An operating system (OS) is essential software that manages computer hardware & software resources, providing common services for computer programs. Here's a brief guide:
📚 History of Operating Systems
- 1950s: Batch processing systems emerged for early mainframes
- 1960s: Time-sharing OS like CTSS (Cambridge TS) enabled multitasking
- 1970s: Unix was developed, later influencing modern systems
- 1980s: Microsoft Windows and macOS introduced GUI interfaces
🧠 Key Concepts
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Kernel | Core component managing hardware |
| Shell | User interface for interacting with OS |
| Processes | Independent units of execution |
| Threads | Subunits within processes for parallel tasks |
🔄 Types of Operating Systems
- Desktop OS (e.g., Windows, macOS)
- Mobile OS (e.g., Android, iOS)
- Server OS (e.g., Linux, Windows Server)
- Embedded OS (e.g., RTOS for IoT devices)
For deeper exploration, check our OS History section or Linux Overview.