Operating Systems

Operating Systems
Task 1
An operating system (OS) is a part of software which manages the operation of a computer. It controls the hardware and software of a computer, without it a computer would be useless.
DOS
Disk operating system (DOS) was released in 1981. It will load from a floppy disk each time a computer starts. DOS uses a command line interface. Command line interface can be difficult to use if you aren’t trained or experienced in using it. DOS is the predecessor to windows. DOS is prior to Windows; Windows was created as an add-on to DOS. This operating system allows direct access to hardware and is compatible with all PC’s. DOS is compatible with all computers and hardware. DOS also uses very little system resources. DOS is an old application so is now out-dated and if you use DOS you can only run one application at a time.
Windows
Windows was created by Microsoft which was invented by Bill Gates. Windows was originally made as an add-on the DOS and is now the most popular operating system on the planet. Originally Windows was created as an add-on to DOS but has now become one of the most popular operating systems in the world. Windows is a relatively cheap program and unlike DOS it supports multitasking. Windows is a cheap operating system. Unlike DOS, Windows supports multi-tasking. Windows can be complicated to use at first. Windows makes it easier to run applications than DOS did and it also helps people keep their files safe.
Mac OS
Mac OS is Apples main operating system. Mac OS runs on apple products such as iPhones, iPads and iPod touch. The operating system uses less system resources than windows and is generally more stable. Mac OS uses less system resources than Windows. This operating system is also usually more stable than Windows. Mac OS is very user friendly and easy to use. Mac systems are usually more expensive than systems that run windows and Mac’s can’t be upgraded. Mac OS is usually expensive to run and can’t be upgraded.

Linux
Linux is based on UNIX and originally written by Linus Torvalds in 1991. Linux was created in 1991 and is UNIX based operating system. One of the most popular versions of Linux is Ubuntu. Linux is a free operating system and is an open source so anybody is free to change or view how it works. Linux is a free operating system. It is an open source, this means that anyone can change or view how it runs. If a virus is released on Linux hundreds of people would immediately make a fix available so this operating system is more secure than others. Linux is more secure than other operating systems because if a virus is released hundreds of people would make a fix available. Linux can be difficult to understand if you are a new user.
Command line and GUI operating systems
Command Line- The command line is a command prompt where the user types a command which runs programmes. A command line allows a user to type a command to run programmes. It is cheap to produce and is suitable for expert use as it is quick. Language errors could easily be made by a user and the command language must be learnt and memorised to be able to use it effectively. Mistake could easily be made when using command line interface as it has its own special language. This language should be learnt and memorized in order to be able to use it effectively. Command line interaction is limited to the use of a keyboard.
GUI- Graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to interact with the system using the mouse to select objects. GUI has a consistent layout. The desktop layout can be customised by the user to make it better for them. GUI is much easier to use then command line as only valid options are available. GUI requires a better graphics display than a command line as it displays much more on the screen and it requires a more powerful processor.
OS functions and services
Machine Management- The operating systems job is to shuffle the resources it has to keep the system running smoothly. The resources on a modern computer are physical memory, virtual memory, disk cache, CPU and the bandwidth. The machine management helps avoid too many peaks of activity where there is no free capacity.
Peripheral Management- Modern operating systems are plug and play. Through the use of a driver the operating system can communicate with the hardware. An operating system communicates with the hardware of your computer through the use of a driver. The operating system controls the amount of CPU attention that an input or output device receives.
Security- It is important that an operating system is secure to keep files, documents and information safe and secure. If an operating system has any flaws then it can be easily exploited by hackers. If an operating system has any faults then it can easily be abused by hackers. LINUX is a secure operating system as it is an open source. Mac OS and LINUX are also considered being more secure than Windows because less attacks are directed towards them. because Windows is the most popular operating system. Windows have more attacks directed towards them as it is the most popular operating system.
File Management- The operating system of a computer controls the reading and writing of files stored on the hard drive. Each time data has to be written or read from the hard drive the operating system needs to coordinate the disk accesses. The operating system maintains and organises the list of files on your computer.
Device Drivers
A driver is a program that allows an operating system to communicate with the computer hardware. Computer parts need a driver because they don’t use standard commands. Different operating systems need different drivers. A driver written for windows could not be used by LINUX. The wrong device driver can stop hardware from working properly. Many drivers are preinstalled with windows so they will work instantly. Hardware should always come with a driver disk in case it is not recognised by the operating system.
Features
Ability to customize- Customisability allows a user to change or personalise their operating system. For example, they could change the colour of their cursor or the boot sequence. Macs are generally less customisable than other operating systems. Windows is usually more customisable than Mac but LINUX is the most customizable operating system.
Stability and Reliability- An operating system is the most important piece of software on a computer, if the operating system crashes then the computer will become unusable. Stability and reliability is important in operating systems because if a server crashes then data or money will be lost by an organisation. If one application being run by the operating system fails, it must be able to deal with the problem.
Ease of management- Ease of management is how easy an operation is to use. An operating system could be really simple to use for anyone or they could be difficult to navigate round. Windows is usually the easiest operating system to use but other operating systems can be easy to use depending on your expert level.
Associated utilities- Utilities are apps or tools you can download or buy that you can use on your computer. It is important that the utilities are compatible with your operating system or it won’t run properly. There are different utilities available for different operating systems.
Support for connectivity of portable media- Some operating systems don’t support connectivity of portable media. Portable media could include anything from memory cards and mp3 players to external hard drives.
Cost and support for the user- Computers come with an operating system already built in but if you want to upgrade some operating systems are very expensive. Linux is a free operating system that can be downloaded off the internet but operating systems such as windows 8 could cost up to £190.

