COSC 203- OPERATING SYSTEMS I

DR. ADEGBENJO ADERONKE

 MODULE 1- CONCEPTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as inputs, stores the data and
manipulates the data to produce or process new information or a result as output.

COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEMS

A computer system can be divided roughly into four components:
1. The hardware
2. The operating system
3. The system and application programs
4. The users.

End User

Application (System & Application software )

Operating System (Windows, Apple OS, Linux & Unix)

Hardware (CPU, Memory, Hard drive)

 SYSTEM
SOFTWARE
SOFTWARE
APPLICATION
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
SYSTEM
I/O DEVICES,
HARDWARE MEMORY,
PROCESSOR

FIG 1.1. BASIC CLASSIFICATION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

Hardware: the various physical components of a computer system. It is any part that can be
held or felt or touched. i.e. Monitor, processor, hard drive, keyboard, etc.
Software consists of the non-tangible elements. It includes instructions and other
commands that control the operation of the computer system. The software is the interface
between the hardware and user applications.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE
1) System software: it is designed to run the computer’s hardware and application
programs. It is the interface between the hardware and user applications. It is
designed by the software manufacturers i.e. OS

TYPES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE

1. OPERATING SYSTEM (OS): An Operating system is a program that manages the
computer hardware and computer software. It is a software designed by system
developers to control and manage the resources of a computer system.

2. TRANSLATOR: A translator is the middle thing responsible for the conversion or

translation of a program written in a language format other than machine language
(source code) into the machine code version which the computer understands.
TYPES OF TRANSLATOR
- Assembler is a set of program that translates a program written in assembly
language into machine code.
- Interpreter is a set of program that does its translation of high-level language
program to machine code line by line basis. If the first line is not settled it
does not go to the next.
 - Compiler is a set of program that translate a high-level program into its
machine equivalent in batches.
N.B.
1. The computer experts which takes as input a program written in one
programming language
2. Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Code (BASIC) and turns it into computer
readable form.
UTILITIES PROGRAM: These are programs responsible for routine operations within the
computer system. Some of these come with the operating system software (called
embedded programs).

TYPES/ EXAMPLES OF UTILITY PROGRAM

- Backup utilities: These are programs designed to backup or keep a duplicate
copy of the contents of a hard disk drive on floppy/diskettes, CD, DVD, flash
drive, tape etc.
- Data Compression programs: These are programs used for compressing large
files, thereby freeing up disk space.
- Diagnostic software: These are programs designed to help in finding and
correcting problems on the computer.
- Disk defragmenter: A program that re-organizes contiguously programs that
were initially non-contiguous on the memory to free more space for incoming
programs and to improve access time.
- Vaccine programs: These are programs designed to prevent virus from
entering the computer system. They are popularly called antivirus software.
-

2) Application software: It is a type of computer program that performs a specific

personal, business, or educational function.
TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE/ PACKAGES
- Word Processing Packages: These are programs used by various
organizations to produce text-based documents. Examples are MS Word,
Word Perfect, and Word Star etc.
- Spreadsheet Packages: These are the program that can turn your system into
a powerful calculating device. They are electronic worksheet programs used
for making payrolls, budget analysis, and production of charts and so on. MS
Excel, and Lotus 123 are examples.
- Graphic /Presentation Packages: These are programs for creating high
resolution images and other illustrations like pie charts, bar charts and other
 graphs used for presentations. Power point, Corel Draw and Page Maker are
examples.
- Communication Packages: These are the programs that are used to turn the
computer into devices for sending messages from one person to another and
also for sending and receiving electronic mails. Examples are MS Outlook,
Outlook Express, Internet Explorer, FoxPro Mozilla.
- Analytical/Statistical Packages: these are programs for solving more
analytical problems like statistical analysis. Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS) is an example.

