Operating Systems

Operating SystemsOperating Systems

Operating systems provide a software interface that allows the user to control hardware components of a computer and its peripheral devices (printers etc).

The Windows family of operating systems The Windows family of operating systems are used on the majority of personal are used on the majority of personal computers.computers.

Windows operating systems are Windows operating systems are manufactured by Microsoft.manufactured by Microsoft.

Popular versions of Windows used today Popular versions of Windows used today are Windows 7, Windows Vista, and are Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.Windows XP.

Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows

VersionsVersions

There have been several versions of There have been several versions of Windows for various types of computers Windows for various types of computers and devices over the years.and devices over the years.

The Windows Mobile operating system is The Windows Mobile operating system is used in PDA’s and Smartphones.used in PDA’s and Smartphones.

Windows Server versions are used for Windows Server versions are used for various types of servers.various types of servers.

AppleApple

The Macintosh (Mac) operating system is The Macintosh (Mac) operating system is manufactured by Apple and is used on manufactured by Apple and is used on Apple notebooks and desktops.Apple notebooks and desktops.

Apple also manufactures the iPhone Apple also manufactures the iPhone operating system for its portable devices, operating system for its portable devices, such as the iPhone, the iPod Touch,and such as the iPhone, the iPod Touch,and the iPad.the iPad.

Unix and LinuxUnix and Linux

Unix is an older operating system used in Unix is an older operating system used in many server environments.many server environments.

Linux is a popular “Unix-like” operating Linux is a popular “Unix-like” operating system that has open source code. This system that has open source code. This means that individuals have access to the means that individuals have access to the code and the ability to further develop the code and the ability to further develop the operating system.operating system.

Linux ContinuedLinux Continued

When referring to versions of the Linux When referring to versions of the Linux operating system, the term “distribution” is operating system, the term “distribution” is used.used.

There are several distributions of Linux There are several distributions of Linux available as a free download or available as a free download or inexpensive purchase. This makes the inexpensive purchase. This makes the Linux operating system a popular choice Linux operating system a popular choice for inexpensive computers.for inexpensive computers.

UnderstandingUnderstanding

Be sure to familiarize yourself with Be sure to familiarize yourself with different versions of operating systems different versions of operating systems and their manufacturers.and their manufacturers.

It is important to understand which It is important to understand which operating system will be the most efficient operating system will be the most efficient and cost effective when configuring a and cost effective when configuring a computer.computer.