Assignment: Recent operating systems

NAME: JATINDER SINGH

COURSE: COMPUTING SUPPORT

EMAIL: tejayjatinder49@gmail.com
ANS: Introduction to Recent Operating Systems

In today's digital world, operating systems (OS) are the backbone of

virtually all computing devices, from smartphones and tablets to desktop
computers and servers. The importance of operating systems cannot be
overstated, as they play a crucial role in ensuring that hardware and
software can interact seamlessly and efficiently.
The Importance of Operating Systems

Operating systems are fundamental to the functionality of modern

technology. They serve as the interface between computer hardware
and the applications that run on them, managing both resources and
user interactions. Here are key reasons why operating systems are vital:

1. Hardware Resource Management:

○ Processor Management: The OS allocates CPU time to
various tasks and applications, ensuring efficient processing
and multitasking.
○ Memory Management: It manages the allocation and
deallocation of memory space, ensuring that applications
have the necessary memory to function correctly without
interfering with each other.
○ Device Management: The OS controls peripheral devices
such as printers, disk drives, and display screens, ensuring
that these devices operate smoothly and efficiently.
2. Providing a User-Friendly Interface:
○ Graphical User Interface (GUI): Modern operating systems
often provide a GUI, which makes it easier for users to
interact with the system through visual elements like
windows, icons, and menus, rather than text-based
commands.
○ Command-Line Interface (CLI): For advanced users, the
OS also provides a CLI, which allows for more direct and
powerful interaction with the system through text commands.
3. Supporting a Wide Range of Applications:
 ○ Application Compatibility: Operating systems support a
wide range of applications, providing the necessary runtime
environment and libraries needed for software to function.
This includes everything from web browsers and office suites
to specialized software for design, programming, and
gaming.
○ Security and Stability: The OS includes mechanisms to
protect against malware, unauthorized access, and system
crashes, ensuring that applications run securely and reliably.

Key Roles of Operating Systems

1. Resource Management:
○ Efficient Utilization: The OS ensures optimal use of CPU,
memory, and I/O devices, preventing conflicts and ensuring
that resources are used efficiently.
○ Process Scheduling: It manages the execution of multiple
processes by determining their order of execution, balancing
the needs of various applications and users.
2. User Interface:
○ Ease of Use: Through intuitive GUIs, operating systems
make it easier for users to perform tasks such as file
management, system configuration, and application
launching.
○ Customization: Users can customize their experience, from
adjusting visual themes to configuring system settings,
enhancing usability and productivity.
3. Application Support:
○ Platform for Development: Operating systems provide APIs
and development tools that enable software developers to
create applications tailored to the OS.
○ Backward Compatibility: They often maintain compatibility
with older software versions, protecting users' investments in
legacy applications.

ANS 2: iOS 14 Features and Enhancements

iOS 14, released by Apple in September 2020, introduced a host of new
features and improvements that significantly enhanced the user
experience, performance, and security of the operating system. Below is
an in-depth exploration and comparison of these features across various
aspects.
a. User Interface

Visual Design and User-Friendly Elements:

● Widgets on Home Screen: iOS 14 brought customizable widgets

to the home screen, allowing users to access information at a
glance and personalize their device layout.
● App Library: This feature automatically organizes apps into
categories, making it easier for users to find and access their
applications without cluttering the home screen.
● Compact UI: Siri, incoming calls, and FaceTime now appear in a
compact design that does not take up the entire screen, enhancing
multitasking capabilities.

Customization Options:

● Widgets Customization: Users can choose from different widget

sizes and place them anywhere on the home screen.
● Home Screen Pages: Users can hide home screen pages to
streamline their app organization.
● App Clips: Small, lightweight versions of apps that can be used
without a full installation, providing a faster and more convenient
user experience for specific tasks.
b. Performance Improvements

System Speed and Responsiveness:

● App Launch Speed: iOS 14 improved app launch times, making

the OS feel more responsive.
● Enhanced Multitasking: Optimizations in memory management
and CPU usage improved overall system performance, especially
in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
● Battery Life Enhancements: Background processes and
resource allocation were optimized to extend battery life.
c. Security Enhancements

Latest Security Features:

● App Privacy Information: The App Store now displays privacy

practices of apps, providing users with transparency regarding
data usage.
● Approximate Location: Users can choose to share their
approximate location instead of precise location with apps,
enhancing privacy.
● Microphone and Camera Usage Indicators: iOS 14 includes
indicators that alert users when an app is using the microphone or
camera.