INTRODUCTION TO THE OPERATING SYSTEM

- Operating system is an integrated set of programs that controls the resources
of a computer system and provide its users with an interface that is more
convenient to use.
- An operating system is software that manages the computer hardware as
well as providing an environment for application program to run.
- An operating system is a control program. A control program manages the
execution of user programs to prevent errors and improper use of the
computer.
- The software that contains the core components of the operating system is
called the kernel.
- The software that contains the core components of the operating system is
called the kernel.
- The main task an operating system carries out is the allocation of resources
and services, such as the allocation of memory, devices, processors, and
information.
- The operating system also includes programs to manage these resources,
such as a traffic controller, a scheduler, memory management module, I/O
programs, and a file system.
 MODULE 2- MANAGERS OF OPERATING SYSTEMS
MANAGERS OF THE OPERATING SYSTEM
1. The Memory Manager (main memory also called Random Access Memory or RAM).
2. The Processor Manager (CPU)
3. The Device Manager (keyboard, Printer, Disk drives, Modem, Monitor).
4. The File Manager (Program files, data files, compilers etc.).

PROCESSOR MANAGEMENT
- It decides how to allocate the CPU
- It keeps track of the status of each process i.e. Whether the CPU is executing a
process or waiting to READ or WRITE command
- It sets up the necessary registers and tables for a process
- When the job is finished, it reclaims the processor
N.B. A process is defined as an instance of execution of a program
A process is a dynamic entity, a program is a static entity
A traffic controller handles the processes transitions from one state of execution to another

TWO LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. Job scheduler: handles jobs as they enter the system
2. Process scheduler: manages each process within the jobs
Job scheduler Process scheduler
It’s the high level portion of the It’s the low level portion of the
processor manager processor manager
It accepts or rejects incoming jobs It decides which process gets the CPU
and for how long

MEMORY MANAGEMENT
- It is in charge of the main memory (RAM)
- It checks the validity of each request for memory space (checks if it’s a legal request)
- It allocates portion of the memory that isn’t already in use
- In multiuser environment, it sets up a table to keep track of who is using which
sections of the memory
- When the time comes to reclaim the memory, it deallocates the memory
- PRIMARY ROLE: To protect the space of the main memory by the OS itself. (it can’t
allow nay part of it to be altered)

DEVICE MANAGEMENT
- It monitors every device, channel, and control unit
- It chooses the most efficient way to allocate all the system’s hardware resources i.e.
printers, ports, disk drives etc.
 - It allocates the system’s devices based on a scheduling policy chosen by the system’s
designers.
- It deallocates devices when the operation is complete, making the devices available
for the next process or job

FILE MANAGEMENT
- It keeps track of every file in the system i.e. data files, program files, compilers, apps,
etc.
- It enforces restrictions on who has access to which files using predetermined access
policies
- It controls what users are allowed to do with files once they access them
- It creates and deletes files to organize directories
- It supports primitives for manipulating files and directories
- It maps files onto secondary storage
- It backs up files on stable storage media

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE OPERATING SYSTEMS

- To provide an environment in which a user can execute programs conveniently
- It manages the computer hardware which must provide appropriate mechanisms to
ensure the correct operation of the computer systems

N.B.
1. It is a resource management
2. Interface/ virtual machine is an application that emulates the functionality of a
computer system

FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

1. Memory management
2. Processor management
3. File management
4. Security i.e. privacy by means of password, protection to control access
5. Control over system performance: collects usage statistics for various resources and
monitors performance parameters such as response time.
6. Job accounting: keeps track of time and resources used by various jobs and users
7. Error detection and response: Provides a response that clears the error without
impacting the running applications
8. Booting the computer: the process of starting or restarting the computer
9. Coordination between other software and users
THE THREE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM
- Manage the computer resources such as CPU, memory, disk drives and printers.
- Establish a user interface.
- Execute and provide services for application software

THE OPERATING SYSTEM TASKS

- Provides the facilities to create, modification of programs and data files using an
editor.
- Access to the compiler for translating the user program from high-level language to
machine language.
- Provide a loader program to move the compiled program code to the computer’s
memory for execution.
- Provide routines that handle the details of I/O programming.

