around, with a style that gives tribute to macOS. This operating system’s superb
desktop environment is known as Pantheon, and is based on Gnome.
The latest version of Elementary OS is called Hera, which features a new onboarding experience, new
ways to install apps, applies a major update to settings as well as improving core apps, as well as
redesigning the login and lockscreen along with other desktop tweaks.
 Linux Mint- Linux Mint is a great ‘default’ distro for new Linux users, as it comes with a lot of the software
you’ll need when switching from Mac or Windows, such as LibreOffice, the favored productivity suite of
Linux users. It also has better support for proprietary media formats, allowing you to play videos, DVDs
and MP3 music files out of the box.
You can download three main starter flavors of Mint, each of which uses a different desktop environment,
the top-most layer of the interface allowing you to change elements such as the appearance of windows
and menus. Cinnamon is currently the most popular, but you can also choose the more basic MATE, or
Xfce.
 openSUSE- Previously known as SUSE Linux and subsequently SuSE Linux Professional, openSUSE
is aimed at developers and system administrators. For that reason, it’s extremely stringent on security
protocols.
The operating system is divided into two main distributions: openSUSE Leap and openSUSE
Tumbleweed. Leap uses the source code from SUSE Linux Enterprise, which makes it much more
stable. New versions are released roughly once a year and are supported for three years, making Leap
perfect for business applications.
 CentOS- CentOS is a community offshoot of the Enterprise version of Red Hat Linux, and its focus is on
stability rather than constant updates. Like Red Hat, security and maintenance updates for CentOS are
pushed out up to 10 years from the initial release of each version.
 Arch Linux- If you’re willing to try a slightly less user-friendly distro, Arch Linux is one of the most popular
choices around. Arch allows you to customize your build using the terminal to download and install
packages, and it’s particularly handy for developers and those with older machines who may not want
unnecessary packages taking up space.
The main aim of Arch Linux is to keep things simple, not so much for users as much as ensure code is
clean and correct, with a minimalist approach to everything. There's not so much bundled with it as other
distros, so users will be expected to download any additional software they need, as well as customize
Arch Linux according to their needs.