Operating Systems
From Isopedia
Historical Information
While it seems hard to believe, the first generation of computers did not have operating systems. They were run essentially by the operator using separate data and the data was then piled into the machine. The machine was operated one bit at a time by using a system of confusing and complex mechanical switches. Beginning in the 1950’s, the first operating system came into being with the introduction of Punch Cards. First used by General Motors Research Laboratories, this Punch Card process, or Single Stream Batch Processing as it came to be called, was placed into the IBM 701. Similar to the first generation of computers, the system could still only process one job at a time. However, the specific job data would be entered into a series of stamp cards, these cards would then be submitted into the computer in batches, hence the name single stream batch processing.
This batch processing system was used for many years up through the 1960’s when, with advancing technology, slight modifications were made. Operating systems were now capable of multiprogramming, or running more than one job at once. Operations could also be kept in computer memory so that the system could easily switch back and forth between jobs which drastically speed up the Operating System process. While in comparison to modern technology this may seem like nothing, multiprogramming is what essentially paved the way for what we know as the modern operating system.
With the creation of multiprogramming came the creation of the spooling technique. Spooling, which stands for simultaneous peripheral operations on line, was made possible by having program input and output information stored on disks. These disks could be submitted into the system over and over again as well as simultaneously. Spooling allowed programs to start sooner and complete much faster than ever imagined.
Towards the end of the 1960’s operating systems were able to interact and share information with other systems. The sharing technique is an improved variation of multiprogramming and it allowed multiple operating systems to work in cooperation on line to speed up the programming process.
Large Scale Integration allowed for vast computer improvement in the 1970’s. Technology such as the circuit board, computer chips and micro processors brought about the personal and work station computer. The operating system within the personal computer developed during the 1970’s was Unix, which is still in use today.
Throughout the 1980’s, technology made vast strides in terms of the operating systems field. New programs began to arise, essentially, extremely early and primitive versions of what we now know of today as operating systems. MS-DOS (introduced by IBM, a text based OS), which is still used to this day, was developed during the 1980’s, as well as Macintosh, an operating system developed by the Apple Corporation. Macintosh is a very early and basic version of what has now become a household name in terms of operating systems. A few other operating systems created during this period were ULTRIX and HP-UX, both members of the UNIX based operating systems family.
The modern era of operating systems took place during the 1990’s and now the 2000’s. Familiar programs such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP (all created by software giant Microsoft), and Mac OS X (manufactured by Apple) were all created during this time, as well as less familiar operating systems such as: OS/2 (manufactured by IBM), FreeBSD, NeXT & BSDi (all manufactured by UNIX), as well as Syllable (a user friendly program designed for easy home use of a desktop operating system). Programs now run at lightning speeds, clearly surpassing the early operating systems of the 1960’s. While this era may seem like the end, it is clearly the exact opposite as new operating systems are developed constantly; making technology that seems modern outdated in a matter of weeks, and technology that seems too futuristic to be the norm.
Technical Information - Example of Operating Systems Software: Windows
Developed on November 10, 1983, Windows Operating System Software paved the way for graphical user interface (GUI) for Microsoft. Its earlier versions were not too successful until the creation and release of Windows 3.0 in 1990. This version grew in popularity among PC users, and since that time Windows has been a key player in the operating systems market.
A brief history of the many versions of Windows is necessary to understand its success:
1985 - Windows 1.0: This version ran applications using bitmap displays and mouse direction, which was easier for PC users to control. 1.0 included many desktop applications including clocks, calendars, and calculators.
1987 - Windows 2.0: With the faster Intel 286 processor at their disposal, users of 2.0 were able to utilize Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) to allow for window overlap, screen layout control, and the use of keyboard combinations to open applications (Example: Ctrl + P to print).
1990 - Windows 3.0: Due to Intel's 386 processor, Microsoft was able to develop new features for its Windows software. These included program, file, and print managers and improved icons for easier access to files and applications. However, its surge in popularity was due to Software Development Kits (SDKs), which allowed developers to focus on writing applicationa rather than working on device drivers.
1993 - Windows NT 3.1: This 32-bit system combined technical support capabilities with personal productivity applications saving time and resources for businesses. New features included a preemptive multi-tasking scheduler, integrated networking, server security, and additional supports.
1995 - Windows 95: This system used TCP/IP (transmission control protocol / internet protocol) for internet support and dial-up. Windows 95 was very popular among home PC users because of its enhanced multimedia technology, making the computer experience more enjoyable.
1998 - Windows 98: Essentially an upgrade of Windows 95, 98 added USB support and DVD reading capabilities. Also applications on Windows 98 could be opened or closed more quickly and readily.
2001 - Windows XP: This version benefitted home and business users alike. XP had enhanced multimedia capabilities (such as DVD and CD burning) for domestic users while offering advanced technical support technology for corporate operating systems.
Aside from operating systems technology, Microsoft Windows excelled in other computer facets. Windows is responsible for Direct X, a key player in enhanced gaming. Windows Media Player is noted for running music and video files as well as copying them to other devices. Windows Movie Maker allows PC users to create their own personal movies with video files downloaded to the computer. Windows Messenger allows for instant messenging communication, which is key in today's offices for relaying information quickly. Lastly, Internet Explorer allows users to access the world wide web.
Microsoft Windows is also noted for its servers, which are noted for their high level of performance, advanced workstation capabilities, and client/server computing.
Technical Information - Example of Operating Systems Software: Linux
While at first thought, people clearly think of Microsoft Windows as the only operating system available to PC owners. However, Linux (thanks to its clever little penguin) are moving up quickly in becoming an industry competitor. Linux is an operating system based on the famous Unix operating system, which operates at much faster speeds and gives PC owners the feeling of operating in a high speed environment. Linux is what is known as a multi-tasking operating system, and as stated above, means Linux can perform more than one task. Linux essentially is a version of UNIX that was originally designed for the Intel 80386, which at the time was designed for multi-tasking. A few of Linux's main features which make it so attractive to users are: 1.) demand paging, which basically simplifies a program and saves memory by making only the necessary pieces read onto the RAM of the computer. 2.) Copy-on-write, a procedure where if there is more than one copy of a program loaded, all these jobs can share the same memory, thus saving memory in the process. 3.) Swap space, which allows pages of memory to be a written to a reserved area of a disk and treated as such an extension of physical memory, which one again allows much more memory and thus allows the user to access more programs. Since Linux was first created in 1991 by Linus Torvalds of Finland, it has generated quite a following and will continue to do so among the advanced programmers of the world.
References
Team Members
- Dan Ross
- Rob Zwillich
- Oliver Curran
- Brendan Collins