N.B.
1. If computer is switched off completely and then turned on then it is cold booting.
If computer is restarted, then it is warm booting.
2. Operating System helps in implementing user interface.
3. Operating System allows users to share data among themselves.
4. Operating System prevents users from interfering with one another.
5. Operating System handles network communication.
 MODULE 3- TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS
TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS
1) Batch Processing Operating System
2) Timesharing Operating System
3) Real Time Operating System
4) Networked Operating System
5) Distributed Operating System
BATCH OPERATING SYSTEM
- Implemented in the early 1950’s
- Users submit jobs to a central place where these jobs are collected into a batch and
subsequently placed on an input queue
- Users submit jobs on a regular schedule i.e. daily, monthly, etc.
- The response time is the turnaround time
- Jobs with similar needs are batched together and run as a group to speed up the
processing
- A compiler can be loaded once to process all the jobs in a row that are stored in
queues
- The jobs are executed automatically
- The commands are written in JCL (Job Control Language) i.e. command for marking a
job at the beginning and at the end, loading and executing programs.
- Batch jobs are executed one at a time
- There is no interaction between the user and the computer while the program is
being run
- There is an operator which takes similar jobs having the same requirement and
group them into batches. It is the responsibility of the operator to sort jobs with
similar needs.

-
-
N.B.
A) Turnaround time is the time from submission of the job until execution is completed and
the results are ready for return to the person who submitted the job.
B) Each piece of work for a batch processing is system is called a job. A job constitutes the
set of program instructions corresponding to a particular computation task. i.e. program and
data
BENEFITS OF BATCH PROCESSING
1. It allows sharing of computer resources among many users or programs
2. It shifts the time of job processing to when the computing resources are less busy.
Idle time is less
3. Multiple users can share the batch systems
4. It is easy to manage large work repeatedly

DISADVANTAGES OF BATCH PROCESSING

1. Turnaround time can be large from the user’s standpoint
2. It’s difficult to debug programs
3. Lack of interaction between user and the job
4. CPU is often idle because the speed of the I/O devices is slower than the CPU
5. Difficult to provide desired priority
6. The computer operators are not well known with batch systems
7. It is sometimes costly
8. The other jobs will have to wait for an unknown time if any job fails
9. It is very difficult to guess or know the time required for any job to complete
(Processors know how long the job would take when it’s on the queue)

EXAMPLES OF BATCH OPERATING SYSTEM

1. Payroll system
2. Bank statements
TIMESHARING OPERATING SYSTEM
- The computer provides computer services to several or many users concurrently
online
- The users can share the computer resources i.e. Memory, CPU, in a manner that is
facilitated, controlled and monitored by the OS.
- The user has full interaction with the program during its execution
- Timesharing systems were multimode systems (supported batch processing and real
time applications)
- Timesharing system is an example of multiprogramming systems because it
supported multiple interactive users
- Time sharing is also known as multitasking system
- Time sharing is a logical extension of multiprogramming
- The response time is typically short; user gives instructions through input devices
such as keyboard/mouse and receives immediate response
- Timesharing system is called an interactive system (point above is the reason)
- The CPU is the major device being shared among the multiple users
WHY IS TIMESHARING INTERACTIVE?
In time-sharing systems, the CPU executes multiple jobs by switching among them, but the
switches occur so frequently that the users can interact with each program while it is
running.
MULTIPROGRAMMED BATCH SYSTEMS VS TIMESHARING SYSTEMS
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.

