AI&ML58 - KRISHNAKUMAR YADAV

Operating Systems
What is an Operating System?
An Operating System (OS) is a software that acts as an interface between computer hardware components
and the user. Every computer system must have at least one operating system to run other programs.
Applications like Browsers, MS Office, Notepad Games, etc., need some environment to run and perform
its tasks. The OS helps you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the
computer’s language. It is not possible for the user to use any computer or mobile device without having
an operating system.

Types of Operating System (OS):

1. MS-DOS:

MS-DOS which is short for Microsoft Disk Operating System is a non-graphical command line
operating system developed for IBM compatible computers with x86 microprocessor. The operating
system used a command line interface for the user to input commands to navigate, open and
manipulate files on their computer.

Features:

 It is a single user operating system meaning only one user can operate at a time.

 It is a light weight operating system allowing users to have direct access to the BIOS and its
underlying hardware.

 Loads data and programs from external sources and bring them into the internal memory so
they can be used on the computer.

 Enables the computer to perform input and output operations such as taking commands from
keyboard, printing information on the screen.

 It is very helpful in making file management like creating, editing, deleting files, etc.
  It also controls and manages other external devices such as the printer, keyboard or external
hard drive using various drive utilities.

Drawbacks:

 It does not allow multiple users to operate on the system.

 It does not support graphical interface hence mouse cannot be used to operate it.

 It does not support multiprogramming meaning it can only have one process in the ram.

 It lacked memory protection which meant no security, and less stability.

 It has difficulty in memory access when addressing more than 640 MB of RAM

2. WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM:

Windows is an operating system designed by Microsoft to be used on a standard x86 Intel and AMD
processors. It provides an interface, known as a graphical user interface(GUI) which eliminates the
need to memorize commands for the command line by using a mouse to navigate through menus,
dialog boxes, buttons, tabs, and icons. The operating system was named windows since the programs
are displayed in the shape of a square. This Windows operating system has been designed for both a
novice user just using at home as well as for professionals who are into development.

Features:

 It is designed to run on any standard x86 Intel and AMD hence most of the hardware vendors
make drivers for windows like Dell, HP, etc.

 It supports enhanced performance by utilizing multi-core processors.

 It comes preloaded with many productivity tools which helps to complete all types of
everyday tasks on your computer.

 Windows has a very large user base so there is a much larger selection of available software
programs, utilities.

 Windows is backward compatible meaning old programs can run on newer versions.

 Hardware is automatically detected eliminating need of manually installing any device drivers.

Drawbacks:
  Windows can be expensive since the OS is paid license and majority of its applications are
paid products.

 Windows has high computer resource requirement like it should have high ram capacity, a lot
of hard drive space and good graphics card.

 Windows slows and hangs up if the user loads up many programs at the same time.

 Windows includes network sharing that can be useful if user has a network with many PCs.

 Windows is vulnerable to virus attacks since it has a huge user base and users have to update
OS to keep up-to-date with security patches.

3. LINUX:

The Linux OS is an open source operating system project that is a freely distributed, cross-
platform operating system developed based on UNIX. This operating system is developed by
Linus Torvalds. The name Linux comes from the Linux kernel. It is basically the system
software on a computer that allows apps and users to perform some specific task on the
computer. The development of Linux operating system pioneered the open source
development and became the symbol of software collaboration.
Features:
 Linux is free can be downloaded from the Internet or redistribute it under GNU
licenses and has the best community support.
 Linux OS is easily portable which means it can be installed on various types of
devices like mobile, tablet computers.
 It is a multi-user, multitasking operating system.
 BASH is the Linux interpreter program which can be used to execute commands.
 Linux provides multiple levels of file structures i.e. hierarchical structure in which all
the files required by the system and those that are created by the user are arranged.
 Linux provides user security using authentication features and also threat detection
and solution is very fast because Linux is mainly community driven.
Drawbacks:
 There’s no standard edition of Linux hence confusing for users and also becoming
familiar with the Linux may be a problem for new users.
 More difficult to find applications to support user needs since Linux does not
dominate the market.
 Since some applications are developed specifically for Windows and Mac, those
might not be compatible with Linux and sometimes users might not have much of a
choice to choose between different applications like in Windows or Mac since most
apps are developed for operating systems that have a huge user base.
 Some hardware may not be incompatible with Linux since it has patchier support for
drivers which may result in malfunction.
  There are plenty of forums to resolve Linux issues, but it may not always match the
user’s own level of technical understanding.
4. SYMBIAN:
Symbian OS was the most widely-used smartphone operating system in the world based on
ARM architecture, until it was discontinued in 2014. It was developed by Symbian Ltd, which
was a partnership among PDA devices and smartphone manufacturers like Psion, Motorola,
Ericsson, and Nokia. The Symbian Operating System was developed of two sub system where
the first is the microkernel-based operating system with its associated libraries, and the other
being interface of the OS with which the user interacts. It was explicitly developed for
smartphones and hand held digital devices since this operating system consumes very low
power, battery-based devices and also for ROM-based systems.

Features:

 Its kernel known as EKA2 features preemptive multithreading, scheduling, memory

management system and device drivers.
 Allows third party software to enhance the platform for better performance of the
operating system.
 Symbian Interface is easy to use and very user friendly.
 Applications for Symbian are normally written in C++ or Symbian C++ using Symbian
Software Development Kit (SDK).
 Symbian can also run applications written in Python, Java ME, Flash Lite, Ruby
and .NET.
 Connectivity is lot easier and faster.
 Symbian OS has good efficiency and stability.

Drawbacks:

 Responsiveness is not smooth and sensitive as other operating systems.

