Computer Operating System

Introduction

An operating system (OS) is a program that acts an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware. The purpose of an operating system is to provide an environment in which a user can execute programs. The main purpose of an operating is to make the computer system convenient to use and user can the computer hardware in an efficient manner. An operating system is similar to a government. The components of a computer system are its hardware, software, and data. The operating system provides the means for the proper use of these resources in the operating system. Like a government, the operating system performs no useful function by itself. It simply provides an environment within which other programs can do useful work.

The Operating System With Advantages and Disadvantages

Nowadays, most of the computers are using the Windows OS as their operating system. Microsoft-designed computer operating system, a program that controls the basic functions of personal computers.

Windows started life as Microsoft's take on a graphical user interface (GUI). Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1, and Windows 3.11 were the three earliest versions of Microsoft's Windows operating system. Windows 95 is a major upgrade to Windows 3.1. This operating system is a true operating system and not an operating environment as were the 3.x version of Windows. Windows 95 does not require a separate version of DOS, although some DOS features are included for compatibility. One advantage of Windows 95 is its improved graphical user interface, which makes working with files and programs easier than earlier versions. Another advantage of Windows 95 is most programs run faster under it because it is written to take advantage of newer 32-bit processors and supports cooperative multitasking. Window 95 includes support for peer-to-peer networking and e-mail. Windows 95 does not include the tools for developing Internet Web pages and operating Web page server.

After some time, Microsoft came out with another operating system to upgrade Windows 95 - which named as Windows 98. Windows 98 is able to provide faster system startup and shutdown, better file management, support for few multimedia technologies such as digital video disk (DVD) and Web TV. Windows 98's Internet integration allows for automatic delivery of Web pages to your computer and an optional Web page-like user interface. Like Windows 95, Windows 98 can run 16 and 32 bit software, which means it can run software designed for DOS and other versions of Windows. Windows 98 comes with excellent online help specifically designed to troubleshoot gaffe with your hardware, operating system, and applications. It's called the Windows 98 Resource Kit Plus Tools Ampler. There are some disadvantages for Windows 98, it is easier for trashing or what we call hang compare to Windows 95.

Microsoft's Windows NT (for new technology), also referred to as NT, is a sophisticated graphical user interface operating system designed for client-server networks. Windows NT is a complete operating system but not an operating