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An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between the hardware and software of a computer system. The operating system controls the computer’s memory, processing power, and peripheral devices such as printers and network devices. It is one of the most critical components of a computer system, as it ensures that all other software and hardware components are working together efficiently. In this tutorial, we will discuss what an operating system is, its history, functions, and provide examples.
History Operating System
The first operating system was developed in the early 1950s by GM-NAA I/O, a company that specialized in creating computer systems for the US Navy. This operating system was known as the I/O Monitor System and was used to control the input and output of data from the computer. In the 1960s and 1970s, the development of the UNIX operating system revolutionized the computer industry. UNIX was the first operating system to use a hierarchical file system and was also the first to use the command-line interface. Since then, operating systems have continued to evolve, with the development of graphical user interfaces, multitasking, and multiprocessing capabilities.
Functions Of Operating System
- Memory Management – The operating system manages the computer’s memory, ensuring that programs and data are stored in the right place and can be accessed quickly when needed.
- Processor Management – The operating system manages the computer’s processing power, allocating it to different programs and ensuring that no single program monopolizes the processor.
- Device Management – The operating system manages the computer’s input and output devices, such as printers, scanners, and network devices.
- File Management – The operating system manages the computer’s files, organizing them in a hierarchical file system and ensuring that they are accessible to the programs that need them.
- User Interface – The operating system provides a user interface that allows users to interact with the computer system, including graphical user interfaces, command-line interfaces, and web-based interfaces.
Examples of Operating System
- Windows – Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft. It is the most popular operating system in the world, used on millions of computers and devices.
- MacOS – MacOS is an operating system developed by Apple Inc. It is used on Apple’s Macintosh computers and laptops.
- Linux – Linux is a family of open-source operating systems based on the UNIX operating system. It is widely used on servers and other devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an operating system is a software program that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It has a rich history that dates back to the early days of computing and has continued to evolve over the years. Today, operating systems are an essential part of every computer system, and there are many different examples to choose from, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