Built-in Encryption and Biometric Authentication:

● On-device Processing: Many security features, including Face ID

and Touch ID, process data directly on the device to prevent
unauthorized access.
● Secure Enclave: A dedicated security component in iOS devices
that handles encryption keys and biometric data.
d. Integration and Interoperability

Seamless Integration with Other Devices and Services:

● Handoff: Users can start tasks on one Apple device and continue
on another, seamlessly transferring activities like browsing and
messaging.
● AirPods Integration: Automatic device switching for AirPods
between iPhone, iPad, and Mac based on usage.
● HomeKit Enhancements: Improved controls for smart home
devices and expanded automation capabilities.
4. Application Ecosystem

Availability and Diversity of Applications:

● App Store: With over 2 million apps, the App Store offers a vast
ecosystem of applications ranging from productivity tools to
entertainment.
 ● Quality and Popularity: Apple’s strict app review process ensures
high-quality applications, fostering trust among users.
● Developer Support: Apple provides extensive documentation,
development tools like Xcode, and financial incentives to attract
and support developers.
5. Privacy and Data Protection

Emphasis on Privacy and Data Protection:

● App Permission Controls: iOS 14 introduced fine-grained

permission controls, allowing users to grant or revoke app
permissions like location access, contacts, and photos.
● Privacy Labels: Apps are required to disclose their data collection
practices, making privacy policies more transparent.
● Data Encryption: End-to-end encryption for iMessage and
FaceTime ensures that communications remain secure.
6. Accessibility Features

Support for Users with Disabilities:

● VoiceOver: Enhanced screen reader capabilities that provide

auditory descriptions of on-screen elements.
● Voice Control: Users can control their device entirely with their
voice, with improved recognition and custom commands.
● Back Tap: Customizable actions triggered by tapping the back of
the device, aiding users with motor impairments.
7. User Experience and User Feedback

Strengths and Weaknesses Reported by Users:

● Strengths: Users praised the new widgets, App Library, and

compact UI for enhancing customization and usability.
Performance improvements and privacy features were also highly
appreciated.
● Weaknesses: Some users reported initial bugs and stability issues
with new features like widgets. There were also concerns about
app compatibility with the new OS version, which were gradually
addressed through updates.
8. Impact and Future Trends

Impact on the Computing Landscape:

● User Expectations: iOS 14 raised the bar for mobile OS design,

emphasizing customization, privacy, and seamless integration with
other devices.
● Software Development Practices: Encouraged developers to
focus on privacy and transparency, aligning with user expectations
for data protection.
● Emerging Trends: iOS 14’s features reflect broader trends in AI,
IoT, and cloud integration, hinting at future developments such as
more sophisticated AI-driven functionalities and enhanced IoT
device management.
9. Conclusion

Summary of Key Findings: iOS 14 brought significant advancements in user

experience, security, and integration, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to
providing a secure, intuitive, and powerful mobile operating system. The
introduction of customizable widgets, the App Library, and enhanced
privacy controls were particularly notable. Moving forward, we can
expect continued innovation in areas like AI, cloud computing, and
interoperability, further solidifying iOS as a leading operating system in
the mobile computing landscape.

iOS 15 Features and Enhancements

iOS 15, released by Apple in September 2021, introduced a multitude of

new features and enhancements aimed at improving user experience,
performance, security, and integration. Here is an in-depth exploration
and comparison of these features across various aspects.
a. User Interface

Visual Design and User-Friendly Elements:

 ● Focus Modes: iOS 15 introduced Focus modes, allowing users to
customize notifications and home screen appearances based on
their current activity or time of day, enhancing productivity and
reducing distractions.
● FaceTime Updates: FaceTime received significant updates,
including spatial audio, voice isolation, and grid view, making video
calls more immersive and organized.
● Notification Summary: Redesigned notifications with a new
summary feature that groups non-urgent notifications together,
providing a more organized view.

