Operating Systems – Basic Understanding and Beyond

What do you mean by an Operating System? A computer operates by using software, which is the operating system software. It helps to execute various tasks and directs the computer’s processes and memory, as of its own hardware and software. Thus the software of the operating system controls every task your computer functions and manages system resources accordingly. Point to note, not all the computers rely on this software tool but few desktops or laptop PCs come with the pre-loaded version of Microsoft Windows. Similarly, Macintosh computers use Mac OS X operating system to run, whereas corporate servers rely on Linux or UNIX operating systems. Stay on this page to read more about Operating Systems Explained which is nothing but a computer based programming that is essential to run and organize all the other programs within the computer in a systematic way. In that way, as CPU is the brain of the computer, without an operating system (OS) the computer is useless. If you have any doubts please visit the official site of these Operating systems.

True Purpose of Operating System:

The main purpose of an operating system is to organize and control the software and hardware of any device it is built which later controls its performance in a flexible but conventional way. For example, a Microwave and Washing Machine gets your work done with a single hard-wired program when you give instructions to the equipment with the help of a numbered keypad and series of setting buttons whereas a normal computer relies on both hardware and software programs to run the device. Hence, an operating system creates the ability to perform various tasks such as start communication with users in more complex way and try to keep an eye on the things that need to be taken care when transformed over time.

For your information, OS mainly does two things:

  • It effectively manages the hardware and software resources of the system to function accordingly, it can be any of your handy devices such as desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. When using a desktop computer, it includes few resources namely the processor, memory, disk space, etc whereas if you take a smartphone it is associated with the keypad, the display screen, contacts list, the address book, the battery life, and the network connection. Hence an operating system’s main task is to execute and run each application with necessary resources without disturbing other applications in the same system. Most people don’t consider their when they are browsing the web. However, everything from the swipes on your dating apps to the usasexguide review you are are reading on Hookup Dating Reviews is solely made possible by an operating system at the foundation.
  • An operating system helps software developers to write and develop applications that are easy to access and more stable. Thus this consistent way of application interface helps them to deal with the hardware without the need of knowing its details to run their application on another computer of the same type. No matter the amount of hardware memory or the quantity of storage differs from system to system. In that way, it automatically upgrades and updates the hardware of the system through its manageable resources.

Different Types of Operating Systems:

Today there are different brands of desktop computers available in the market which work on different operating systems. One of the most common is the Windows families whose operating system is developed by Microsoft, the next in line is Macintosh operating systems that is developed by Apple and not but the least is the UNIX family whose operating systems is developed by a whole history of individuals, corporations and collaborators. However, if you look around there are hundreds of other kinds of operating systems also available to deal with special-purpose applications that include specializations for manufacturing, real-time control systems mainframes, robotics, and so on.

Computer operating systems are classified into 4 categories; the categorization of computers they manage and the class of best supported applications. They are listed in the following categories:

  • RTOS – Real-time operating system: It is useful to control equipment, logical instruments, and business systems. Generally, RTOS holds the no end-user utilities and less user-interface capability and as the device appears in the form of the closed box when required to access. The main function of an RTOS is to manage the computer resources in order to help the user to execute a specific operation in a precise manner in the same time whenever required. However in a multifarious machine, when that part moves at a faster pace due to availability of system resources it is meant as catastrophic which doesn’t allow it to move as the system is full of activity.
  • Single task – Single-user: It is exclusively designed for single-user to help him direct the computer effectively to perform a single task each time. The best example of modern type single-task single-user operating systems is Palm OS that is designed for Palm handheld computers.
  • Multi-tasking Single-user: It is a kind of operating system that is associated with laptop and desktop computers which most of the people are using today. The best example of multi-tasking operating systems is Apple’s macOS and Microsoft’s Windows platforms will allow single users to have access to several programs running. For eg, when a Windows user writes a note, he can download the same file with the help of the Internet and print the text using an e-mail message.
  • Multi-user: A multiple user operating system gives simultaneous access to computer resources to a lot of users at the same time. However, it is essential that it meets the requirements of various users and keeps them balanced. The best e.g. of multiple user operating systems are UNIX and VMS which is the mainframe operating system.

Few Benefits of Using Operating Systems:

An operating system’s is highly beneficial to operate several tasks. They offer you services in the following categories:

  • Processor management
  • Memory management
  • Device management
  • Storage management
  • Application interface
  • User interface

Whether you own a Windows laptop, Mac notebook, or Linux device with their specific operating system you should be able to access their various resources to perform multiple tasks at one time. Though all the operating systems possess striking similarities they slightly differ due to their supporting network. Hence, choose the device that is pre-installed with the kind of operating system you were looking for. It will boost your confidence and give you the flexibility to complete your task in the most effective manner.

Android Vs iOS

The two major operating systems that dominate most of the smart phones across the world are Android and iOS. These are two of the most effective and major operating systems that power more than 90% of the smart phones globally. Both operating systems have quite a few similarities and some stark differences. In general both the operating systems deliver the necessary framework for applications to be useful and engaging with the end user. Eventually the user decides what sort of operating system he or she prefers based on features, functionalities, characteristics, interface, security and updates. Let us have a look at some of the key differences as well as features.

