Linux isn't the only system alternative for your computer. Some alternative operating systems, like Microsoft, are developed by large corporations, but there are also small projects that amateurs are working on. I do not recommend that you install them on your work or home computer. If you want to watch them, you can install a virtual machine such as VirtualBox or VMware Player and run the system in them. If you want to install a non-Windows operating system on your computer and actually use it, you should probably choose Linux.
Linux
Linux is an open source Unix-like operating system similar to FreeBSD. FreeBSD uses a different kernel, but like Linux uses most of the same software.
Google's Chrome OS is built on Linux kernel... Chrome OS won't become a universal operating system for your PC like Windows, but more for dedicated laptops known as Chromebooks. Nevertheless, after dancing with the "tambourine", you can install Chrome OS on your computer.
SteamOS
SteamOS Valve, currently in beta. Technically, another OS built on Linux and includes most of the standard software Linux software... However, SteamOS is being marketed as a new operating system for PC games.
Android also uses the Linux kernel, but pretty much everything else on Android is very different from regular Linux. Originally designed for smartphones, you can now get Android laptops, tablets, and even desktops. There are several solutions for running Android on ordinary PCs, but it cannot become your “every day” system, but you can always install it on a virtual machine and watch it.
Mac OS X comes pre-installed on your Apple computer. Mac OS X can work fine not only on Apple computers but also on regular PCs. It is superfluous to say anything about it, tk. nowadays it is as popular as Windows.
Haiku
BeOS is a capacious PC operating system released in 1998, unfortunately or fortunately it could not compete with Microsoft's Windows and was eventually acquired by Palm Inc. eComStation OS / 2 an operating system originally created by Microsoft and IBM. IBM continued to develop the project after Microsoft left it, OS / 2 competed with MS-DOS and later with Windows. In the end, Microsoft won, but there are still older ATMs, personal computers, and other systems that use OS / 2.
ReactOS
ReactOS is a free, open source operating system, the architecture of the system was similar to that of Windows NT. ReactOS uses Wine, so the user can run Windows applications on Linux or Mac OS X. The system is not based on the Linux kernel, it is an open source operating system built in the same way as Windows NT.
Syllable is an open source operating system. It is very small "in the Amiga and BeOS tradition, and built using many of the details from the GNU and Linux project."
SkyOS
Unlike many of the other hobby operating systems presented above, SkyOS is a commercial operating system. The user initially had to pay for access in order to be able to use the SkyOS versions on their computer. Development on SkyOS ended in 2009, but the latest beta version was available for free download in 2013.
Last but not least, you can also install - open source. 
The need to accelerate the development of the domestic software market, ensure maximum independence from foreign developments in the field of high technologies and preserve information sovereignty was first discussed at the highest level in 2014, when US and EU sanctions sharply increased the risks associated with the use of foreign software in business and government organizations ... It was then that the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation was seriously puzzled by the solution of this strategically significant, according to officials, issue along with stimulating demand for national products and working out appropriate measures to support domestic developers. As a result, restrictions on the admission of foreign software in the implementation of state and municipal purchases, as well as the rules for the formation and maintenance of a unified register of Russian programs, were approved at the legislative level in the shortest possible time. All this had a positive effect on the software market in Russia, which has recently been replenished with many interesting projects and developments. Including in the field of operating systems.
Alt Linux SPT is a unified Linux-based distribution for servers, workstations and thin clients with built-in information security software, which can be used to build automated systems for class 1B inclusive and personal data information systems (ISPDN) for class 1K inclusive. OS allows simultaneous storage and processing on one personal computer or server confidential data, to provide multi-user work with the differentiation of access to information, to work with virtual machines and also use centralized authorization tools. The certificate issued by FSTEC of Russia confirms the compliance of the product with the requirements of the following guidelines: “Computer facilities. Protection against unauthorized access to information. Indicators of security against unauthorized access to information "- for the 4th security class; "Protection against unauthorized access to information. Part 1. Software for information security. Classification by the level of lack of undeclared capabilities "- by the 3rd level of control and technical conditions. Technical support for Alt Linux SPT users is provided by Free Software and Technologies through its developer partner Basalt SPO.