Task 2
My two operating systems: Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.
Functions
Similarities
Differences
Machine and Peripheral Management
Control of computer components with both operating systems is pretty much the same.
Windows will allow near enough any peripherals to control the computer but with Mac OS, most peripherals need to be bought especially for Macs otherwise they won’t be compatible.
Security
Both operating systems use firewall as a protection for their computers.
Mac OS X has one of the best reputations for having the least amount of bugs and having the most secure system. Windows is the opposite; they easily catch bugs and viruses that can be very difficult to remove. Windows is more likely to get viruses because more people use it than Mac OS. Windows have improved their security over the years but they still have a lot of improving to do to be as secure as Mac OS X. Mac OS X tends to be more secure than Windows because it is Unix based.
File management
File managers can be used on both operating systems. You can create new files and sort all your documents out effectively so it is easier for you to find what you are looking for.
Windows has a file manager built in with the operating system. With this file manager you can access internal and external documents without any trouble.

Features
Similarities
Differences
Ability to customize
Both operating systems allow you to customise the appearance of the screen.
Mac OS requires additional software to customise the desktop whereas windows allow you to customise your desktop without the need for additional software.
Support for connectivity of portable media
Both operating systems support connectivity of portable media such as USB, CD, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
There are no differences.
Stability and Reliability
There are no similarities.
Because Macs are so tightly controlled they are said to be more stable than Windows but it all depends on what version of windows you are using. Mac OS X is stable because it is tailored and optimized for the hardware it runs. With Windows, they take into account that the user may have a combination of different hardware and they have to try and make it work on all hardware. This makes optimizing difficult making Windows less stable. Mac OS X has a lower downtime than Windows at 37 mins. Windows downtime is 2.42 hours.
Ease of management
Both operating systems are easy to use and anyone could use them without having to be an expert.
Windows has been out much longer than Mac OS X so a lot of people may already have experience using Windows throughout their childhood making it easier for people to use as they get older. Mac OS would take a little while to get used to but is still easy to use.
Associated utilities
Both operating systems have utilities available. Both operating systems have a limited choice of games and apps due to user range and large developer powers.
There are no differences.
Cost and support for the user
Both operating systems give support to users that are easy to follow.
To upgrade to the new Mac OS it only costs £20 but for an upgrade to the latest windows OS it will cost around £100 for the basic version, if you want the pro version it would cost about £180. This is huge difference in price between the two operating system.