Documenting the different aspects of Android and iOS

Price: The iPhone that basically runs on iOS is the high or premium end of the market. The latest iPhone named iPhone X pushed the boat in terms of pricing. While in comparison the Android phones are available in a wide range of different price brackets and categories. You also get customized versions of android operating system experience on different phones. The iOS on the other hand has a universal interface and functionalities for the Apple phones. The range of handsets available when it comes to Android operating system is huge as there are a large number of manufacturers as well as companies that produce Android phones whereas in contrast only Apple phones run iOS operating system. Another important thing to note here is that you have a larger collection of free apps as well as more publishers on Android than you have on iOS. Thus you can access more apps in various different categories that provide multiple functionalities with Android as opposed to iOS.

In terms of specific number of apps, there are approximately 2.7 million Android apps as opposed to 2.2 million iOS apps. Though most of the apps are available on both the platforms, conventionally Apple has been a more lucrative platform for the developers thus you are likely to see newer apps on iOS first then Android. However in the recent times, with the gradual increase in the number of Android devices and its increasing stake in the smart phone market, a lot of the developers are focusing their energies on Android, especially outside US. The Google Play store has the most number of free apps, however some of the best mobile apps or games might be exclusive to iOS. It eventually boils down to the choice of the consumer as most of the fundamental and major apps are available on both the platforms or operating systems.

When it comes to the interface of the app store, both the operating systems have their own advantages as well as disadvantages, It is quite a task to organize millions of apps together with the right algorithm and place it in sequence so that it is easy for the end users to navigate effectively. Here both the operating systems, Android as well as iOS, suffer a bit since neither are perfect but both the operating systems interface does the job effectively. The Play store search filter is better with Android and it also allows you to queue as well as install apps from the web browser on the PC. However It can be argued that iOS provides better recommendations and a slightly better interface but eventually there’s not a huge difference between those two. Both platform’s stores have some dodgy apps that could be potentially harmful however Apple has a stricter policy when it comes to curating and filtering apps. This is a good thing in terms of the quality of the apps however it can be a disadvantage if you for the classic consoles of game emulators.

Third-party apps: Android provides its users with the choice of apps other than the ones available on the Play store. This means that Android users can download APKs for different apps from the third party sources. A lot of adult specific apps like Fuckbuddy Hookups and other adult dating apps are only available via this path. It is important to note that if the users choose to download apps from third party then they might be potentially exposed to risks in the form of malware. Apple on the other hand doesn’t allow third party apps on its platform. So as a user if you want different options then Android should be your preferred choice of platform.

Maps: The Android as well as iOS have their own version of the navigation software in the form of Google Maps and Apple maps respectively. To begin with the Apple maps was not as effective and had many issues however it has improved significantly over a period of time. Most of the features on both the maps are similar however Google maps offers an additional feature of cycling direction. Also overall the Google maps is by far the best navigating software and it is important to note that the Google maps is also available on iOS.

Cortana vs Siri vs Google Assistant

Virtual assistants like Cortana, Siri, Google Assistant, and many others, are now the main feature of smartphones and tablets, so knowing which one is best could have a significant impact on what your next hardware purchase might be. Although they fear you of taking your jobs in future, you can use it in the meantime.

To check out how these different smart assistants sum up, we compared them as Cortana vs Siri vs Google Assistant.

Voice Accuracy and Speed

A user’s voice mainly controls a smart assistant, and so its ability to know when it’s being spoken to, and to comprehend what’s being said, is essential. Each one has a wake-up a word or phrase that it listens for, such as “Hey Cortana,” “Ok, Google,” and “Hey Siri,” which tells the smart assistant to listen and respond to what is going to be said next.

Google Assistant and Siri are better at picking up what you say, even when there is noise. Microsoft says Cortana has a good understanding of context, but it struggles much more than the other two. It can cope up best in a calm environment.

In the context of response time to queries, Google Assistant comes out on top again, consistently providing fast replies to requests. Cortana and Siri were both accessible, however. When the application is picked up clearly by the alternative smart assistants, Cortana can often edge out Siri.

Features and capabilities

Talking about the characteristics of smart assistant you use, they all assist the same essential functions such as the ability to set calendar events, set alarms, make calls, send emails and messages, and play music. But each also has its aspects and special features which make them unique in their own ways.

Coming to the usage of search engine and responding to queries, Cortana uses Microsoft’s own Bing search engine, while both Siri and Google Assistant use Google. But all three can make a reservation or order food for you if you know where and what do you want to eat.

Google Assistant also has a benefit for those who regularly use the Google search engine because it already knows a lot about you. Google Assistant will read the news to you on a Home speaker, while Cortana will do the same on a smartphone. Siri only likes playing music through Apple Music, while Cortana and Google Assistant work just fine with Spotify and music stored on your devices.

The main difference between them is what hardware and platforms they can integrate with. Siri works great with devices supporting iOS and cannot pull up with android and Microsoft, whereas Google assistant can work with Android, Microsoft as well as iOS.

Google Assistant wins out for now

All three smart assistants are fantastically capable virtual assistants. They have expanded their software capabilities and platform support, but Google Assistant seems to be evolving the fastest and most effectively. It is good at picking up what you’re saying and responds to your queries quickly. Its ecosystem support is broad and deep, letting you make use of it on your selected smartphone.