computer

An operating system, or OS, is a program which directly interacts with a computer's hardware in order to run other programs. Operating systems are required for most modern computers to run. The OS typically loads immediately after the boot loader. In some earlier computers, however, the boot loader was built into the operating system.

Types of operating systems

Microcomputer

Found on microcomputers.

Mini

Generally designed for mini computers and not common today. These are not Unix variants.

Desktop

Designed for personal (i.e., home or office) use. They typically interface with the user graphically, although Linux users commonly prefer the command-line. Desktop operating systems include Windows, Macintosh, and some Unix-like distributions.

Embedded

Included in permanently programmed devices such as microwave ovens, iPods, mobile phones, and thermostats.

Unix-Like

Main article: Unix-like

Derived from Unix or designed to be compatible with Unix. Common Unix-like operating systems include Linux, BSD, and AIX.

Types of user interfaces

Command-Line Driven

Command-line driven operating systems are most common on servers. Some of the older CLIs are directly based off programming languages (like KERNAL), while others had a command interpreter (like MS-DOS). Aside from some Unix variants, most command-line driven operating systems have left the commercial desktop market, because casual users are more familiar with GUIs and find them easier to use.

Graphical

Most modern operating systems use graphical user interfaces because this allows users to navigate computers more easily. The primary disadvantage of GUI-based operating systems is they take a great deal of memory as compared to command line systems. There are also GUIs that run on top of CLI's such as Windows 3.1 and X Window System.

History

In April 1972, Sord Computer Corporation (now Toshiba Personal Computer System Corporation) developed the SMP80/08,[1] the world's first microcomputer.[2] It used the Intel 8008 microprocessor, which it was developed in tandem with. Soon after the Intel 8080 was introduced in April 1974, Sord introduced the SMP80/x series, the first microcomputers to use the 8080,[1] in April 1974.[2] The SMP80/x series were the first microcomputers with an operating system,[3] and marked a major leap toward the popularization of microcomputers.[1]

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References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://museum.ipsj.or.jp/en/computer/personal/0086.html
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Michael Katz, Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz (1985), Computer Entrepreneur, page 469, Penguin Group
  3. ↑ Michael Katz, Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz (1985), Computer Entrepreneur, page 463, Penguin Group

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