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Operating System

The document discusses the history of operating systems across four generations from the 1940s to present day. The first generation saw the introduction of computers without operating systems where programming was done through direct machine language. The second generation saw the introduction of the first operating systems like GMOS which facilitated single-stream batch processing on mainframe computers. The third generation introduced multiprogramming which allowed nearly 100% CPU utilization and the growth of minicomputers. The fourth generation saw the creation of personal computing through systems like Windows, Macintosh, and mobile operating systems, which are now ubiquitous.

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Russel Patrick
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74 views

Operating System

The document discusses the history of operating systems across four generations from the 1940s to present day. The first generation saw the introduction of computers without operating systems where programming was done through direct machine language. The second generation saw the introduction of the first operating systems like GMOS which facilitated single-stream batch processing on mainframe computers. The third generation introduced multiprogramming which allowed nearly 100% CPU utilization and the growth of minicomputers. The fourth generation saw the creation of personal computing through systems like Windows, Macintosh, and mobile operating systems, which are now ubiquitous.

Uploaded by

Russel Patrick
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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History of Operating Systems

The First Generation (1940's to early 1950's)


When electronic computers where first introduced in the 1940's
they were created without any operating systems. All
programming was done in absolute machine language, often by
wiring up plugboards to control the machine's basic
functions. During this generation computers were generally used
to solve simple math calculations, operating systems were not
necessarily needed.

The Second Generation (1955-1965)


The first operating system was introduced in the early 1950's, it
was called GMOS and was created by General Motors for IBM's
machine the 701. Operating systems in the 1950's were called
single-stream batch processing systems because the data was
submitted in groups. These new machines were called
mainframes, and they were used by professional operators in
large computer rooms. Since there was such as high price tag on
these machines, only government agencies or large corporations
were able to afford them.

The Third Generation (1965-1980)


By the late 1960's operating systems designers were able to
develop the system of multiprogramming in which a computer
program will be able to perform multiple jobs at the same
time.The introduction of multiprogramming was a major part in
the development of operating systems because it allowed a CPU
to be busy nearly 100 percent of the time that it was in
operation. Another major development during the third
generation was the phenomenal growth of minicomputers,
starting with the DEC PDP-1 in 1961. The PDP-1 had only 4K of
18-bit words, but at $120,000 per machine (less than 5 percent
of the price of a 7094), it sold like hotcakes. These
microcomputers help create a whole new industry and the
development of more PDP's. These PDP's helped lead to the
creation of personal computers which are created in the fourth
generation.

The Fourth Generation (1980-


Present Day)

The fourth generation of operating systems saw the creation of


personal computing. Although these computers were very similar
to the minicomputers developed in the third generation, personal
computers cost a very small fraction of what minicomputers cost.
A personal computer was so affordable that it made it possible for
a single individual could be able to own one for personal use while
minicomputers where still at such a high price that only
corporations could afford to have them. One of the major factors
in the creation of personal computing was the birth of Microsoft
and the Windows operating system. The windows Operating
System was created in 1975 when Paul Allen and Bill Gates had a
vision to take personal computing to the next level. They
introduced the MS-DOS in 1981 although it was effective it
created much difficulty for people who tried to understand
its cryptic commands. Windows went on to become the largest
operating system used in techonology today with releases of
Windows 95, Windows 98, WIndows XP (Which is currently the
most used operating system to this day), and their newest
operating system Windows 7. Along with Microsoft, Apple is the
other major operating system created in the 1980's. Steve Jobs,
co founder of Apple, created the Apple Macintosh which was a
huge success due to the fact that it was so user friendly. Windows
development throughout the later years were influenced by the
Macintosh and it created a strong competition between the two
companies. Today all of our electronic devices run off of operating
systems, from our computers and smartphones, to ATM machines
and motor vehicles. And as technology advances, so do operating
systems.

Functions of Operating systems

1. Security –
The operating system uses password protection to protect
user data and similar other techniques. it also prevents
unauthorized access to programs and user data.
2. Processor Management
In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which
process gets the processor when and for how much time. This
function is called process scheduling. An Operating System
does the following activities for processor management −
 Keeps tracks of processor and status of process. The
program responsible for this task is known as traffic
controller.
 Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process.
 De-allocates processor when a process is no longer
required.

3) File Management
A file system is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and
usage. These directories may contain files and other directions.

An Operating System does the following activities for file management −

 Keeps track of information, location, uses, status etc. The collective facilities
are often known as file system.

 Decides who gets the resources.

 Allocates the resources.

 De-allocates the resources.

4) Memory Management
Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory
or Main Memory. Main memory is a large array of words or bytes
where each word or byte has its own address.
Main memory provides a fast storage that can be accessed
directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it must in the
main memory. An Operating System does the following activities
for memory management −
 Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in
use by whom, what part are not in use.
 In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get
memory when and how much.
 Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.
 De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it
or has been terminated.

5. Device Management –
An OS manages device communication via their respective drivers. It performs the
following activities for device management. Keeps tracks of all devices connected to
system. designates a program responsible for every device known as the
Input/Output controller. Decides which process gets access to a certain device and
for how long. Allocates devices in an effective and efficient way. Deallocates devices
when they are no longer required.

6. Network management :
A network operating system is the platform on which computer networking takes
place. Basic features allow for file, print and Internet connections. Data backup and
replication functions are controlled through the network operating system. The
management of connective systems for local and wide area networks (LANs and
WANs), such as routing, switches and other ports are configured and managed
through network operating system features.

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