How does an operating system work?
What is the OS for and what functionality does it provide?
This question is related to the process that occurs at the very beginning of working with a computer, namely: pressing the power button. This process takes only a few minutes, but performs significant missions:- Full check of all programs for correct operation;
- Global check of new hardware;
- Launching the operating system.
Now a list of specific characteristics of OS functionality:
- Executing computer work and requests through input and output data methods (also processes for starting/stopping other programs, working with additional memory, etc.);
- Process of loading and executing programs into RAM;
- Organization for direct user-computer interaction;
- Multitasking, i.e., parallel execution of several tasks;
- Efficient distribution of resources among various processes;
- Protection of the system itself (self-defense);
- Multi-user mode (this can be authorization, etc.)
Where to start and how to choose an OS?
Information on how to find out the operating system and choosing an operating system.
There are main operating systems for PCs:
- Windows OS;
- Linux OS;
- macOS
Determining these OS in Windows
- Search mode in the menu: "Start" enter the phrase: "System Information" and select the item "System Information".
- Find the section "Computer" and select "Version" to find out the version and specific release of the OS
- In the section "Computer", namely in the field "System type", your Windows version will be indicated.
Getting information about Linux OS
You should execute the following command:
- "cat /proc/version"
- Alternative method: "dmesg | grep "Linux version"
To find out the Mac OS version, do the following
- On the desktop, in the line: "Menu" click on the company symbol "Apple";
- Then, in the "Menu" select the item "About This Mac";
- In the window "About This Mac" you will find all the data about the OS version.
How to find out your Android OS version?
Android is an OS for smartphones, tablets, etc. For Android, there is its own instruction for finding data:
- Open the apps and press: "Settings".
- Then, touch the section element "About phone" (or "About tablet"). And in the item "Android version" the OS number will be indicated.
Windows operating system (7,8,10)
A legendary product of Microsoft Corporation - the Windows operating system. First release date - November 20, 1985. Installing the Windows operating system provides you with a characteristic that is the main principle of all work - the event mechanism.
Loading the Windows operating system acts not only as a dispatcher that opens access to processors, but also performs a control function. That is, if some application experiences certain problems, the OS, which is always ready to take appropriate measures, learns about it first.
Over the decades, many versions have been released, but the most relevant are
- Windows 7 operating system, whose feature is comfort in management, due to improved visualization. Moreover, when the user uses other devices, Windows 7 immediately finds and installs the necessary drivers for it.
- Windows 8 operating system, where an improved level of security appeared, also has an app store, which was an evolutionary step for Windows.
- Windows 10 operating system, which brought the interface to perfection. It is also worth noting the enhanced informative personalization of the system, which has become easy to use for any user.
Linux operating system
Linux operating system is a product of Linus Torvalds and his team of developers. Debut release date - October 5, 1991.
Installing the Linux operating system demonstrates its main principle of operation, which distinguishes Linux from other OS - it is the transition from understanding to action, i.e., work is performed only when each step has become easy to understand.
Loading the Linux operating system provides the following advantages:
- Security. The percentage of desktops is about two percent. Therefore, it is pointless to write viruses for Linux, so this feature makes Linux one of the most secure OS on the market.
- Open Source functions, namely the ability to modify programs independently. This is due to the open source code of the kernel;
- Reduction of unclear glitches and various slowdowns and high speed of the entire OS operation;
- Minimal resource requirements and a relatively simple and accessible installation scheme.
Mac operating system
Mac operating system produced by Apple. First appeared - January 24, 1986. Installing the Mac operating system provides the user with easy adaptation to the OS, which is the cornerstone principle of the entire Mac OS.
It is worth noting that loading the Mac operating system is only possible when purchasing a PC or laptop from Apple.
Positive aspects of "Mac OS":
- the user gains complete comfort and impeccable accessibility in the system interface;
- practically complete absence of virus programs, and if such exist, the system will immediately show strong protection; "OS tolerance", i.e., the most top and popular programs that are released, for example, on Windows, usually also appear on Mac.
Android operating system
Android operating system is designed for smartphones, tablets, e-readers, digital players, netbooks, and other devices.
Based on the Linux kernel, Android, Inc., Google, and the Open Handset Alliance created a unique product. It is worth noting that Android has a huge community of developers who regularly modernize the functionality. Official release date - November 5, 2007.
Installing the Android operating system will give the user services in the form of Java applications, online stores, and libraries.
It is recommended to download the Android operating system because it has a number of positive qualities, namely:
- multifunctionality (ability to run many applications simultaneously);
- stable operation and its decent speed;
- pleasant and easily accessible interface;
- additional services depend only on the user themselves;
- Android includes a special notification panel;
- multiple desktops and open access to them.
