Essay Sample on Importance of Operating Systems

Introduction

The operating system works as an interface between the computer hardware and user applications. The operating system kernel determines or schedules which task will use what resources at what time. It organizes tasks to be processed in a specific order as well as controls them out and in of the processor. Some tasks are given priority over others due to the nature of the request (Bura, 2016). Also, the operating system controls a set of queues that contain processes waiting for specific resources.

The operating system manages output and input devices. It uses device drivers to communicate as well as manage them. It also performs error checking on software, hardware as well as data. It may recommend some solutions to the issues that are recognized. The operating system implements security policies that prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network or the computer. They also manage to retrieve and storing of data from backing storage (Carnegie-Mellon University & Wendorf, 2007).

Operating Systems: Description, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Windows 10

Windows 10 is the latest version of the operating system from Windows. This new version combines some features of Windows 7 and 8.1 to improve user experience (Morley & Parker, 2017). Performance and stability have greatly improved in Windows 10.

Advantages

• Better integration with Windows Phone.
• The loading time is much less compared to Windows 7.
• It gets DirectX 12, which provides offer better gaming.
• It is safer to use the recent version of the Windows operating system.
• Personal information is shared with Microsoft for improvement and better service.

Disadvantages

• It does not operate well with old computers. Upgrading may slow down the machine since some hardware is out-of-date, thus insufficient to run the new system smoothly.
• Updates are not free

Linux

This operating system is open-source, and it is free to use in most cases. It was designed to reflect UNIX compatibility (Carnegie-Mellon University & Wendorf, 2007).

Advantages

• It hardly freezes and it is extremely reliable.
• One is not required to pay for it; it is free.
• It is more secure and stable system compared to other operating systems such as Windows.
• It uses minimal resources as well as space, unlike Windows. Thus, it can operate on a virtual system with 300MB of ram and 500MB of drive (Carnegie-Mellon University & Wendorf, 2007).

Disadvantages

• It is not user-friendly compared to Windows.
• Inexperienced users may find it challenging to use.
• Fewer computer games utilize and programs are available for Linux.

Apple OS X

Apple OS X is an operating system that functions on Macintosh computers. It supports several development technologies such as scripting, Web, a host of open-source, Java, UNIX, development, and database technologies (Christensson, 2014). It is user-friendly, thus easy to use.

Advantages

• It is very reliable compared to other OSs, such as Windows.
• It provides an advanced application store.
• It has a low installation price.
• In case of theft, users can erase information from their system remotely. Therefore, sensitive data remains safe.

Disadvantages

• It is not compatible with the older Mac systems.
• It has a smaller third-party developer community.
• It is an expensive operating system since it only operates on Apple's computer system.

Android

Android operating system refers to a mobile operating system designed by Google. It is primarily utilized by touchscreen devices such as tablets and cell phones. Its design enables users to operate mobile devices with finger movements.

Advantages

• It is customizable; one can change almost anything.
• It is easy to access the Android App Market.
• It offers an open platform.
• It is easy to access notifications on the home screen such as missed call
• It is affordable to purchase.

Disadvantages

• Some applications that contain the virus are available in the market.
• Most applications have not been updated over five years.
• Some of the applications in the market are of low quality.

Chrome OS

It is an operating system designed by Google for users who spend most of their time on the internet. Also, it is an open-source lightweight OS (Morley & Parker, 2017). It is both efficient and effective when it comes to the use of hardware resources.

Advantages

• Its user interface is cleaner as well as more straightforward compared to Mac OS.
• It supports Android apps.
• It is affordable to purchase.
• It is simple to maintain and use.
• Easy to carry around because of its portability.

Disadvantages

• It has limited computing capabilities, thus not ideal for heavy or advanced users.
• It is suited for reliable and fast internet connection.
• It is not cost-effective if the user owns other devices running OS such as Android or IOS since they offer competitive app ecosystems.

Apple iOS

This is a mobile operating system designed by Apple, and it operates on iPod, iPad, and iPhone. Like the modern desktop OS, it uses a graphical user interface (GUI) (Morley & Parker, 2017).

Advantages

• Generate less heat compared to the Android operating system.
• It has great performance.
• It has the best gaming experience.
• It has excellent user interfaces, as well as is fluid responsive.
• It has excellent security.
• It provides a high number of applications.
• It has excellent camera quality.

Disadvantages

• It is not compatible with other devices, only supports iOS devices.
• It does not support widgets and the apps are costly.
• Supports only a single sim.
• The repair cost is very high.
• It does not support Radio or NFC.

References

Bura, S. (September 01, 2016). AI and the future of operating systems. Information Services and Use, 36, 127-131.

Carnegie-Mellon University., & Wendorf, J. W. (2007). Operating system.

Christensson, P. (2012, February 29). Windows Definition. Retrieved 2019, Jun 12, from https://techterms.com/definition/windows

Christensson, P. (2015, July 30). Windows 10 Definition. Retrieved 2019, Jun 12, from https://techterms.com/definition/windows_10

Christensson, P. (2014, December 31). OS X Definition. Retrieved 2019, Jun 16, from https://techterms.com/definition/os_x

Faulkner, A., & Gyncild, B. (2015). Adobe Photoshop CC 2014 release: Classroom in a book.

Morley, D., & Parker, C. S. (2017). Understanding Computers: Today and tomorrow.

Walker, D. (2007). C++ programming [i.e. programming]. Chandni Chowk, Delhi: Global Media.