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UNIT

1
OPERATING SYSTEM

Unit Structure
1.0 Learning Objectives
1.1 Unit preview
1.2 operating system functions and features
1.2.1 Functions
1.2.2 Features
1.3 three categories of operating systems
1.3.1 Embedded Operating Systems
1.3.2 Stand-Alone Operating Systems
1.3.3 Network Operating Systems
1.4 mobile operating systems
1.5 Compare desktop operating systems
1.5.1 Windows 7
1.5.2 Windows 10
1.5.3 MAC OS
1.5.4 Unix and Linux
1.6 SUMMARY
1.7 Keywords
1.8 Multiple Choice Question
1.9 Terminal questions
1.10 Answers to Check your Progress
1.11 Answers to Multiple Choice Questions
1.12 Further Readings

1.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Define Operating System Functions and its Features
2. Understand Each of the Three Categories of Operating Systems
3. Compare Different Mobile Operating Systems
4. Compare Desktop Operating Systems

1.1 UNIT PREVIEW

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An Operating System is a kind of software package that acts as an interface between computer hardware and
the user. It carries out hardware functions such as management of files, external or internal drives such as
disks or printers, memory, input/output, security etc. Operating systems are common in most of the
computer-based devices. For example, mobile phones, personal computers, servers, gaming stations etc.
Kunal recently bought a smartphone. He now accesses the Internet using his usual PC as well as this new
smartphone. He wants to know about some basic details such as the name of the operating systems, various
utilities and troubleshooting options of these two devices. Also, of late, he has noticed that his PC has
become slow. He is wondering if such kind of problems have some easy solutions.

LO 1
1.2 OPERATING SYSTEM FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES

1.2.1 Functions

Every computer has an operating system, and every operating system performs a variety of functions. These
functions can be classified into three groups:
• Managing resources
• Providing user interface
• Running applications

Managing resources
An operating system will:
• Coordinate all the resources of a computer, including memory, processing, storage, and devices such as
printers and monitors.
• Monitor system performance.
• Schedule tasks.
• Provide security.
• Start the computer.

Providing user interface

Operating systems allow users to:

• Interact with application programs and computer hardware through a user interface.
• Use a graphical user interface (GUI).
• Interact with voice commands.

Running applications
Operating systems can:
• Load and run applications such as word processors and spreadsheets.
• Support multitasking, or the ability to switch between different applications stored in memory.
Note: With multitasking, you could have Word and Excel running at the same time and switch easily
between the two applications. The program that you are currently working on is described as running in the
foreground. The other program keep running in the background.

1.2.2 Features
1. Booting: Starting or restarting a computer is called booting the system. There are two ways to boot a
computer:

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Warm boot: A warm boot occurs when the computer is already on and you restart it without
(a) turning off the power. A warm boot can be accomplished in several ways. For many computer
systems, they can be restarted by simply pressing a sequence of keys.
(b) Cold boot: Starting a computer that has been turned off is called a cold boot.
2. Graphical User Interface: You typically interact with the operating system through the graphical user
interface. For doing this, operating systems provide a place, called the desktop, that provides access to
computer resources. Some important features common to most operating systems and application
programs include:
(a) Icons: Graphic representations for a program, type of file or function.
(b) Pointer: Controlled by a mouse and changes shape depending upon its current function. For
example, when shaped like an arrow, the pointer can be used to select items such as an icon.
(c) Windows: Rectangular areas for displaying information and running programs.
(d) Menus: Provide a list of options or commands that can be selected.
(e) Tabs: Divide menus into major activity areas such as format and page layout.
(f) Dialog boxes: Typically provide information or request input.
(g) Help: Provides online assistance for operating system functions and procedures (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Representation of Graphical User Interface.

3. Files and Folders: Most operating systems store data and programs in a system of files and folders.
(a) Files are used to store data and programs.
(b) Related files are stored within a folder.
(c) A folder can contain other folders or subfolders. For example, you might organise your electronic
files in the Documents folder on your hard disk. This folder could contain other folders, each
named to indicate its contents. One such folder can be ‘computer class’ and could contain all the
files you have created (or will create) for this course.

1.1 Check Your Understanding

(i) What are the various functions and features of operating system now?
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(ii) Which function and feature do you find most interesting?

1.3 THREE CATEGORIES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS LO 2

While there are hundreds of different operating systems, there are only three basic categories:
• Embedded
• Stand-alone
• Network

1.3.1 Embedded Operating Systems

• Embedded operating systems are also known as real-time operating systems (RTOS).
• They are entirely stored within (i.e. embedded in) a device.
• They control smartwatches, smartphones, video game systems and thousands of other small electronic
devices.
• Typically designed for a specific application, embedded operating systems are essential in the evolution
of Internet of Things (IoT).

