Operating System (OS): A collection of programs that control interactions with hardware and interpret user commands. An application is user software like a word processor or database.
Computer Hardware Basics
Computer: A device that calculates.
Microcomputer: A small computer used by one person with a microprocessor CPU.
Integrated Circuit (IC): A small electronic component consisting of transistors.
Motherboard: Circuit board for internal components.
Storage: Hard drive, Solid-State Drive, DVD, CD, USB drive.
Firmware: Integrated circuits with small programs for basic communication between OS and hardware.
Server: Provides services to other computers over a network (file, print, messaging, email, web services).
Server OSs: Windows, Apple macOS, Linux, and UNIX.
Client: Computer/software receiving services.
Desktops and Laptops: Personal computers (PCs) designed for stationary (desktop) or portable (laptop) use, running OSs like Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS.
Mobile Devices:
Mobile device: small handheld device
System-on-a-chip: A microchip containing all (or most) of a device’s circuitry
Embedded OS: An OS stored in firmware
Smartphone: Cell phone with many hardware features and apps
Tablet: Larger than a cell phone, may not have cell capabilities
BYOD: Bring your own device
Internet of Things (IoT): Network-connected devices like kitchen appliances, thermostats, and industrial controls.
Functions of Microcomputer Operating Systems
Booting: Operating system starts up.
OS Kernel: Manages low-level tasks.
User Interface (UI): Allows user interaction with the OS.
Command-Line Interface (CLI): Text-based.
Graphical User Interface (GUI): Graphic elements, menus, icons, pointer.
Job Management: Controls the order and time programs run (process scheduler).
Task Management: Runs two or more tasks simultaneously (multitasking), manages Processes.
File Management: Allows OS to read, write, and modify data; uses file systems, partitions, and directories.
Device Management: Controls hardware devices using device drivers and Plug-and-Play (PNP).
Memory Management: Placement of programs/data in memory.
Security: Built-in features like password protection and access restrictions.
Evolution of Operating Systems
UNIX: Operating system for various platforms, evolved from Bell Labs; variants include BSD, FreeBSD, and AIX.
Early Computing (1950s-1960s): Managed tape data storage; disk systems emerged in mid-1960s.