Multi-
programmed Timesharing
Batch systems
Systems Maximizes Minimizes
processor use response time

ADVANTAGES OF TIMESHARING OPERATING SYSTEMS

1) Provides the advantage of quick response
2) Avoids duplication of software
3) Reduces CPU idle time
4) Each task gets an equal opportunity

DISADVANTAGES OF TIMESHARING OPERATING SYSTEMS

1) Problem of reliability
 2) Question of security and integrity of user programs and data
3) Problem of data communication

N.B.
1. The task can be from a single user or a different user
2. The time each task gets to execute is called QUANTUM; after this time interval, the OS
switches over to the next task

EXAMPLES OF TIMESHARING OPERATING SYSTEMS

1. Multics
2. Unix etc.
REAL TIME OPERATING SYSTEMS
- Large number of events (mostly external to the computer system) must be accepted
and processed in a short while or within a certain deadline.
- KEY OBJECTIVE: To provide a quick response time and meet scheduling deadlines.
- It reduces certain functions when they cannot be executed within the time
constraints
- It monitors inputs consistently and in a timely manner.
- It keeps track of how much of each resources might possibly be used by the currently
running tasks
- The tasks must have a pre-known maximum time limit for each of the functions to be
performed by the computer
- Real time is used when there are rigid time requirements on the operation
- Real time systems can be used as a control device in a dedicated application

N.B.
1. The time interval required to process and respond to inputs is called RESPONSE TIME.
2. In real time operating systems, the response time is so small that it controls the
environment. (less than timesharing systems)
HARD REAL-TIME SYSTEMS
This OS is meant for applications where the time constraints are very strict and even the
shortest possible delay is not acceptable. Such systems include systems that are built for
saving lives i.e. airbags, automatic parachutes.
N.B.
1. Virtual memory is rarely found in this system.
2. Secondary storage is limited or missing (the data is stored in ROM).
SOFT REAL-TIME SYSTEMS
This OS is for applications where the time constraint is less strict. A critical real-time tasks
gets priority over other tasks and retains priority until it completes.
N.B.
1. They have limited utility than hard real-time systems
2. Examples of this system include Multimedia, Virtual reality, Advanced scientific projects
i.e. planetary rovers
ADVANTAGES OF REAL-TIME OPERATING SYSTEMS
1. Maximum consumption: maximum utilization of devices and system i.e. more output
from all the resources
2. Task shifting: The time assigned for shifting tasks in these systems are very less
3. Focus on application: focuses on running applications and less importance to
applications which are in the queue
4. RTOS in the embedded system: Since the size of programs are small, RTOS can also
be used in embedded systems like in transport and others
5. Error free
6. Memory allocation: memory allocation is best managed in RTOS

DISADVANTAGES OF REAL-TIME OPERATING SYSTEMS

1. Limited tasks: Very few tasks run at the same time and their concentrations is very
less on few applications to avoid errors
2. Use heavy system resources: sometimes, the system resources are not so good and
they are expensive as well
3. Complex algorithm: The algorithms are very complex and difficult for the designer to
write on
4. Device driver and interrupted signals: it needs specific device drivers and interrupts
signals to respond earliest to interrupts
5. Thread priority: it is not good to set thread priority as these systems are very less
prone to switching tasks
EXAMPLES OF RTOS
- Scientific experiments, medical imaging systems, industrial control systems, weapon
systems, robots, air traffic control systems, flight control, airline reservation systems,
missile systems, air traffic control systems, etc.