⇡
Developer: "Basalt SPO" company
The Alt platform is a set of enterprise-level Linux distributions that allow you to deploy a corporate IT infrastructure of any scale. The platform includes three distributions. This is a universal "Alt Workstation", which includes an operating system and a set of applications for full-fledged work. The second is the Alt Server server distribution kit, which can act as a controller Domain Active Directory and contains the most complete set of services and environments for creating a corporate infrastructure (DBMS, mail and web server, authentication tools, team work, virtual machine management and monitoring, and other tools). The third - "Alt Education 8", focused on everyday use when planning, organizing and conducting the educational process in institutions of general, secondary and higher education. In addition, the above-mentioned certified Alt Linux SPT distribution kit and the Simply Linux operating system for home users are presented in the series of products of the company "Basalt SPO".
⇡
Developer: National Center for Informatization (part of Rostec State Corporation)
Russian project to create an ecosystem of software products based on Linux distribution designed for complex automation of workplaces and IT infrastructure of organizations and enterprises, including data centers, servers and client workstations. The platform is presented in the versions "OS. Office" and "OS. Server". They differ in the sets of application software included in the distribution kit. The office edition of the product contains the operating system itself, information security tools, a software package for working with documents, an email client and a browser. The server version includes an operating system, information security tools, monitoring and system management tools, an e-mail server and a DBMS. Potential users of the platform include federal and regional authorities, local governments, state-owned companies and state corporations. It is assumed that the OSi-based ecosystem in the near future will become a full-fledged alternative to Western counterparts.
Development of the research and production association "RusBITech", presented in two versions: Astra Linux Common Edition ( general purpose) and Astra Linux Special Edition (special purpose). Features of the latest OS version: advanced support tools information security of processed data, a mechanism for mandatory access control and control of the closedness of the software environment, built-in tools for marking documents, registering events, monitoring data integrity, as well as other components providing information protection. According to the assurances of the developers, Astra Linux Special Edition is the only software platform that is simultaneously certified in the certification systems of information security tools of the FSTEC of Russia, the FSB, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and allows processing in the automated tools of all ministries, departments and other institutions of the Russian Federation restricted information containing components of the state secret information with a stamp not higher than "top secret".
⇡ ROSALinux
Developer: STC IT ROSA LLC
The ROSA Linux family of operating systems includes an impressive set of solutions designed for home use (ROSA Fresh version) and use in a corporate environment (ROSA Enterprise Desktop), deployment of infrastructure IT services of an organization (ROSA Enterprise Linux Server), processing of confidential information and personal data ( ROSA "Cobalt"), as well as information constituting a state secret (ROSA "Chrome" and "Nickel"). The listed products are based on the developments of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Mandriva and CentOS with the inclusion of a large number of additional components - including the original ones created by the programmers of the scientific and technical center information technologies"DEW". In particular, OS distributions for the corporate market segment include virtualization tools, backup software, tools for building private clouds, as well as centralized management. network resources and data storage systems.
⇡
Developer: Calculate company
Calculate Linux is available in Desktop, Directory Server, Scratch, Scratch Server editions and is designed for home users and small and medium-sized businesses who prefer to use open source software instead of proprietary solutions. Platform features: full-fledged work in heterogeneous networks, roaming user profiles mechanism, centralized software deployment toolkit, ease of administration, the ability to install on portable USB drives and support for binary repositories of Gentoo updates. It is important that the development team is available and open to any comments, suggestions and wishes of the user audience, as evidenced by the huge number of ways to get involved in the Calculate Linux community and platform development.
