Operating Systems

Definition of Operating System

Operating systems have evolved enormously since computers were invented. They have always progressed with the intention of making the computer and its functions easier for users , so that anyone, regardless of age or computer skills, can use them.

What is an operating system and what is it used for?

The operating system is the basic software of a computer . It's undoubtedly a fundamental element that allows you to give commands to the computer and for it to recognize them perfectly. Seen this way, it could be said that it's a "translator" or "intermediary" between the user and the hardware that makes up the entire computer . Thanks to it, you can use each of the components and access all the tools the device offers.

Furthermore, this is what allows you to install new programs on the computer to utilize certain functions. Using a computer without an operating system is quite a challenge, as it requires advanced technical knowledge acquired through professional training. While it is possible, not everyone possesses this knowledge, which is why an operating system is necessary to make things easier.

Each operating system has its own interface from which each of the device's functions, whether mobile or desktop, can be individually controlled. In a way, it's also a command center from which the user can interact directly with the machine.

History and evolution of operating systems

To understand the origin and evolution of operating systems , you should know that the first computers created didn't have anything resembling an operating system. Programs were installed from the BIOS and had complete control over the hardware they needed to function, which made them slower and meant they could only run one program at a time. This meant that at the time, computers were used exclusively by professionals with sufficient technical knowledge to operate them.

The concept of an operating system was created by IBM in 1956 , which developed software that allowed one program to run after another finished . This didn't change things much and simply made the work a little easier for those who used computers at the time, who were the same professionals as always. However, it would be the seed that would allow the enormous tree we know today to grow.

In the 60s, more advanced concepts such as multitasking, multiprocessing, and real-time systems began to be used. With these , UNIX was born , the first operating system that allowed the control of more than one process within the computer and which would become the foundation upon which the modern operating systems we know today would be developed.

With the birth of UNIX came the C programming language, which was developed exclusively to modify the source code of that file system. This allowed for the creation of more user-friendly programs, which in turn gave rise to the concept of the "personal computer," since now an average person with some basic computer skills could operate a computer.

In the 80s, the first versions of operating systems like macOS, Windows, and MS-DOS emerged . By the 90s, Linux had appeared, and with these systems, computers became as commonplace as TVs or radios . Their processing power depended on the microprocessor . Today, systems are so complex that, combined with the internet, mobile and desktop devices have become indispensable in people's lives.

Operating system functions

The functions of an operating system can be summarized in a single word: management. This is undoubtedly the most fitting description, as it essentially manages the computer's resources. Among the most important functions of operating systems are the following.

Manage CPU resources

An operating system manages and administers CPU resources such as hard drive storage space, RAM , ROM , processor performance , and other components. This ensures that each program uses only what it needs to function and prevents the entire system from crashing.

Manage the processes

Each program you launch runs a process on your computer. The operating system ensures this execution is efficient by using the necessary resources for proper functioning . Furthermore, if a process malfunctions, the operating system is responsible for terminating it so that the error doesn't affect the operation of other processes.

Manage process permissions

The processes described above require requesting certain permissions, which the operating system manages. Without this function, each program would run freely without limitations, risking the disruption of the entire system ecosystem , as they could consume more resources than necessary, causing complete chaos.

Manage files

An operating system is like a huge library that stores all the digital files necessary for the computer to function, as well as all the data you save on it. This way, you can easily access them whenever you need them.

Types of operating systems

Since the creation of the first operating system, various types have been developed, differing primarily in their ability to perform diverse tasks faster and faster. Below, we invite you to learn about each of them.

According to task management

One way to classify operating systems is according to the number of tasks they can perform. In this sense, we have two main types: single-tasking systems , which are capable of executing one task at a time, and multitasking systems , which can execute several tasks simultaneously, with many of them running in the background.

According to number of users

Again in this sense we have two main types of file systems; single-user , which only allow one user's programs to run at a time, and multi-user , which can run several users' programs at the same time.

According to the management of their resources

In this sense, there are also two main types: centralized systems , which allow you to use the resources of a single computer at a time, and distributed systems , which allow you to use the resources of several computers simultaneously. Systems like UNIX or MS-DOS are centralized , while Windows, Linux, or macOS are distributed because you can connect to and use the resources of multiple computers at the same time.

According to the response time

Finally, we can classify operating systems according to their response time. In this sense, there are real-time systems , which respond to each user action as soon as data is entered, and non-real-time systems , which lack this capability and require prior processing time before executing the command, as is the case with UNIX and MS-DOS.

Most used operating systems

The concept of an operating system (OS) has become so widespread that there are dozens of them for both mobile and desktop devices. However, some stand out above the rest.

MacOS

macOS was one of the first modern operating systems developed. Its first version was based on UNIX code, with some improvements to make it multitasking and multi-user. Currently, versions of this OS are among the most powerful in the world , with one of the largest user bases and highest demand.

Windows

Windows is arguably the world's most well-known operating system and the one with the most users. Like its predecessor, its first version was based on UNIX code, although to be frank, it was a copy of the improvements macOS made to its version at the time. However, it was the one that best adapted to user needs from then on, allowing it to position itself above the competition.

Android

Android is currently the most widely used operating system on mobile devices, a benchmark in the global mobile market. It was acquired by Google and has since continued to evolve, now competing even with desktop operating systems like macOS and Windows.

iOS

iOS is the mobile operating system used on Apple's iPhones. It is very popular and is characterized by its strong emphasis on user experience, providing its devices with unique features that no other competing operating system has.

Linux

Finally, there's Linux , a less widely used operating system because it's open source and editable, allowing for greater customization. However, to fully utilize its capabilities, a certain level of advanced computer skills is necessary . Beyond that, it has served as a foundation for the creation of other operating systems.

This is everything you need to know about operating systems. We hope it helps you a lot and that you can use this knowledge to better understand each of the tutorials we've created for you in this category.