NETWORKED OPERATING SYSTEMS

- It enables processes to access resources
- This computing system is a collection of physical interconnected computers.
- The users are aware of the existence of multiple computers and can log into remote
machines and copy files from machine to another
- It runs on a server and provides the server the capability to manage data, users,
groups, security, applications and other networking functions.
- PRIMARY PURPOSE: To allow shared file and printer access among multiple
computers in a network i.e. LAN, private network, etc.
- The computers in the Networking system are called TIGHTLY COUPLED SYSTEMS
because the users are well aware of the underlying configuration of all other users
within the network and their individual connections, etc.
-
N.B.
1. A process can execute on the computer on which it is created or on another computer on
the network.
2. A user controls one computer but operates with other computers on the network i.e.
Each machine run its own local OS and has its own user and network interface controller.
ADVANTAGES OF NETWORKED OPERATING SYSTEMS
1) Centralized servers are highly stable
2) Security of server is well managed
3) Upgrades to new technology and hardware can be easily integrated into the system
4) Remote access to servers is possible from different locations and types of systems.
DISADVANTAGES OF NETWORKED OPERATING SYSTEMS
1) High cost of buying and running a server
2) Dependency on a central location for most operations
3) Regular maintenance and updates are required
EXAMPLES OF NETWORKED OPERATING SYSTEMS
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac
OS X, Novell Netware and BSD
DISTRIBUTED OPERATING SYSTEM
- It is recent technology
- It is also known as LOOSLY COUPLED SYSTEMS
- Various autonomous interconnected computers communicate with each other using
a shared communication network.
- Independent systems possess their own memory unit and CPU.
- MAJOR PURPOSE: It is always possible that one user can access the files or software
which are not present on his system but on some other system connected in the
network i.e. remote access is enabled within the devices in that network
- Distributed OS is a single OS that manages resources on more than one computer.
- It provides the illusion that multiple computers are single powerful computer so that
a process can access all of the system resources regardless of the process location
within the distributed system network computers.

ADVANTAGES OF DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS

1) With file sharing facility, a user at one site may be able to use the resources
available at another
2) Speedup the exchange of data with one another via email
3) If one site fails, the remaining sites can continue operating as systems are
independent
 4) Better service to the customers
5) Reduction of the load on the host computer
6) Reduction of delays in data processing
7) Computation is highly fast and durable (since resources are being shared)
8) The systems are easily scalable (as many systems can easily be added to the
network)

DISADVANTAGES OF DISTRIBUTED OS
1) They are difficult to implement
2) Requires complicated algorithm
3) Failure of the main network will stop the entire communication
4) These types of systems are not readily available as they are very expensive

EXAMPLES OF DISTRIBUTED OPERATING SYSTEM

- Solaris OS for SUN multiprocessor workstations
- Mack/OS (a multitasking and multithreading UNIX compatible OS)
- OSF/1 operating system
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BATCH PROCESSING AND TIME SHARING SYSTEMS
BATCH PROCESSING TIMESHARING
The users have no interaction with the job The users have full interaction with the
during execution program during execution
It focuses on maximizing the processor It focuses on minimizing response time
The CPU is often idle as the other devices The CPU is never idle
are much slower than it
There is an operator that groups jobs based It doesn’t make use of an operator
on similar needs

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIME SHARING AND REAL TIME SYSTEMS

TIMESHARING REAL-TIME
A response is provided to the user in a The response is sent to the user based on
second or less time constraints
Switching method is available Switching method is unavailable
Resources are shared to the external Resources are not shared to the external
It deals with several processes concurrently It deals with only one application at a time
online

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NETWORKED AND DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS

NETWORKED DITRIBUTED
Tightly coupled system Loosely coupled system
All nodes can have different OSs All nodes have the same OS
Easy to implement Difficult to implement

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BATCH PROCESSING AND REAL-TIME SYSTEMS

BATCH PROCESSING REAL TIME
Processor is only busy when work is Processor needs to be responsive and
assigned to it active always
There is no time limit There is time limit
The time for a job to complete is unknown The time for a task to complete is pre-
until it gets on the queue known
Completion time isn’t critical The time to complete the task is very
critical
Sorting is performed before processing No sorting is required
 MODULE 4: CHARACTERISTICS AND EXAMPLES OF OPERATING
SYSTEM
HOW THE PROCESSOR PERFORMS ITS EXECUTION OF PROGRAMS?
- The CPU (Central Processing Unit) performs execution of a program operation
- After CPU execution, the compiled program (executable code) is stored on the hard
disk
- The code is then brought to the main memory where it must reside to be accessed
and processed by the CPU
N.B. CPU cannot directly access secondary storage device

