What is software and operating system?

 

 

Software is a collection of advices that tells a computer what to do. It can be separated into two main categories: system software and application software.

·        System software is the software that wheels the computer's hardware and makes it possible for other software to run. The operating system is the most important piece of system software. Other examples of system software include device drivers, firmware, and utilities.

·        Application software is the software that users interact with directly. It includes programs like word processors, web browsers, games, and productivity software.

An operating system (OS) is a type of system software that manages the computer's hardware and software resources, and provides common services for CPU programs. It is the most important software on a computer, and without it, no other software would be able to run.

The main roles of an operating system include:

·        Resource management: The operating system manages the computer's hardware properties, such as the CPU, memory, and storage. It ensures that these resources are used resourcefully and fairly by all the programs that are running on the computer.

·        Task management: The operating system manages the execution of tasks, such as programs and processes. It ensures that tasks are executed in a timely and orderly manner, and that they do not interfere with each other.

·        User interface: The operating system provides a user line (UI) that allows users to interact with the computer. The UI can be graphical (GUI) or command-line (CLI).

·        File management: The operating system manages the computer's files and folders. It allows users to create, delete, and modify files, and to move them between folders.

There are four main types of effective systems:

·        Desktop operating systems: These are designed for personal computers (PCs). Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

·        Mobile operating systems: These are designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Examples include Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

·        Embedded operating systems: These are designed for embedded systems such as cars, appliances, and industrial machinery.

·        Real-time operating systems: These are designed for applications that require guaranteed response times, such as air traffic control systems and medical equipment

What are the types of operating systems?

There are many different types of operating systems, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most common types of operating systems include:

Desktop operating systems are designed for personal computers (PCs). They typically have a graphical user line (GUI) that allows users to network with the computer using icons, menus, and windows. Examples of desktop operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Mobile operating systems are designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They typically have a touch-based GUI that allows users to interact with the CPU using their fingers. Examples of mobile operational systems include Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

Embedded operating systems are designed for embedded systems such as cars, appliances, and industrial machinery. They are typically very small and efficient, and they often have a real-time operating system (RTOS) that guarantees that critical tasks will be executed on time. Examples of embedded operating systems include QNX, VxWorks, and Linux.

Real-time operating systems are designed for applications that require guaranteed response times, such as air traffic control systems and medical equipment. RTOSs typically have a very strict scheduler that ensures that critical tasks are executed on time, even if other tasks are waiting to be executed. Examples of RTOSs include VxWorks, QNX, and Linux.

The main difference between these different types of operating systems is the way they interact with the user and the hardware. Desktop operating systems typically have a GUI that allows users to interact with the CPU using icons, menus, and windows. Mobile operating systems typically have a touch-based GUI that allows employers to interact with the computer using their fingers. Embedded operating systems are typically very small and efficient, and they often have a real-time operating system (RTOS) that guarantees that critical tasks will be executed on time.

Here are some of the most important concepts in operating systems:

·        Processes: A process is a program that is currently running on the computer. The operating system manages all of the processes on the computer, and ensures that they do not interfere with each other.

·        Threads: A thread is a lightweight process that can run concurrently with other threads. Threads are often used to improve the performance of programs.

·        Memory management: The operating system manages the computer's memory, and ensures that all of the programs that are running have enough memory to run properly.

·        File management: The operating system manages the computer's files and folders, and allows users to create, delete, and modify files.

·        Input/output (I/O): The operating system manages the computer's I/O devices, such as the keyboard, mouse, and printer.