⇡ “Ulyanovsk.BSD »
Developer: Sergey Volkov
The operating system, which is built on the basis of the free platform FreeBSD and contains the necessary set of applications for home users and office tasks. According to the sole OS developer Sergei Volkov, Ulyanovsk.BSD is fully adapted to the needs of Russian-speaking users. "Our assembly is as lightweight as possible and is ideal for use both on home computers and on workstations of employees of various organizations, as well as for use in educational institutions," the author of the project claims, without going into details of what exactly the product compiled by him is different from the original. The solidity of the project is added not only by the presence of a distribution kit distributed on a commercial basis and a paid technical support, but also an entry in the register of Russian software. This means that the Ulyanovsk.BSD software platform can legally be used by state organizations in the framework of projects for the introduction of import-substituting technologies.
A certified and secure operating system that allows you to process information in accordance with Federal Law No. 152 "On Personal Data" and implement systems for processing information of limited access, not related to state secrets. ICLinux includes remote administration tools, has a built-in firewall certified for compliance with the RD ME for the 3rd security class, supports RDP, X-Windows System, SSH, Telnet, VNC, VPN, NX, ICA and other protocols. The platform also includes compatibility with the authentication means of the company "Aladdin R.D." and a modular architecture that allows you to flexibly customize the operating system according to customer requirements.
⇡ Alfa OS
Developer: ALFA Vision company
Another Linux clone, equipped with a user interface a la macOS with a set of familiar office applications and filled with deep philosophical meaning. No kidding, on the developer's website in the "About the company" section, it says: " The operating system is a special phenomenon, the point at which technological, aesthetic and humanitarian concepts converge. A top that is visible from all sides. For it to shine, to become what it should be, a wide variety of meaningful experience is needed. And we have it". How much expression there is in these words, what a presentation of information! Agree, not everyone can present their product to a wide audience so expressively. At the moment, "Alpha OS" is presented as a desktop version for x86-compatible systems. In the future, ALFA Vision intends to roll out to the market a mobile and server edition of the OS, as well as an assembly of the distribution kit for devices based on ARM processors.
A software platform designed specifically for computing systems with SPARC and Elbrus architecture. A feature of the system is a radically redesigned Linux kernel, in which special mechanisms for managing processes, virtual memory, interrupts, signals, synchronization, and support for tagged computations were implemented. " We have done fundamental work on transforming the Linux OS into a real-time operating system, for which we have implemented relevant optimizations in the kernel. In the course of work in real time, you can set various modes for processing external interrupts, scheduling calculations, exchanges with disk drives and some others", - explain in the company" MCST ". In addition, a complex of information protection means from unauthorized access is built into the core of the Elbrus software platform, which allows the operating system to be used to build automated systems that meet the highest information security requirements. The system also includes tools for archiving, task scheduling, software development and other tools.
⇡ "EdOS "
An operating system based on the Linux kernel, created with an eye to ensuring the security of processed data. "Red OS" complies with national requirements for information security, has pre-configured configurations for each hardware architecture, uses GOST 34.11-2012 algorithms in the ssh and NX protocols, and also supports access control lists. In addition, the OS supports network authentication using Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) and includes a specialized distributed audit subsystem that allows you to monitor critical security events in the corporate network and provides the IT administrator with the necessary tools to quickly respond to incidents. IB.
⇡ GosLinux ("GosLinux")
Developer: Red Soft company
OS GosLinux was created specifically for the needs of the Federal Bailiff Service of the Russian Federation (FSSP of Russia) and is suitable for use in all government bodies, state non-budgetary funds and local governments. The platform is built on the basis of the CentOS 6.4 distribution, which includes the developments of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The system is presented in two editions - for servers and workstations, contains a simplified graphical interface and a set of pre-configured information security tools. The OS developer is the Red Soft company, which won the competition in March 2013 for the revision, implementation and maintenance of automated information systems of the FSSP of Russia. In 2014, the system received a certificate of conformity from the FSTEC of Russia, confirming that GosLinux has an estimated trust level OUD3 and meets the requirements of the guidance document of the State Technical Commission of the Russian Federation for the 4th level of control over the absence of undeclared capabilities. The GosLinux OS distribution kit for government bodies is located in the national fund of algorithms and programs at nfap.minsvyaz.ru. At the moment, the GosLinux platform is being actively deployed in all territorial bodies and divisions of the FSSP of Russia. Also, the OS was transferred for trial operation to representatives of the authorities of the Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd and Yaroslavl regions.
