OPERATING SYSTEMS
What is an OS?
An operating system, also known as an OS, is a form of software that
serves as an interface between the user and the software/hardware of the
computer.
How does it work?
The operating system communicates with the components of the
computer to allocate resources to the various tasks and programs that are
running.
Why is it important?
Operating systems have all sorts of functions that are necessary for the
average person to use a computer effectively. Without an OS, it is nearly
impossible to operate a computer, as the graphical interface you are used
to will not exist.
Environmental Considerations:
There are two major ways operating systems affect the environment.
- Energy Consumption: While OS are meant to manage system
resources effectively for both best performance and energy
conservation, it still requires a sizable amount of power, especially at
a large scale when used in servers
- E-Waste: The most popular operating systems are not very
compatible with old hardware, which pushes consumers to replace
their old devices for new ones, contributing to the large amount of
waste produced every year
Computer scientists can help remedy these issues by
- Developing more efficient OS that consume less energy
- Windows is the most popular operating system as it is
pre-installed on most laptops aside from Apple products,
however unlike macOS, it is not optimized for a specific
product, and thus lacks the effectiveness of macOS
- Linux a very efficient operating system, hence why it is best
used on servers, however it is difficult to use for most users
- Improving compatibility with old hardware
- We can reduce waste by making old hardware more usable for
the average person, since many new software nowadays make
older hardware obsolete
Choosing an OS
There are many kinds of OS, however these are the three most
popular for laptops and PCs.
Windows macOS Linux
Developed by Microsoft Developed by Apple Developed by Linus
since the 1980s, and used since the 2000s, and used Torvalds in 1991.
on most laptops exclusively on Apple Open-source OS that is
products highly customizable
Pros: Pros: Pros:
- Easy to use due to - Easy to use due to - Highly
its graphical its graphical customizable to
interface interface the user’s
- Compatible with - Performance is preference
almost all software highly optimized - Lightweight but
- Best OS for for their devices powerful
gaming - Compatible with - Compatible with
mainstream niche developer
professional tools and
software somewhat
compatible with
gaming
- Low hardware
requirements
Cons: Cons: Cons:
- Not as efficient as - Found exclusively - Difficult to use
other OS in terms on Apple products - Lacks
of performance - Not very compatibility with
- Not very compatible with a some mainstream
compatible with lot of programs, software
outdated especially video - Requires effort to
hardware games install
There are more OS for other devices as well, such as Android OS and
Apple IOS, which are made for mobile devices