Customization Options:

● Safari Redesign: Safari’s new tab bar is more compact and sits at
the bottom of the screen, making it easier to reach with one hand.
Tab Groups allow users to save and organize their tabs.
● Home Screen Customization: Enhanced widget support,
including the ability to place widgets anywhere and stack them
dynamically.
● Live Text: Users can interact with text in photos, such as copying
or translating it, directly from the Camera or Photos app.
b. Performance Improvements

System Speed and Responsiveness:

● App Performance: Enhanced app launch speeds and smoother

animations across the system.
● Battery Optimization: Improved battery usage through better
background process management and power efficiency.
● Core System Enhancements: Under-the-hood improvements for
faster processing and more efficient memory usage.
c. Security Enhancements

Latest Security Features:

● App Privacy Report: Provides a detailed overview of how apps

use permissions and network activity, enhancing transparency.
● Mail Privacy Protection: Prevents senders from knowing when an
email has been opened and hides the user’s IP address.
 ● iCloud+: Introduces features like Private Relay (which encrypts
internet traffic) and Hide My Email (which allows users to create
unique, random email addresses for different services).

Built-in Encryption and Biometric Authentication:

● Face ID and Touch ID: Continues to provide secure biometric

authentication, integrated with system-wide encryption for sensitive
data.
● End-to-End Encryption: Applied to messages, FaceTime calls,
and other sensitive data to ensure privacy and security.
d. Integration and Interoperability

Seamless Integration with Other Devices and Services:

● Universal Control: Enables seamless control of multiple Apple

devices (e.g., iPad and Mac) with a single keyboard and mouse.
● AirPlay to Mac: Users can AirPlay content from their iPhone or
iPad to their Mac, enhancing cross-device functionality.
● HomeKit Improvements: Enhanced controls for smart home
devices and improved automation capabilities.
4. Application Ecosystem

Availability and Diversity of Applications:

● App Store: Continues to offer a wide range of high-quality

applications, with over 2 million apps available.
● Developer Tools: Apple provides extensive support for developers
through tools like Xcode, Swift, and ARKit, encouraging the
development of innovative apps.
● Quality and Popularity: Apple’s strict app review process ensures
that apps are safe, functional, and high-quality, fostering user trust
and engagement.
5. Privacy and Data Protection

Emphasis on Privacy and Data Protection:

 ● Enhanced App Permissions: Users have more granular control
over app permissions, including options to provide approximate
location and limited photo access.
● Privacy Labels: Expanded privacy labels on the App Store
provide clear information on how apps handle user data.
● Data Encryption: Continues to offer robust encryption for user
data, ensuring that information remains secure both in transit and
at rest.
6. Accessibility Features

Support for Users with Disabilities:

● VoiceOver Improvements: Enhanced VoiceOver capabilities,

including support for more apps and richer contextual information.
● Sound Actions: Users can set custom sounds as triggers for
actions on their device, aiding those with motor impairments.
● AssistiveTouch for Apple Watch: Allows users to control their
Apple Watch using hand gestures, improving accessibility for those
with physical disabilities.
7. User Experience and User Feedback

Strengths and Weaknesses Reported by Users:

● Strengths: Users appreciated the new Focus modes, improved

FaceTime experience, and enhanced privacy features. The
redesigned Safari and live text functionality were also
well-received.
● Weaknesses: Some users reported initial bugs with the new
features and adjustments required for the redesigned Safari.
However, these issues were generally addressed through
subsequent updates.
8. Impact and Future Trends

Impact on the Computing Landscape:

● User Expectations: iOS 15 set new standards for privacy,

customization, and integration, influencing user expectations
across the industry.
 ● Software Development Practices: Encouraged developers to
prioritize privacy, security, and user-centric design in their
applications.
● Emerging Trends: Reflects broader trends in AI, IoT, and cloud
services, with features that leverage these technologies to provide
a more connected and intelligent user experience.
9. Conclusion

Summary of Key Findings:iOS 15 introduced significant advancements in

user experience, security, and integration. Features like Focus modes,
enhanced FaceTime, and privacy controls have raised the bar for mobile
operating systems. The continued emphasis on privacy and seamless
integration with other Apple devices underscores Apple’s commitment to
providing a secure and cohesive ecosystem. Looking ahead, iOS will
likely continue to evolve, incorporating advancements in AI, cloud
computing, and interoperability to further enhance the user experience
and set new standards in the industry.