What Is An Operating System?

An operating system (OS) is a piece of software that supports a computer’s basic functions. Some of these functions include organising tasks, performing applications and controlling peripherals. Operating systems are essential part of the software in a computer.

Time-sharing operating systems organise tasks so that the system becomes efficient, this may also include accounting for cost allocation of the processer time, mass storage, printing etc.

When dealing with hardware functions such as input/output and memory distribution, the OS acts halfway between program and hardware.

 

Parts of an Operating System

Operating Systems consist of 4 parts:

1. Kernel

2. Device Drivers

3. User Interface

4. Systems Utilities

 

Kernel:

Kernel is responsible of loading applications into memory, making sure that they don’t affect each other and permitting them to share use of the CPU resourcefully. It also deals with file storage to and from secondary storage devices such as hard disks.

· Loading/Uploading applications from memory

· Scheduling tasks

· Memory management

· File management

· Data security e.g. firewalls

 

Device Drivers:

Each piece of hardware that is in a computer or attached to it will have a device driver. This allows the operating system to govern and communicate with it. There are usually lots of device drivers already set up in an operating system. Then the right device driver for the computer is loaded on boot-up.

 

User Interface:

User Interface is the part of the system that guides what you get on your screen and reacts to inputs such as key presses.

 

System Utilities:

System utilities make available basic facilities that run in the background. It doesn’t use user interaction. For example:

· Print Spool Services

· Cryptographic Password Management

· File Management Services

Operating systems can be found on most devices that includes a computer. These include mobile phones, consoles and webservers.

Some popular operating systems are:

· Android

· iOS

· Mac OS X

· Microsoft Windows

 

Comparison of Operating Systems

 

Microsoft Windows 7

 

Features:

·         Home group allows you to share files and printers on a home network

·         Jump Lists means you can get rapid access to ‘most used’ files.

·         Quicker sleep and resume, not as much memory needs, quicker USB recognition.

 

·         Parental controls to restrict what children can view

 

·         Uses lower hardware supplies

 

Functions:

·         AeroSnap function which allows user to resize windows quickly and easily.

 

·         AeroShak function is used to reduce all the windows, discounting the open one by shaking the window with your mouse.

·         Comes with Aero Peek Functions which allows you to peek at opened documents.

 

 

Mac OS X

 

Features:

 

·         Time machines allows files to be backed up easily

 

·         iChat allows users to contact other Mac users in operating systems address book.

 

·         Notes and reminders so users don’t forgot important events

 

·         iCloud which allows to access files from any computer

 

Functions:

 

·         Exposé function maximizes the amount of windows open at once

·         Bonjour function makes it easier to connect to printers, servers, other computers and devices.

 

·         Time machine function makes it easy to back files up

 

Android

 

Features:

 

·         Storage is lightweight

·         Able to support connectivity technologies e.g. Bluetooth.

·         SMS and MMS are available messaging methods

·         Able to support many languages

·         Web browser available is built on the open-source WebKit layout along with Chrome’s V8 JavaScript.

 

·         Supports many audio/video/picture formats Inc. PNG, JPEG, MP3 and WAV.

 

Functions:

 

·         Wide range of applications available.

 

·         Power management functions.

 

·         Update freely.

 

·         New music player.

 

·         SD-based storage card.

 

·         Advanced notice options.

 

·         Storage for off-line maps.

 

iOS 6

 

Features:

 

·         Built in Maps Inc. 3D feature.

 

·         Download podcasts through iTunes.

 

·         Retrieval of documents e.g. boarding passes, coupons and loyalty card.

 

·         Siri personal assistant.

 

·         New privacy settings.

 

Functions:

 

·         Wide range of applications available

 

·         ‘Do Not Disturb’ function – stops contact.

 

·         Siri personal assistant (using voice)

 

·         Update freely

 

After evaluating both operating systems for a phone and computer I have come to a conclusions as to what I think is best.

 

For a phone I would choose iOS 6 over android as I have experienced both operating systems on my phone and have decided to stick to iOS 6. I have decided this because I love the different features especially ‘Siri’ as it can set reminders, alarms and events as well as searching the web for me and searching for phone numbers in contacts. You can get a better range of applications of iOS 6 as when I had my android phone there is certain applications that were not available but are on iOS 6 for example Temple Run. You get built in maps in which you can have look at the world in 3D. The ‘Do Not Disturb’ function is also good as it stops contact after a certain time.

 

For a computer I would personally choose Windows 7 mainly because I haven’t used Mac OS X but I think the way Windows 7 is set out is clear and everything has a place. I like that they have made it easier to view files and to peek at all windows open. Also I like the fast sleep and resume and the fact that devices are recognized quicker which is very useful.  I understand that due to the research I have done, that Mac has some good features but as I haven’t used it it’s difficult to review.