⇡
Developer: LLC "Almi"
Product site:
Another one Linux build on our list, which definitely does not suffer from a lack of praise from the developers. " Unique, perfect, simple, combining the convenience of the Windows operating system, the stability of macOS and the security of Linux"- such phrases raising AlterOS to the skies up and down the official website of the product. What exactly is the uniqueness of the domestic platform, the site does not say, but provides information about three editions of the OS: AlterOS Volga for the public sector, AlterOS Amur for the corporate segment and AlterOS Don for servers. It is reported about the compatibility of the system with a variety of demanded in the business environment software solutions, including with "1C" and "Consultant Plus", as well as domestic means of crypto protection (for example, "CryptoPro"). A separate emphasis is placed on the absence in the version of the platform for government organizations of software that interacts with foreign servers - everything is done according to the canons of maximum import substitution, the developers say.
⇡ Armed Forces Mobile System (MSVS)
Developer: All-Russian Research Institute of Control Automation in the Non-Industrial Sphere named after V.I. V. V. Solomatina (VNIINS)
A secure general-purpose operating system designed to build stationary and mobile secure automated systems in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Accepted for supply to the RF Armed Forces in 2002. The MSWS is based on the Linux kernel and components, supplemented by discretionary, mandatory and role models of differentiating access to information. The system operates on hardware platforms Intel (x86 and x86_64), SPARC (Elbrus-90mikro), MIPS, PowerPC64, SPARC64 and is certified according to the information security requirements of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The security tools implemented in the WSWS allow the creation of automated systems on the basis of the platform that process information constituting a state secret and having a "SS" (top secret) degree of secrecy.
⇡ "Zarya"
Developer: Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Central Research Institute of Economics, Informatics and Control Systems" ("TsNII EISU", part of the "United Instrument-Making Corporation")
A family of software platforms based on the Linux kernel that represent an alternative to foreign operating systems currently used in law enforcement agencies, the public sector and at defense enterprises. The Zarya desktop operating system is compatible with most traditional office applications and programs. The Zarya-DPC server platform allows you to organize an application server or a database server. For building data centers, it offers a standard set of server software, virtualization tools, and the ability to work on the so-called "big hardware", including mainframes. For embedded systems that work without human intervention, which must process information in real time, a special OS "Zarya RV" has been developed. The system complies with the third class of protection against unauthorized access and the second level of control over the absence of undeclared capabilities. The platform was developed by order of the Russian Ministry of Defense and is expected to be in demand by law enforcement agencies, the defense complex, as well as commercial structures working with state secrets and personal data.
Operating system for terminal stations. It is based on Linux and contains only the necessary set of tools for organizing workplaces using thin clients. All functions outside this scope are excluded from the distribution. Kraftway Terminal Linux supports many network protocols application level (RDP, VNC, SSH, NX, XWindow, VMWare View PCoIP, etc.), allows you to configure access rights for forwarding USB media, provides the ability to use network and local printers, contains tools for restoring the OS configuration upon reboot, as well as tools remote group control of terminal stations and administration of workplaces. The peculiarity of the system is high security. Kraftway Terminal Linux also supports hardware user authentication: eToken PRO and eToken PRO Java USB keys from Aladdin R.D. CJSC, as well as RuToken S and RuToken EDS from Aktiv-soft CJSC. The OS update can be carried out by the administrator via a local network or from a USB drive. It is possible to configure auto-update both from the local server of the customer and from the server of the Kraftway company.