 The Symbian OS is very vulnerable and can be easily affected by a Virus.
 Lack of virtual memory.

Features of Operating System (OS):

Here is a list important features of OS:

 Protected and supervisor mode

 Allows disk access and file systems Device Drivers Networking Security

 Program Execution

 Memory management Virtual Memory Multitasking

  Handling I/O operations

 Manipulation of the file system

 Error Detection and handling

 Resource allocation

 Information and Resource Protection

Difference between Linux and Windows:

Parameters Linux Windows

Case Sensitivity The file system in Linux is very The file system in Windows is not case-
case-sensitive. sensitive.

Cost Incurred Linux is free to use for everyone. Windows do not come free for any user.

Open Source It is open source. It is not open source.

Type of Kernel Linux utilizes the monolithic kernel. Windows uses the micro-kernel.
Used

Path Separator The path separator that Linux uses The path separator that Windows uses is
is Slash. backward slash.

Efficiency In the case of operations, Linux is For operations, Windows are

way more efficient than Windows. comparatively way less efficient than
Linux.

Security It is more secure than Windows It provides much less security to its users
OS. than Linux.

Uses in Hacking People generally use Linux for the Windows is not a very efficient OS for
systems that are hacking-based. hacking purposes as compared to Linux.

Technological trends in OS
Current Trend:

In Brunei, Microsoft Windows is being widely used and preferred at the moment. Reason being is that
most of the consumer’s primary computers’ operating system is Windows. Thus, a lot of the people prefer
to use Windows because it is what they are familiar and comfortable with. It is also easier for them to do
their work since most of them-be it at school or in the office-still prefer Windows than other operating
systems and they can easily sync their work without having to change their files’ format to suit the
operating system they are using.

However, the Windows users have to deal with virus prone software that are highly disliked by the
consumers as the virus will corrupt their work. Even with anti-virus programs installed into their
computers, they still get virus threats every now and then because when you buy a PC, you get both the
hardware and software from different companies, which makes it vulnerable to virus attacks because
Windows allow various types application to be download into the system and viruses are one of them.

Changing Trends:

Macintosh was the first computer ever produced, however Windows gained popularity because it sold
itself to big companies such as IBM.

The government has recently introduced Mac to students by providing public schools with MacBooks so
that their students can be Apple literate. The public people, although not in a very large number, are also
slowly starting to shift to Mac because they feel that it is much more secure and reliable in terms of virus
handling and crashing programs than Windows because Mac’s applications and computers are both made
Apple. Since Mac’s applications are made to work generally the same way, it would be easier for users to
learn and navigate throughout the system.

Apple build their own computers and software so it rarely crash or freeze or even catch a virus because its
design. Apple’s browser, Safari alerts users when an item has finished downloading as well as continually
making free security updates with the option of having it automatically downloaded

Future Trends:

Even with the currently slow Windows to Mac conversion in Brunei, there are people who also wish to
switch from Windows to Linux, but not in a very large number. Why people would want to switch to
Linux is because not only Linux is freely distributed, its functionality, flexibility and sturdiness has made
it the main alternative for proprietary UNIX and Microsoft operating systems. Not only that most of their
software are virus free but the system also automatically updates them. Major computing companies have
embraced and supported Linux’s development and it has been adopted worldwide primarily as a server
platform and is getting more common for home and office desktop.

Challenges:
1. Improper Drivers:
You need drivers to use additional hardware, which can typically be downloaded from the internet. These
drivers could be infected with bugs. These flaws cause the operating system to crash. Most modern
operating systems include the "Safe Mode Boot" option. Safe Mode Boot is used for troubleshooting and
locating faulty drivers. Only the most critical drivers are loaded in Safe Mode Boot, not all of them.

2. Thrashing:

Deadlock happens when two programs are running need control over a particular resource. The OS may
attempt to switch back and forth between the two programs during a deadlock. It eventually leads to
Thrashing, in which the hard disk is overworked by excessively shifting information between system
memory and virtual memory, causing a system crash.

3. Corrupt Registry:

The registry is a small database that stores all of the detail about the kernel, drivers, and programs. The
OS searches its registry before beginning any app. Registry corruption may occur as a result of erroneous
application removal, careless registry changes, or having too many installed applications, among other
things.

4. Virus:

On the system, a virus may replicate itself. Viruses are particularly dangerous since they can modify and
delete user files and cause machines to crash. A virus is a small piece of code that is embedded in system
software. The virus becomes embedded in other files and programs as the user interacts with the program,
potentially rendering the system unworkable.

5. Trojan Horse:

The application saves the user's login details. It prevents user details from being transferred to a rogue
user, who can subsequently log in and access system resources.

6. Slow System Performance:

The system's performance has become very slow. If you're looking for how to recognize signs of
operating system failure on the internet, it is the ideal sign. In this case, you can check to see if you have
installed the latest versions of Windows on the system. Even security fixes must be kept up to date. After
that, the system will resume normal operation.

7. Failure to Boot:
If you are unable to boot, the OS may have been damaged. There have been changes to the system's boot
order. You can examine the booting process and sequence setup. In the case of an OS failure, you must
reinstall the Windows OS. Please keep in mind that the problem might be significant. It is one of the best
indicators of operating system failure.

8. Compatibility Error:

This type of issue commonly arises when the old apps in Windows no longer work due to the upgrade.
When you encounter this issue, you are aware that it is one of the operating system breakdown symptoms,
but you can easily address it. In most cases, Windows offers an in-built capability that allows applications
to be made compatible with the new version. If you are a computer expert and are familiar with the
language, you can run the software in compatibility mode.