Operating system definition

An operating system (OS) is like the manager of a computer. It makes sure all the parts of the computer, like the
screen, keyboard, and memory, work smoothly together. The OS also allows you to do things on the computer, like
clicking icons or typing words. It ensures that programs run well and keeps your files organized. Additionally, the OS
protects your computer from viruses and other harmful things. In short, the operating system is crucial for making
your computer function properly and easy to use.

The functions of an operating system (OS) are the various tasks and responsibilities it performs to manage a
computer system effectively. These functions include:

1. **Process Management**: The OS makes sure all the programs running on your computer get the resources they
need. For example, if you're listening to music while browsing the web, the OS ensures both the music player and the
web browser run smoothly without crashing.

2. **Memory Management**: It handles your computer's memory, deciding which programs get how much memory.
For instance, when you open a new program, the OS allocates memory to it so it can run.

3. **File System Management**: The OS organizes your files and folders, like a digital filing system. When you save a
document, the OS decides where to store it on your computer's hard drive.

4. **Device Management**: It connects and controls your devices, like printers and USB drives. For example, when
you plug in a USB drive, the OS detects it and lets you access the files stored on it.

5. **User Interface**: The OS provides a way for you to interact with your computer, whether through buttons and
windows or text commands. For example, when you click on the internet browser icon, the OS opens the browser for
you to use.

6. **Security**: It keeps your computer safe from viruses and hackers. The OS might have a firewall that blocks
malicious network traffic and antivirus software that scans for harmful programs.

7. **Networking**: The OS helps your computer communicate with other computers over a network, like the
internet. When you send an email or browse the web, the OS manages the network connection.

8. **Error Handling**: It deals with errors that occur while using your computer. For example, if a program crashes,
the OS might show an error message and try to fix the problem.

9. **Resource Allocation**: The OS decides how to distribute your computer's resources, like CPU time and memory,
to different programs. For instance, if you're playing a game, the OS prioritizes giving the game enough CPU power to
run smoothly.

10. **System Monitoring and Performance Optimization**: It keeps an eye on your computer's performance and
tries to make it run faster and more efficiently. The OS might close unnecessary programs running in the background
to free up resources.

11. **Job Accounting**: The OS keeps track of how much resources programs are using. This helps in billing users for
their resource usage and planning for future resource needs. For instance, if a program is using too much CPU, the OS
might limit its resources to ensure other programs can run smoothly.
Operations système types
 Single-User, Single-Tasking: These operating systems can handle only one user and one task at a time. They
are typically found in embedded systems or older personal computers. Examples include MS-DOS (Microsoft
Disk Operating System) and early versions of Apple's Macintosh System Software.
 Single-User, Multi-Tasking: These operating systems allow a single user to run multiple programs
simultaneously. Most modern personal computers use this type of operating system. Examples include
Microsoft Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora.
 Multi-User: Multi-user operating systems allow multiple users to access the computer simultaneously, each
with their own user account and session. These systems are commonly used in servers and mainframe
computers. Examples include Unix-based systems like Linux and Solaris, as well as Windows Server editions.
 Real-Time: Real-time operating systems are designed to process data as it comes in, with minimal delay. They
are used in systems where timing is critical, such as industrial control systems, robotics, and embedded
systems in cars and airplanes. Exemples include VxWorks and QNX.
 Distributed: Distributed operating systems manage a group of independent computers and make them
appear to be a single computer.
 Embedded: Embedded operating systems are designed to run on specialized hardware with limited
resources, such as microcontrollers and IoT devices.

Linux
Linux is a type of operating system, kind of like Windows or macOS. What makes Linux special is that it's free and
open-source, which means anyone can use it, modify it, and share it with others. It's known for being reliable, secure,
and flexible.

Linux is widely used to power all sorts of things, from servers that run websites and store data, to smartphones, to
everyday computers like laptops and desktops. There are many different versions of Linux, called "distributions" or
"distros" for short, each with its own features and look.

One cool thing about Linux is that it's customizable. You can change how it looks and feels, and you have lots of
choices when it comes to software. Plus, there's a huge community of people who use Linux and are always working
to make it better.

Overall, Linux is a powerful and versatile operating system that's used by millions of people around the world for all
sorts of things. And since it's free, anyone can give it a try!

Distros families
• Red Hat: Including Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and CentOS.

• Debian: Including Debian, Ubuntu and Linux Mint.

• SUSE: Including SUSE and openSUSE.

Unix
Unix is an operating system, like Windows or macOS, but it's a bit different. It's known for being powerful and
flexible, often used in servers, big computers, and even some phones.

Imagine your computer is like a big house with different rooms and lots of stuff inside. Unix helps manage all of that
stuff. It keeps things organized, helps different programs talk to each other, and makes sure everything runs smoothly.

One cool thing about Unix is that it's really good at letting lots of people use the computer at the same time. It's like
having many people in the house, but everyone can still do their own thing without getting in each other's way.

Another neat thing is that Unix is like a toolbox for programmers. It has lots of tools they can use to build their own
programs and make the computer do exactly what they want.

Compare:
 Aspect Linux Windows
Development Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 Developed by Microsoft, first version in 1985
Open Source Open source and freely available Proprietary software; some versions are free,
and Free license payed
Security Often considered more secure due to Improved security over years; includes
open-source nature and privilege model features like Windows Defender
User Accounts Supports standard user accounts and a Supports standard user accounts and an
root/superuser account Administrator account; different privilege
model

Aspect Linux Unix

Development Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991, by a Developed by AT&T Bell Labs in the
community 1970s
Open Source and Open source and freely available Source not accessible ; licece is
Free obligated to use
Security Often considered more secure due to open- Varied security; dependent on specific
source nature and active community Unix version and configuration
User Accounts Supports standard user accounts and a Supports standard user accounts and a
root/superuser account root/superuser account

Linux and Unix are operating systems based on a kernel that controls hardware resources of computers and provides
interfaces for programs and users. They offer a command-line interface (CLI) as well as a graphical user interface
(GUI) to interact with the system.

Operating System Architecture.

the architecture of an operating system refers to its basic structure and design. It includes how different parts of the
operating system work together to manage a computer's resources and provide services to users and applications.

The file systems in operating systems: The file systems in operating systems are responsible for organizing and storing
data on storage devices such as hard disks and SSDs.A file system in an operating system is a structure used to
organize and manage files on a storage device such as a hard disk, SSD, or USB.It defines how data is stored,
accessed, and organized on the storage device.