⇡ WTware
Developer: Andrey Kovalev
Another software platform for deploying workplaces in the IT infrastructure of an enterprise using inexpensive terminal solutions. WTware distribution includes services for network booting, tools for working with printers, barcode scanners and other peripheral equipment. Supports COM and USB port forwarding and smart card authentication. The RDP protocol is used to connect to the terminal server, and detailed documentation is attached to the distribution kit to promptly resolve issues that arise when setting up the operating system. WTware is distributed on commercial terms and licensed by the number of workstations. For the Raspberry Pi mini computer, the developer suggests free version OS.
⇡ KasperskyOS
Developer: "Kaspersky Lab"
A secure operating system designed for use on critical infrastructures and devices. The Kaspersky Lab platform can be used in automated process control systems (APCS), telecommunications equipment, medical devices, cars and other gadgets from the world of the Internet of Things. The OS was created from scratch and, due to its architecture, guarantees high level information security. The basic principle of operation of KasperskyOS is reduced to the rule “everything that is not allowed is prohibited”. This eliminates the possibility of exploiting both already known vulnerabilities and those that will be discovered in the future. At the same time, all security policies, including prohibitions on the execution of certain processes and actions, are configured in accordance with the needs of the organization. The platform will be supplied as pre-installed software on various types of equipment used in industrial and corporate networks. Currently, the secure operating system of Kaspersky Lab has been integrated into the L3 routing switch developed by Kraftway.
Real-time operating system (RTOS), written by AstroSoft programmers from scratch, without borrowing someone else's code, and intended primarily for the Internet of things and embedded devices. In addition, it is suitable for robotics, medical equipment, smart home and smart city systems, consumer electronics, etc. For the first time, the MAKS real-time OS (the abbreviation stands for “multi-agent coherent system”) was demonstrated to a wide audience in January 2017. The platform not only implements all the classic functionality of products of this type, but also has a number of unique capabilities for organizing the interaction of many devices, which make it possible to simplify the creation of mechanisms necessary in embedded systems: redundancy, hot swap equipment, etc. One of the MAKS features is support for shared memory at the device level. This mechanism provides automatic synchronization of information between the nodes of a distributed system, resistant to failures of individual components. RTOS "MAKS" is included in the register of domestic software. In addition, the product is registered in Federal Service on intellectual property (Rospatent) and is currently being certified by the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEC of Russia) for the fourth level of control of undeclared opportunities (NDV).
⇡ As a conclusion
There are two approaches to creating Russian software. The first is to write the source code of the products from scratch, entirely by domestic specialists. The second option involves the creation of national software based on the revision of the borrowed source codes. This is what the Russian software companies working in the field of import substitution of software adhere to. Our top 20 operating systems labeled "Made in Russia" are a clear confirmation of this. Good or bad is a big question, a subject for another discussion.
Most likely, you have Windows installed on your computer. This operating system may appear to be free, but it is not. Manufacturers have to pay Microsoft for a license to supply Windows computers, and you need to buy a copy if you want to install Windows yourself.
There are many operating systems that are actually free. Most of them are pretty well known. The most popular is Linux, and if you regularly read news about computer technology, this name is unlikely to be unfamiliar to you. Keep reading this article and by the time you finish reading this list, Linux will seem completely ordinary. Here are ten other free operating systems that most of us have never heard of.
1. FreeBSD
If you are using a free operating system that is not Linux, then it is likely BSD based. FreeBSD is just one of several UNIX-like operating systems. Others include NetBSD, OpenBSD, and PC-BSD. Whichever one you use, most of the experience is similar to what you find on Linux. Free and open software available to one can usually work on the other.
Even if you are not a fan of free software, you can use parts of FreeBSD without realizing it. Due to the project's permissive license, some of the code made its way to Apple macOS, Sony PlayStation 4 and Juniper routers.