Examples:
• Watch OS was developed by Apple exclusively for the Apple Watch and Pebble OS was developed by
Pebble Technology specifically for the Pebble Smartwatch (Fig. 2).
• Blink Smartwatch created by Bangalore-based Witworks uses its own Marvin OS, which is based on
Android and Intex’s iRist smartwatch uses Android KitKat, not Android Wear (Google’s OS for
wearables).

Fig. 2. Apple Watch.

1.3.2 Stand-Alone Operating Systems

• Stand-alone operating systems, also called desktop operating systems, control a single desktop or laptop
computer.
• These operating systems are located on the computer’s hard disk.
• Stand-alone operating systems allow you to work on a computer without being connected to the internet.
• Stand-alone operating systems often come with applications bundled, to ease in work and workflow.
• Often desktop computers and laptops are part of a network.
○ In these cases, the desktop operating system works with the network to share and coordinate resources
(Fig. 3).

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Fig. 3. A desktop showing an operating system.

1.3.3 Network Operating Systems

• Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and coordinate computers that are networked or
linked together.
• Many networks are small and connect only a limited number of personal computers.
• Other networks, like those at colleges and universities, are very large and complex.
• These networks may include other smaller networks and typically connect a variety of different types of
computers.
• Network operating systems are typically located on one of the connected computers’ hard disks.
• Called the network server, this computer coordinates all communication between the other computers.
• Popular network operating systems include Linux, Windows Server and UNIX.
• The operating system is often referred to as the software environment or software platform.
• Almost all application programs are designed to run with a specific platform. For example, Apple’s
iMovie software is designed to run with the Mac OS environment.
Many applications, however, have different versions; each designed to operate with a particular platform.
For example, one version of Microsoft Office is designed to operate with Windows. Another version is
designed to operate with Mac OS.

1.2 Check Your Understanding

(i) What are the various categories of operating systems now?
(ii) Which category is the most suited for office environment?

1.4 MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEMS LO 3

Mobile operating systems, also known as mobile OS, are a type of embedded operating system. Just like
other computer systems, mobile computers, including smartphones, tablets and wearable computers, require
an operating system. These mobile operating systems are less complicated and more specialised for wireless
communication.
Mobile operating systems have existed since the early 1990s, however they were simple in nature and had
very few features. These operating systems could only do a few tasks such as calling, sending SMS, and
storing phone numbers. With better technology, mobile phone operating systems such as Symbian from
Nokia or Blackberry OS from Blackberry could send emails, take photos and play music.
While there are many types of mobile operating systems, some of the best known are Android and iOS:
• Android is widely used in today’s smartphones.

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• iOS, formerly known as iPhone OS, was originally developed in 2007 by Apple. It is based on Mac OS
and is used as the platform for Apple’s iPad and iPhone.
What is Android?
It is a Linux based operating system designed specifically to be used in touch based smartphones and tablets.
Android has evolved to become the most widely used operating system for smartphones, which is at least
88% of smartphone users across the world according to an estimate. Few of the most popular Android
versions and their names are mentioned below:

Year of Release Version Name

2010 Android 2.3 Gingerbread
2011 Android 4.0 – 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich
2013 Android 4.4 – 4.4.4 KitKat
2015 Android 6.0 – 6.0.1 Marshmallow
2019 Android 10 Android 10

Not all mobile applications will run on all smartphones. That is because an app is designed to run on a
particular software platform or operating system. Before downloading an app, be sure that it is designed to
run with the mobile operating system on your mobile device (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4. Apple’s iPad and iPhone.

1.3 Check Your Understanding

(i) What is the difference between various mobile operating systems now?
(ii) Which one would you prefer for your personal use and why?

1.5 COMPARE DESKTOP OPERATING SYSTEMS LO 4

Every personal computer has an operating system controlling its operations. The most widely used desktop
operating systems are Windows, Mac OS, UNIX and Linux.
• Microsoft’s Windows is the most widely used personal computer operating system.

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As its market share is so large, more application programs have been developed to run under Windows
• than any other operating system.
• Windows comes in a variety of different versions and is designed to run with a variety of different
microprocessors. The three recent versions are Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.

1.5.1 Windows 7
Windows 7 operating system was made available by Microsoft towards the end of 2009. New libraries and
file sharing capabilities were added in this operating system. Windows 7 was liked by users. Its performance
was also found to be very good as compared to Vista (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5. Windows 7 operating system.

1.5.2 Windows 10
Windows 10 was announced in 2015, and is the current version of Windows. It merges Windows’ desktop
and mobile operating systems. Unlike previous Windows versions, Windows 10 runs on all Windows
devices, including desktops, tablets and smartphones (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6. Windows 10 operating system.

