An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system.

Most personal computers, including the popular Macintosh line, use a graphical user interface (GUI), which allows them to be operated by pointing and clicking on visual representations of menu items, buttons, and windows. Other types of OS's include text-based ones like MS-DOS, as well as more sophisticated network-based systems such as UNIX. Windows developed by Microsoft.

History of Operating Systems

Ever since the first personal computers were developed in the 1970s, there has been a need for an operating system (OS) to manage all of the basic tasks required to run the machine. Early popular OS's include MS-DOS and Apple's Macintosh System Software. In the 1980s, Unix became a widely used OS for servers and workstations.

Today, there are three primary OS platforms in use: Windows, Linux, and macOS. Windows is by far the most popular desktop OS, with over 90% market share as of 2019. It was first released in 1985 as a graphical extension to MS-DOS.

Since then, it has undergone numerous changes and iterations, with each new version bringing more advanced features and functionality. The latest release is Windows 10, which was launched in 2015. Linux is a free and open-source OS that can be installed on any computer hardware platform.

It is widely used on servers but has also gained popularity as a desktop platform in recent years. Many different “flavors” or “distros” of Linux are available, such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Mint. MacOS is the exclusive OS for Apple's line of Mac computers. It is based on Unix but with a unique graphical user interface (GUI) that sets it apart from other systems. The latest release is macOS Catalina, which was unveiled in 2019 at WWDC (Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference).

How to choose an operating system for your computer

With so many operating systems on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your computer. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

1. What type of computer do you have? If you have a Mac, you will need to use macOS. If you have a PC, you can choose between Windows and Linux.

2. What do you plan on using your computer for? If you only plan on using it for basic tasks like browsing the internet and checking email, any operating system will suffice. However, if you want to play games or run programs that require a lot of resources, you will need to choose an operating system that is designed for performance.

3. How much money are you willing to spend? Some operating systems are free (like Linux), while others can cost hundreds of dollars (like Windows 10). Decide how much money you're willing to spend before narrowing down your options.

4. Do you need specific software? If there is specific software that you need to use, make sure that it is compatible with the operating system that you are considering. Otherwise, you may not be able to use the program at all.

5. Are updates and security patches important to you? Some operating systems receive regular updates with new features and security patches, while others do not. Consider how important these things are to you before making your final decision.

Functions of an Operating System

1. File Management. The operating system is responsible for managing files in directories for efficient access and usage. It provides options for grouping related content in folders. It keeps track of a file status, permissions granted to a user to access it, and where it is stored in the machine.
2. Device Management. The operating system is responsible for keeping track of all devices connected to the machine, including USB cables and disks, mouse, keyboard, and provides for drivers to run these connected devices.
3. Processor Management. It controls which processes are to be processed by the processor at any given time. This process is called process scheduling. A traffic controller is used to keep track of all the processes. It allocates CPU to a process and de-allocates incase the service is over or stopped.
4. Cordination between softwares and users. When more than one software is running, the OS helps in making sure no conflict arises due to multitasking. If one user is logged remotely and another on premise, the OS helps in maintaining a connection for all two logged in users.
5. Memory Management. It allocates memory to a process that has requested and dea-allocates the memory resources if the process is terminated.
6. Manages and Controls System Performance. The operating system helps in monitoring overall system performance. It shows which services are running, their resource usage, and if any abnormalities in the services running.

How to install a new operating system on your computer

Installing a new operating system on your computer can be a daunting task, but there are some easy steps you can follow to make sure everything goes smoothly.

First, you'll need to back up all of your important files. This includes documents, photos, and any other data you don't want to lose. There are many ways to do this, so find the method that works best for you.

Next, you'll need to obtain the installation files for the new OS. These can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

Once the files have been downloaded, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive or DVD. This will be used to install the new OS on your computer. Again, there are various methods for doing this depending on which OS you're installing. Consult a guide or search online for instructions specific to your situation.

With everything prepared, it's finally time to install the new OS! Boot from the USB drive or DVD and follow the prompts on screen. The process will vary depending on which OS you're installing, but it should be relatively straightforward overall. Just make sure not to delete any important partitions or accidentally format your hard drive in the process!

After the installation is complete, all that's left to do is transfer your backed-up files over and enjoy using your brand-new operating system!

The pros and cons of popular operating systems

There are many different types of operating systems, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular operating systems and their pros and cons.

Windows: Windows is the most popular type of operating system, windows 11 being the recent version. It is used on PCs, laptops, and tablets. The main advantage of Windows is that it is very user-friendly. Even people who are not familiar with computers can use it without any problems. Another advantage of Windows is that it has a lot of features and applications that you can use. The downside of Windows is that it can be slow at times, and it is not as secure as other types of operating systems.

MacOS: macOS is the second most popular type of operating system after Windows. It is used on Apple computers such as iMacs, MacBooks, and Mac Minis. One advantage of macOS over Windows is that it runs faster because there are fewer programs running in the background. Additionally, macOS is more secure than Windows since there are fewer viruses designed for macOS devices. However, one downside to using a mac is that they can be more expensive than PCs or laptops running Windows.

Linux: Linux is a type of open-source operating system that can be installed on any computer regardless of make or model. One advantage to using Linux over other types of OS such as Windows or macOS is that it tends to run faster because no extra applications are running in the background. In addition, since Linux is open source, anyone can contribute to its development which makes it constantly improve. A disadvantage to using Linux however, is That it requires more technical knowledge than other OS to install And maintain.

Tips and tricks for using different operating systems

There are a few tips and tricks that can make using different operating systems easier for users. One tip is to learn the keyboard shortcuts for the most commonly used tasks in each operating system. This can help save time when switching between operating systems. Another tip is to become familiar with the file structure in each operating system. This can help avoid frustration when trying to find files in a different operating system. Finally, it is helpful to understand the different ways that each operating system handles updates and installations. This can avoid issues when installing new software or updating existing software.

Tips for some of the popular operating systems are explained below:

Windows:
-To quickly open the Start menu, press the Windows key on your keyboard.
-To search for a file or program, press the Windows key + S on your keyboard.
-To open the Action Center, press the Windows key + A on your keyboard.

MacOS: -To quickly access Siri, press and hold the Command key + Spacebar on your keyboard.
-To preview a file, select it and then press the Spacebar on your keyboard.
-To access Mission Control, click on the Dashboard icon in the Dock or swipe up with three fingers on your trackpad.