Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Operating System

What is an operating system
             
A computer uses its software to store, process and retrieve information. Computer software can be divided into two types, application software and system software.

Application software refers to the software that enables users to perform specific tasks. For example. MS Word is used to create and edit a document.

System software refers to the software that enables a computer to function. For example, windows operating system is system software. The operating system provides a consistent environment for other software to execute commands.

A user can give the computer instruction through input devices such as mouse or keyword to the operating system. Some of these commands are built into the operating system, while others are issued through the use of applications. The operating system becomes the center through which the system hardware, other softwares, and the user communicate. The rest of the system work together through the operating system.


Function of Operating System

The various tasks that an operating system performs are :

Process Management

A process is an instance of a program running in a computer. Many processes can run simultaneously in a computer. The OS manages all the processes and ensures error-free output. For example, while typing a letter you might like to listen music on the computer.

I/O Operations

The operating system provides a user with an I/O device so that the user can enter data and access the output. If an I/O device is being used by one process and the other process request for it, the OS schedules the allocation of the device to the second process.

                                    File Management

The OS enables you to perform file operations, such as creating a file, naming it, opening it, reading it, writing in it, and closing it.

                                    Memory Management

The OS keeps track of the part of the memory that is in use and the part that is free. It then allocates the free part of the memory to other processes ensuring that memory is fully utilized.


Evolution of Windows Operating System

Microsoft has designed the windows family to meet computing needs ranging from stand-alone, through small Local Area Network (LAN), to Wide Area Network (WAN). Windows operating system have two families, one originating from Windows 3.x and another originating from Windows NT. The following section summarizes the products available in the two Windows families in the order of origin.

Windows 3.x Family

Windows 3.1

The first member of the Windows family, Microsoft Windows 3.1 brought mass acceptance of PC based Graphical User Interface (GUI). Windows 3.1 was not a full-fledge operating system. It was a software that ran on the DOS operating system. DOS stands for Disk Operating System. which was a single user operating system and provides Character User Interface (CUI) environment.                                                                

Windows for Workgroups 3.11

Network support was one of the major focuses of Windows for Workgroups 3.11. This was also not an operating system and ran on DOS. Network support was significantly better than Windows 3.1.

Windows 95

Windows 95 was itself an operating system and much more stable than earlier Windows versions. It was designed primarily for the end-user desktop. Significant areas of improvement included redisigned user interface, plug-and-play support and improved network support. Plug-and-Play is a feature that lets the user connect devices to the system without having to configure them. Windows 95 automatically detected and configures the devices.

Windows 98

Windows 98 improved computer reliability by introducing new wizards, utilities, and resources that helped to keep your system running smoothly. It included tools that helped your computer to run faster than Windows 95 without adding new hardware. Windows 98 made your computer more entertaining by introducing new features such as enhanced telivision, video playback, and new hardware support.

Windows ME

Microsoft created Windows ME keeping the home users in mind. Windows ME gave you the power to connect your household's computers, communicate more efficiently over the internet, and work with rich multimedia content such as photos, videos, and music.

Windows NT Family

Windows NT

Windows NT included the Windows 95 user-interface. Designed to meet demanding end user requirements assuming minimum hardware requirement are met. It was a true 32-bit operating system, which was optimized to work with 32-bit architecture hardware devices.

Windows 2000

Built on NT Technology and an easy-to-use, familier Windows 98 user-interface, Windows 2000 made business users more productive. Its integrated Web capabilities and broad support for mobile computers and hardware devices made Windows 2000 the easy way for business users to connect to the internet anywhere and anytime. Windows 2000 set a new standard for how well an operating system can be integrated with web applications, networks, communications, and infrastructure services.

Windows XP

With the strength of Windows 2000 and the best business features of Windows  98 and Windows ME, Windows XP professional was most suited desktop operating system for business. Windows XP was a smarter, simplified operating system that let you stay connected to what was important to you, from friends and family to the Internet. With the new Windows engine, Windows XP offered greater reliability and dependibility than ever before in a home operating system.
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