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1.5.3 MAC OS
MAC OS is designed to run only with Apple computers. Mac OS is not as widely used as the Windows
operating system. As a result, fewer application programs have been written for it. However, with
dramatically increasing sales of Apple computers, the use of Mac OS has been rapidly increasing and is
widely known as one of the most innovative operating systems. Mac OS X is the most widely used Mac
desktop operating system. Its two most recent versions are:
• OS X El Capitan
• OS Sierra
• Mac OS High Sierra (Fig. 7)

Fig. 7. MAC OS High Sierra.

1.5.4 Unix and Linux

The UNIX operating system is widely used by servers on the web, mainframe computers and very powerful
personal computers. There are radius versions of UNIX.
Linux is an operating system that extended one of the UNIX versions. It is a popular and powerful
alternative to the Windows operating system. Linux has been the basis of several other operating systems.
For example, Google’s Chrome OS is based on Linux.
Chrome OS integrates with web servers to run applications and to perform other traditional operating system
functions. This capability has made Chrome OS a popular choice for inexpensive notebook computers that
use cloud computing and cloud storage that would normally require expensive hardware. One limitation of
these computers is that their efficiency is dependent upon the speed of their Internet connection (Fig. 8).

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Fig. 8. Linux operating system

1.4 Check Your Understanding

(i) What is the difference between various desktop operating systems now?
(ii) Which one would you prefer for your personal use and which one would you use in office?

Check Your Progress

Answer the following questions in the provided space.
1. Which is the most widely used operating system?

2. What is the difference between mobile operating system and desktop operating system?

3. What are three important features of an operating system?

Fill in the blanks.

1. Windows is a type of __________ system.
2. Starting or restarting a computer is called __________ the system.
3. You typically interact with the operating system through the graphical __________.
4. MAC OS is designed to run only with __________ computers.
State whether the following statements are True or False.
1. The operating system is often referred to as the software environment or software platform.
2. Starting a computer that has been turned off is called a warm boot.
3. All mobile applications will run on all smartphones.
4. With multitasking, you could have Word and Excel running at the same time and switch easily
between the two applications.

1.6 SUMMARY

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An operating system is a collection of programs that handle many of the technical details related to using
1. a computer.
2. Every operating system performs a variety of functions. These functions can be classified into three
groups – Managing resources, Providing user interface and Running applications
3. While there are hundreds of different operating systems, there are only three basic categories –
Embedded, Stand-alone, and Network operating system.
4. Mobile operating systems, also known as mobile OS, are a type of embedded operating system. These
mobile operating systems are less complicated and more specialised for wireless communication.
5. Every personal computer has an operating system controlling its operations. The most widely used
desktop operating systems are Windows, MAC OS, UNIX and Linux

1.7 KEYWORDS
Warm : A warm boot occurs when the computer is already on and you restart it without turning off
boot the power. A warm boot can be accomplished in several ways. For many computer systems,
they can be restarted by simply pressing a sequence of keys.
Cold : Starting a computer that has been turned off is called a cold boot.
boot
Icons : Graphic representations for a program, type of file or function.
Pointer : Controlled by a mouse and changes shape depending upon its current function. For
example, when shaped like an arrow, the pointer can be used to select items such as an icon.
Windows : Rectangular areas for displaying information and running programs.
Menus : Provide a list of options or commands that can be selected.
Tabs : Divide menus into major activity areas such as format and page layout.
Dialog : Typically provide information or request input.
boxes
Help : Provides online assistance for operating system functions and procedures.

1.8 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

1. The mobile operating system developed by Apple and originally called iPhone OS:
(a) Android
(b) Mac OS
(c) iOS
(d) Phone OS
2. The latest operating system from Microsoft:
(a) Windows 8
(b) Windows 7
(c) Windows 10
(d) Windows NT
3. Look at the following picture. What type of operating system does it use?

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(a) Network operating system

(b) Embedded
(c) Stand-alone
(d) None of the above
4. Which of the following is true for iPhone 8?
(a) iOS, Samsung phone
(b) Android, Apple phone
(c) iOS, Apple phone
(d) Android, Samsung phone

1.9 TERMINAL QUESTIONS

1. What is an operating system? Discuss operating system functions and features.
2. Describe each of the three categories of operating systems.
3. What is a mobile operating system?
4. List the most widely used mobile operating systems.
5. What is Windows? What are the two most recent versions?

1.10 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Fill in the blanks
1. operating
2. booting
3. user interface
4. Apple
True or False
1. True
2. False
3. False
1. True

1.11 ANSWERS TO MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. (c)
2. (c)
3. (b)

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4. (c)

1.12 FURTHER READINGS

• Silberschatz, A., Galvin, P., & Gagne, G. (2006) Operating system principles (7th ed.). New Delhi: John
Wiley & Sons.
• Stallings, W. (2013) Operating systems: Internals and design principles (7th ed.). London: Pearson.
• Tanenbaum, A. S. (2015) Modern operating systems (4th ed.). London: Pearson.
• https://www.lifewire.com/operating-systems-2625912

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