2. ReactOS
Most free operating systems are alternatives to Windows. ReactOS, in a sense, aims to be Windows. The goal is to provide users with the means to run Windows software without having to buy an operating system from Microsoft.
ReactOS is a free and open source operating system, so it cannot use any real Windows code. The project has partially implemented many of the Windows APIs, and has partnered with the Wine project to run programs, applications, and software.
3. FreeDOS
Did you use computers when DOS was the only option? Do you have good memories of MS-DOS?
FreeDOS allows you to relive this bygone era. OS barebones gives you the facility to run old DOS programs on more modern hardware or internally virtual machine... Or you can just use it to run old games.
4. Haiku (Haiku or Hokku)
Haiku takes inspiration from BeOS. BeOS was a graphical operating system developed by Be Inc to run on the BeBox back in 1995. The operating system was stuck for five years before the last update came out in 2000.
BeOS may not have been a household name, but it attracted some users and some wanted the operating system to live long enough to create its own open source version. The goal is for software written for BeOS to run on Haiku, like what ReactOS wants to do on Windows. All things considered, the haiku team is arguably easier to handle.
5. Illumos
Oracle is used to support an operating system called Solaris. It was originally closed, but the project was opened in 2008. Oracle discontinued OpenSolaris in 2010 and reverted to its own model with Solaris 11 in 2011.
6. Syllable
Syllable is based on AtheOS, an AmigaOS clone that was abandoned around the turn of the century. As for AmigaOS, it is still alive, despite being born in the 1980s for a line of computers long thought to be ancient.
Syllable targets home office users with a user-friendly interface and native applications, including a Webkit-based web browser and email client. The point is that it can do this on a computer with only 32 MB of RAM (although at least 64 MB is recommended for viewing). A complete installation should take up about 250MB of hard disk space.
7. Research operating system AROS
Although Syllable is based on an AmigaOS clone, AROS takes a different approach. It actually puts its binary compatibility with AmigaOS at the API level. This is similar to how ReactOS is targeting Windows and Haiku is targeting BeOS.
You may be wondering if the AmigaOS is worth giving so much attention. Did I mention that AmigaOS is still here? It's not free either. Someone out there is still willing to pay for an operating system that most people have never heard of. AROS offers a way to use some of the AmigaOS programs without having to pay money. Moreover, it is open source which can leave you feeling secure.
8. MenuetOS
That's what MenuetOS is - it's small enough to fit on a single floppy disk. These were flash drives from the 90s and they only offered up to 1.44MB of memory. Considering that many Linux distributions have difficulty with a 700MB CD, booting from a floppy disk is difficult these days.
MenuetOS is written entirely in 32-bit assembly language and is designed to run with minimal overhead, although it supports up to 32GB of RAM.
9. DexOS
Do all desktop operating systems feel the same? Here's one that takes a different approach. The revitalization of DexOS will be less like using a computer in a keyboard classroom and more like playing on a mainstream game console.
Running applications in DexOS is vaguely like inserting a disc into an old Dreamcast. The experience seems more authentic if you are actually playing the game. Another cool thing? This free OS is also small enough to fit on a floppy disk.
10. Visopsys
Like DexOS, Visopsys is a hobby project by a single developer. Install it if you want to see what just one person can create.
The visual operating system (admittedly the name can be applied to any OS with a working environment) has been in development since 1997. It is not based on any pre-existing OS. This does not mean that the project does not use existing code. Here you will find common GNU tools and icons that may be familiar to KDE Plasma users.
Will you be using any of these free operating systems?
Most of them are not. The Haiku developers do not work full time. Developer Visopsys explicitly says their OS isn't as feature-rich as Linux, or perhaps a more fair comparison, Syllable. DexOS is more of an experiment than anything else.