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

 EFFICIENCY

USABILITY ROBUSTNESS

SECURITY OPERATING SCALABILITY

SYSTEM

INTERACTIVITY EXTENSIBILITY

PORTABILITY

SCALABILITY

USABILITY

PORTABILITY

ROBUSTNESS

INTERACTIVITY

SECURITY

EFFICIENCY:

EXTENSIBILITY
SCALABILITY
- A scalable OS is able to use resources as they are added
- It can easily adjust its degree of multiprogramming
- Scalability is an important attribute of multiprocessor systems
- Scalability is the ability of a system to accommodate an increasing number of
elements or objects, to process growing volumes of work.
- Network OS is more scalable than Distributed OS
- Scalability issues arise from application code, hardware resources, and database
limitations

USABILITY
- A usable OS is one that has the potential to serve a significant user base.
- Usability relates to the effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction with which users
achieve goals using computer systems
WHAT MAKES A USABLE OS?
- Easy to Learn
- Has an interface that works as users expect
- Has environments that are pleasant to look at and interact with.
- Efficient
- Controllable
- Human Friendly
- Error Tolerant
- Error Clarity
- Error Magnitude.

PORTABILITY
- A portable OS is designed such that it can operate on many hardware configurations
- Porting is the task of doing any work necessary to make the computer program run
in the new environment
- C programming language is portable because it is a hardware or platform
independent
- Linux is portable because it has already been ported to various systems; it can be
used in an operating systems other than the one in which it was created without
requiring major rework
ROBUSTNESS
- This is the ability of a computer system to cope with errors during execution and
cope with erroneous input.
- A robust OS is fault tolerant and reliable
- Areas of Computer Science that are encompassed by robustness are: robust machine
learning and robust security network.
 N.B. Fault tolerance is the ability of OS to handle software and hardware error; the
system will not fail due to isolated application or hardware errors and if it if it fails it
does so by minimizing loss of work and preventing damage to the system hardware
INTERACTIVITY
- This allows applications to respond quickly to user actions and events
- Interactivity refers to the ability of users to interact with a computer system
- Examples of interactive OS’s are: Mac and Windows OS’s
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
HCI studies requires the evaluation of obtained observations while the user performs
certain tasks and habits of the user together.
These data are used in the development process of interactive systems.
HCI has four main components namely:
- The user
- The task
- The tools/ interface
- The context
AN OS DOES THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES RELATED TO INTERACTIVITY –
- Provides the user an interface to interact with the system.
- Manages input devices to take inputs from the user.

SECURITY
- A secure OS prevents user and software from assessing services and resources
without authorization
- The process of ensuring OS availability, confidentiality, integrity is known as
operating system security.
- OS security refers to the processes or measures taken to protect the operating
system from dangers, including viruses, worms, malware, and remote hacker
intrusions.
- A major security problem for operating system is Authentication problem.

EFFICIENCY:
- An efficient OS achieves high throughput and low average turnaround time
- Efficiency is the ratio of useful work to resources (processor and storage) expended
- An OS is efficient when all processes are optimized
FACTORS THAT MEASURE EFFICIENCY OF AN OS
-System performance metrics are the factors that measure the efficiency of an OS.
Examples are:
- Available memory
 - Average bytes read/write
- Average read/write time
- Disk read/write per second
- Network utilization
- Pages input per second
- Processor queue length
- Processor usage
N.B. Throughput measures the amount of work a processor can complete within a
certain time period.
EXTENSIBILITY
- An extensibility OS will adapt well to new technologies and provide
capabilities to extend the OS to perform tasks beyond its original design.
- Extensibility is the ability of the software system to allow and accept the
significant extension of its capabilities without major rewriting of code or
changes in its basic architecture.
- An extensible language user can create new notations, new data structures,
new operations.
-

N.B. Scalability means a system is able to accommodate growth i.e. the system grows.
Extensibility means able to easily add something to the system.

