UNIT 2.1.

OPERATING SYSTEMS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the session the student should be able to:

1. Define what is an Operating System;

2. Explain the basic functions and management of Operating Systems;
3. Identify the different types of Operating Systems;
4. Discuss the different preventive maintenance of Operating Systems.

ACTIVATING PRIOR LEARNING

1. What is an Operating System?
2. What are the different classifications of Operating Systems?
3. What are the some of the basic functions of an Operating System?

PRESENTATION OF CONTENT

I. What is an Operating System?

• The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer.
• Operating system is an interface between computer and user.
• It is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of
the resources of the computer.
 What is an operating system?
• A magician – provides each user with the illusion of a dedicated machine with infinite
memory and CPU time.
• A government – allocates resources efficiently and fairly, protects users from each
other, provides safe and secure communication.
• A parent – always there when you need it, never breaks, always succeeds.
• A fast food restaurant – provides a service everyone needs, always works the same
everywhere (standardization).
• A complex system – but keeps it as simple as possible so that it will work.

FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING SYSTEM

Even the simplest operating system in a minicomputer or mainframe performs a number of

resource management tasks or functions. These functions include job management, batch
processing, on-line processing, data management, virtual storage, and output management.

Job Management

Job management software manages the jobs waiting to be processed. It recognizes the jobs,
identifies their priorities, determines whether the appropriate main memory and secondary
storage capability they require is available, and schedules and finally runs each job at the
appropriate moment.

Batch Processing

System software is available to support the different methods of processing a job. With batch
processing, the most basic method, data are accumulated and processed in groups. Payroll
applications, for example, are often processed this way. Once every week, hourly records are
grouped and the payroll software is run. On-line Processing

In on-line processing, data are processed instantaneously. For example, a sales person may
need to find out whether a particular item requested by a customer is in stock for immediate
shipment. Using an on-line system, the request for information will be instantly
acknowledged by the on-line software, and the appropriate steps will be taken to access the
central database and return the requested information to be terminal from which the request
was made. All of these steps take less than a few seconds, at the most. Most on-line operating
systems have multi-user and multitasking capabilities.

Data Management

In the process of managing the resources of the computer system, operating system software
also manages the storage and retrieval of data. As the system software handles many of the
details associated with this process, such details are not a primary concern for users or
programmers writing application programs.

Virtual Storage
Operating systems also manages the allocation of main memory to specific jobs. Some
operating systems have a feature called virtual storage. With this software it is possible to
increase the capacity of main memory without actually increasing its size. This is
accomplished by breaking a job into sequences of instructions, called pages or segments,
keeping only a few of these in main memory at a time; the reminder are kept on secondary
storage devices. As a result, relatively large jobs can be processed by a CPU that in fact
contains a relatively small memory.

Input / Output Management

Operating systems also manage the input to and output from a computer system. This applies
to the flow of date among computers, terminals, and other devices such as printers.
Application programs use the operating system extensively to handle input and output
devices as needed.

For large systems, the operating system has even greater responsibilities and powers. It is like
a traffic policeman – it makes sure that different programs and users running at the same time
do not interfere with each other. The operating system is also responsible for security,
ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

• Real-time
• Multi-user vs. Single-user
• Multi-tasking vs. Single-tasking
• Distributed
• Embedded

Real-Time
• A real-time operating system is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing
real-time applications.
• Responds to input instantly.

Multi-user vs. Single user

• A multi-user operating system allows multiple users to access a computer system
concurrently.
• Time-sharing system can be classified as multi-user systems as they enable a multiple
user access to a computer through the sharing of time.
• Single-user operating systems, as opposed to a multi-user operating system, are usable
by a single user at a time.

Multi-tasking vs. Single-tasking

• When a single program is allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped under a
single-tasking system
 • While in case the operating system allows the execution of multiple tasks at one time, it
is classified as a multi-tasking operating system.

Distributed

• A distributed operating system manages a group of independent computers and makes

them appear to be a single computer.
• The development of networked computers that could be linked and communicate with
each other, gave rise to distributed computing.

Embedded

• Embedded operating systems are designed to be used in embedded computer systems.

• They are designed to operate on small machines like PDAs with less autonomy.
• They are able to operate with a limited number of resources.
DIFFERENT OS IMLEMENTATION

Operating systems can be classified into different types like Desktop operating systems,
Server operating systems, Mainframe operating systems, etc.

