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| − | An operating system is a |
+ | 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. |
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| − | Operating Systems are required by many computers to run. Usually, the OS loads right after the [[BIOS]] is done loading. |
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| + | = Types of operating systems = |
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| − | = Refernces = |
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| + | == Microcomputer == |
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| + | Found on microcomputers. |
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| + | == Mini == |
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| + | Generally designed for mini computers and not common today. These are not Unix variants. |
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| + | == Desktop == |
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| + | Designed for personal (i.e., home or office) use. They typically interface with the user [[graphical user interface|graphically]], although [[Linux]] users commonly prefer the [[command-line interface|command-line]]. Desktop operating systems include [[Windows]], [[Macintosh]], and some [[Unix-like]] distributions. |
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| + | == Embedded == |
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| + | Included in permanently programmed devices such as microwave ovens, iPods, mobile phones, and thermostats. |
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| + | == Unix-Like == |
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| + | {{main|Unix-like}} |
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| + | Derived from [[Unix]] or designed to be compatible with Unix. Common Unix-like operating systems include [[Linux]], [[BSD]], and [[AIX]]. |
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| + | |||
| + | = Types of user interfaces = |
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| + | == Command-Line Driven == |
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| + | [[command-line interface|Command-line]] driven operating systems are most common on [[server]]s. 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. |
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| + | == Graphical == |
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| + | Most modern operating systems use [[graphical user interface]]s because this allows users to navigate computers more easily. |
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| + | 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]]. |
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| + | |||
| + | = History = |
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| + | In April 1972, [[Sord Computer Corporation]] (now [[Toshiba|Toshiba Personal Computer System Corporation]]) developed the SMP80/08,<ref name="ipsj">http://museum.ipsj.or.jp/en/computer/personal/0086.html</ref> the world's first [[microcomputer]].<ref name="katz">Michael Katz, Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz (1985), ''Computer Entrepreneur'', page 469, [[wikipedia:Penguin Group|Penguin Group]]</ref> 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,<ref name="ipsj"/> in April 1974.<ref name="katz"/> The SMP80/x series were the first microcomputers with an operating system,<ref>Michael Katz, Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz (1985), ''Computer Entrepreneur'', page 463, Penguin Group</ref> and marked a major leap toward the popularization of microcomputers.<ref name="ipsj"/> |
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= Related Articles = |
= Related Articles = |
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| − | = |
+ | = Sources = |
| + | {{Stub}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | == References == |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | {{reflist}} |
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| + | |||
| + | = External Links = |
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| + | [[Category:Terms]] |
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| + | [[Category:Operating systems| ]] |
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Revision as of 13:36, 23 October 2017
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
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]
Related Articles
Sources
This article is a stub. You can help Computer Wiki by expanding it.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://museum.ipsj.or.jp/en/computer/personal/0086.html
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Michael Katz, Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz (1985), Computer Entrepreneur, page 469, Penguin Group
- ↑ Michael Katz, Robert Levering, Milton Moskowitz (1985), Computer Entrepreneur, page 463, Penguin Group