EXAMPLES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

The following are examples of operating system:
- Microsoft Windows (like Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and
Windows XP, Windows 2000)
- Apple Mac Os (formerly OS X)
- Chrome Os
- Blackberry Tablet OS
- Ubuntu.
The common operating systems are:
- Microsoft Windows
- Apple Mac Os
- Linux
- Android
- Apple’s OS

OS/390
- OS/390 is the IBM OS
 - It is a renamed version of MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage)
- It comes with Unix and programming interfaces
- It can be used as both MVS system and Unix system simultaneously
- It runs older applications such as COBOL and FORTRAN
- The design objectives of MVS are to provide performance, reliability, availability and
capability for the large system environment.
- MVS attempt to recover programming errors; It has many functional recovery
routines that gains control in the event of an OS failure.
N.B.
COBOL: Common Business-Oriented Language
FORTRAN: Formula Translation
UNIX
- It is a multiuser, timesharing OS
- It is used on wide variety of computers
- It was developed in the early 1970’s (November 3rd, 1971) at Bell’s laboratory by Ken
Thompson and Dennis Ritchie
- It was the first OS to be written in a High level language (C language)
- It was the first open source/ system that could be improved by anyone
- Unix supported on systems supplied by Sun Microsystems is called Solaris
- Unix supported on Systems supplied by DEC is called Ultrix
- Unix supported on systems supplied by HP is called HP-Unix.
N.B.
- The normal practice was to use assembly language for writing OS due to which OS
were system dependent. They were usable only in the system for which they were
developed
- Open source software facilitates enhancements to software products by permitting
anyone in the developer community to test, debug and enhance applications.
- Examples of an open source are Linux, Free BSD, Open BSD (Berkeley Software
Distribution).

MICROSOFT WINDOWS
- It was developed in Microsoft to overcome the limitation of its own MS-DOS
VERSIONS OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS
- Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows 2000
- Windows Vista
- Windows XP
- Windows 7
 - Windows 8
- Windows 10
- Windows 11

MAIN FEATURES OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS

- Easier for a new user to learn to use
- It is a single user, multitasking OS
- Allows file names containing up to 255 characters
-
MICROSOFT WINDOWS NT
- It is a multiuser timesharing OS
- It is designed to have Unix like features so that it can be used for powerful
workstations, network and database servers.
MAIN FEATURES OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS NT
- It supports multiprogramming and multiprocessing.
- It has built in networking and communication features.
- It has GUI.
- It can run Microsoft windows application and many Unix applications directly.

MACINTOSH (MAC)
- It was introduced in 1984 by Apple computer
- It was the first wildly sold PC with a GUI (Graphical User Interface)
- It was designed to provide users with a natural and user friendly computers
interface.
- It was the first OS to use the mouse, use of icons to represent objects, click and drag
actions.
- Mac OS proved to be relatively easy to learn and use because of GUI that use
graphical symbols to facilitate user interaction with programs.
- In Macintosh computers, the GUI was embedded in the OS
- OS Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Centre (PARC) developed the mouse and GUI.

MS-DOS
- It is a single user OS for IBM
- It was introduced in 1981
- It was the most popular OS for personal computers in the 1980’s.
Limitation of MS-DOS
- It was a single user OS that did not support multitasking.
- It did not have any protection features to protect two or more programs stored in
memory from one another.
 - It had a command line interface that some people found difficult to use and hard to
learn.
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LINUX
- It is an open source OS.
- It has both GUI and text based user interface.
- It is multitasking OS
- Linux could be installed on a computer system along with another OS e.g. windows
N.B.
- You can choose which OS to run at booting time.
- Linux boot manager/ Linux loader helps with booting.
- While running Microsoft windows, you can start Linux straight from MS-DOS
command prompt using LOADIN command.
ADVANTAGES OF LINUX OS
- it is cheap and free
- It can be copied and distributed without restrictions
- It is simple because many of the Unix features and tools are supported on Linux.