DOS

DOS is the acronym for disk operating system. The term DOS can refer to any operating
system, but it is most often used as a short form of MS-DOS (Microsoft disk operating
system). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM, MS-DOS is the standard operating
system for IBM-compatible personal computers.

The initial versions of DOS were very simple and resembled another operating system called
CP/M. subsequent versions became increasingly sophisticated as they incorporated features
of minicomputer operating systems.

However, DOS is still a 16-bit operating system, does not support multiple users or
multitasking, and has a built-in limitation of 1MB of memory. To exceed this limit, you need
a special memory system called EMS (Expanded Memory Specification).

For some time, it has been widely acknowledged that DOS is insufficient for modern
computer applications. Microsoft Windows helped alleviate some problems, but until
Windows 95, it sat on top of DOS and relied on DOS for many services. New operating
systems from Windows 98, Windows 95 and OS/2 Warp, and later versions, do not rely on
DOS to the same extent, although they can still execute DOS-based programs. Microsoft
Windows
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been many
different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 (released in 2015),
Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-
loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the
world.

Windows is an operating system designed by Microsoft. The operating system is what

allows you to use a computer. Windows comes preloaded on most new personal computers
(PCs), which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

Windows makes it possible to complete all types of everyday tasks on your computer. For
example, you can use Windows to browse the Internet, check your email, edit digital photos,
listen to music, play games, and do much more.
Windows is also used in many offices because it gives you access to productivity tools such
as calendars, word processors, and spreadsheets. macOS
macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes
preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions include
Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016).

According to StatCounter Global Stats, macOS users account for less than 10% of global
operating systems— much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%).
One reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many
people do prefer the look and feel of macOS over Windows.

macOS makes it possible to complete all kinds of everyday tasks on your computer. For
example, you can use it to browse the Internet, check your email, edit digital photos, listen to
music, and play games. Linux

Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means

they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from
proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns
it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many different distributions—or
versions—you can choose from.
According to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global
operating systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to
customize.

Operating systems for mobile devices

The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run on desktop and
laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are
different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed
specifically for mobile devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS
and Google Android. In the screenshot below, you can see iOS running on an iPad.

Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for
desktop and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software. However,
you can still do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your
calendar, and play games.

Android

You're probably here because you already have an Android device or

are thinking about buying one. Congratulations—a new smartphone or
tablet can be useful, empowering, and also lots of fun!

Unlike the iPhone or iPad (which are only available in a few different
models), there are hundreds of Android devices to choose from. That's
part of what makes them so appealing. You're bound to find something
you like, whether you're shopping on a budget or looking for the latest
high-end device.

If you're wondering why there are so many choices, it may help to understand what
Android is. Technically, it's an operating system for smartphones and tablets. Many
different companies make devices that are powered by Android, including Samsung,
HTC, LG, and other lesser-known brands. That's why every Android device is different—
each manufacturer likes to put its own spin on it.

iOS

Simply put, iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system that powers

the iPhone and iPod Touch. Until 2019, it was also the operating
system used by the iPad.

The full meaning of iOS takes a little bit more explanation. When
the iPhone was introduced in 2007, its operating system was
originally called “iPhone OS.” Despite the name, the iPod Touch
(which launched later in 2007) also ran iPhone OS.

In 2010, Apple introduced the iPad, which ran the same OS. At that point, Apple decided
to rebrand the operating system’s name as “iOS,” since it wasn’t just the iPhone that used
it anymore.

You might also be curious where the “i” branding comes from. Apple has used this across
its product line since the iMac was introduced in 1998.

At the time, Steve Jobs said that “iMac comes from the marriage of the excitement of the
internet with the simplicity of Macintosh.” Apple expounded on this with a slide showing
that the “i” prefix also stands for individual, instruct, inform, and inspire.
 APPLICATION

Conduct additional readings on the Operating Systems mentioned above and cite other
differences aside from those that were mentioned from the discussion. Cite at least five (5)
more differences

FEEDBACK

Answer the questions that follow.

1. What is the most important program that runs in a computer system?

2 – 7. What are the six (6) major functions of an operating system?

8. Which type of operating system responds to input instantly?

9. Which operating system manages a group of independent computers and makes them
appear to be a single computer?

10. Which type of operating system is designed to operate on small machines with less
autonomy?

11 – 12. Name the two (2) most used mobile operating system today.

13. What is the latest version of the Windows operating system?

14 - 15. Give at least two (2) distributions of the Linux OS.