Operating System

This is a set of programs that coordinate the operation of all hardware and application software components of a computer

It is a set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.

An operating system is a set of computer instructions that controls the allocation of computer hardware and provides the capability for you to communicate with the computer.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

1.  Stand alone operating system
2.  Network operating system
3. Embedded operating system

EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT OPERATING SYSTEMS

1. Microsoft Windows.
   A widely used OS with various versions eg windows xp, windows 7, Windows 8, windows 10 and windows 11  owned by Microsoft.
2. MacOS (Mac Operating System)
   Apple macOS is the system software that powers iMacs and MacBook’s.  It’s also regarded as one of the quickest, most reliable OS.
   
3. Linux
   A free, open-source, UNIX-based software, used widely by computer science professionals as a development environment, Linux is ideal for data centres, cloud-based offerings, and high-volume critical applications and websites that rely on large servers.
4. ChromeOS
   Google’s ChromeOS was developed for use with tablets and notebooks
   
5. Android.
   Google’s Android OS is the world’s leading mobile operating system. Its primary use is for touchscreen devices such as mobile devices, smartwatches, smart TVS and any smart display.
6. iOS
   The second most widely used mobile OS, iOS was developed  for use with Apple hardware devices such as the iPhone, iPad, iPod and apple smart watch.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF OPERATING  SYSTEMS ACCORDING

1. Multi-user : Allows two or more users to run programs at the same time. Some
   operating systems permit hundreds or even thousands of concurrent users.
2. Multiprocessing : Supports running a program on more than one CPU.
3. Multitasking : Allows more than one program to run concurrently.
4. Multithreading : Allows different parts of a single program to run concurrently.
5. Real time: Responds to input instantly. General-purpose operating systems, such as DOS
   and UNIX, are not real-time.

FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

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• Loads programs and data files from the secondary storage to the memory when required.
• Control of hardware resources of a computer by allocating the use of peripheral devices for example input, output, storage and processing devices.
• It provides a computer user with an interface that enables a user to easily manage, control and operate a computer.
• It checks whether hardware is working properly and displays error handling and correct messages.
• Keeps track of a finished task that happens during the data processing.
• Responsible for starting and shutting down a computer
• Responsible for administering security by establishing user accounts that require a user name and password to access a computer system.
• It executes commands as needed by the users.
• It bridges the gap between hardware, software and the user which is known as GUI (Graphical User Interface)
• It keeps truck of used and free disk space.
• Manages and displays time/clock on the user.
• It alerts the user and reports errors.
• It organizes and manages files that is opening and closing

CONCLUSION

Operating System acts as an intermediary between programs and hardware, handling tasks like memory allocation, process management, and file systems. Examples of popular operating systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS by Apple, and various Linux distributions.