Types of Operating Systems

Embedded Operating Systems: operating systems that are designed to be small, efficient, and typically not upgradeable, often responsible for a single task.

• Example devices: Traffic lights, digital televisions, ATMs, Point of Sale terminals,

• What can be considered an embedded operating system?

  • Firmware: software programmed into read only memory within the hardware to ensure hardware functions properly

Desktop Operating System: an operating system used for single users and single user applications

• Examples: Linux, Mac OS, Windows, ChromeOS

  • Linux: a free open-source operating system that derives from Unix

    • Open-source: anyone can access/edit/maintain the source code (programming logic)

    • Typically, open source programs are free

    • Kernel: core functionality of an operating system

    • Distributions/Distros: Different operating systems built off of the Linux kernel

    • Complete freedom in the design of the operating system of a computing device, which is positive and negative

  • Mac OS: proprietary operating system that introduced the first common GUI and considered the best for graphical programs

    • intuitive software for video and music editing

  • Windows: The most widely used workstation operating system in the world

  • ChromeOS: usually a cloud-based operating system for Chromebooks

    • No internet = paperweight

Sever Operating Systems

• Also known as a network-based operating system

• Used to control and maintain other computers on a network

• Includes Windows Server 2016 and MacOS 11 (Server 5.11)

• Also includes Ubuntu Server and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (distributions of Linux)

Mobile Operating Systems

• iOS; operating system launched by Apple, which is found in iPads, and iPhones

• Android: operating system launched by Google and is cross platform, allowing many hardware vendors supporting this type of operating system

• Windows Mobile: an operating system developed by Microsoft, and was seen on Windows’ phones, but is not used anymore

Mobile Device Storage

• Most mobile devices utilize the cloud for storage, data backups, and data synchronization

• What cloud storage to iOS and Android devices utilize?

  • iOS: iCloud

  • Android: Google Drive

• What app stores are used?

  • iOS: App Store

  • Android: Play Store