However, there are many people who prefer FreeBSD over Linux. illumos may not be well known, even among FOSS lovers, but it has its uses. And didn't I mention using FreeDOS to play all the old DOS games?
Are there any systems on this list that you would like to use? Do you know of another unknown free operating system that is not on this list? Let us know in the comments!
- It manages hardware and software system resources. If we talk about a typical desktop computer, these resources include, but are not limited to: processor, memory, disk space. If speak about mobile phone, then the keyboard (or touch screen), address book, dialing system, battery and network connection are added here.
- It ensures stable and consistent interaction between applications and hardware. The application may not be familiar with the detailed specifications of the hardware
- Real-time operating systems (RTOS). Real-time operating systems are designed to control machinery, scientific instruments and industrial systems... Usually user interface such systems do not indulge in design delights, and utilities focused on the end user are absent. This is a ready-to-use "closed box". The most important task of this type of operating system is to ensure that a certain operation is performed at a certain period of time. And these segments were equal. In complex machines, their elements should not be allowed to move faster than necessary, since the system has "extra" resources. Or, conversely, did not move at all due to the system being busy
- Single-user, single task. As their name suggests, these operating systems are focused on one user performing one task at a time. A striking example of this type of system is the Palm OS for Palm handhelds. These devices enjoyed a certain popularity before the mass distribution of smartphones began.
- Single-user, multi-tasking operating systems. This type of system drives most of today's desktop and laptop computers. Both Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X are of this type. For example, a Windows user can simultaneously write a note in text editor and download the file from the Internet. At the same time, the printer can print, and the mail client can receive e-mail.
- Multi-user operating systems. Multi-user operating systems allow multiple users to access device resources at the same time. The operating system has to maintain a balance between the requirements of different users. In this case, the operating system has to make sure that each of the running programs has enough resources, and the task solved by one of the users does not interfere with other users. Unix, VMS, and mainframe operating systems like MVS are prime examples of multiuser systems.
All desktop computers have operating systems. The most common operating systems are the Windows family developed by Microsoft. Apple preinstalls its own operating system on its computers, which was discussed above. In addition, there is a huge family of UNIX systems. The history of their development is full of outstanding personalities, innovative corporations and examples of cooperation in the name of achieving a common goal. There are hundreds of different operating systems in the world designed to perform highly specialized tasks. These include operating systems for mainframes, robots, industrial equipment, and real-time systems.
Each device with an operating system usually allows for changes in the process. And for this you do not need to rearrange the microcircuits at all. The user issues commands in software, which then tell the hardware part of the device how to behave in the changed conditions.
For the desktop user, this means the ability to install security updates, system patches, additional applications, and even change the operating system. And the computer remains the same. In other words, you can change the behavior of your computer without changing anything in its hardware. The same applies to modern mobile phones. Regardless of the device on which the operating system is installed, it takes control of every task it performs and manages its system resources.
Operating system functions
If we greatly simplify the description of the tasks performed by the operating system, then two main ones can be distinguished:
The first task, the management of hardware and software resources, is extremely important. The fact is that various programs and data entry methods compete for the attention of the central processor (CPU, CPU, CPU), the principles of which we have already discussed. They need memory, storage space, and I / O bandwidth. The operating system plays the role of a good mentor, arranging everything so that each application gets the resources it needs, while not conflicting with other applications. The operating system allocates limited computer resources in such a way that the best results for all users and all applications are obtained. Of course, from the possible in this configuration. A computer has a well-defined processor performance and memory capacity, the growth of which - as we already have - does not always lead to an increase in the performance of the machine. The operating system will have to allocate these and other resources in the most profitable way.
The second task, ensuring the interaction of software and hardware, takes on particular importance given the fact that modern computers are open to changes in their configuration. Application program interface (API) tools allow a developer to write a program on one computer with little doubt that it will work on another computer of the same type. Even if the memory or storage capacity of the two machines is different.
The operating system arranges everything so that the application continues to run on this computer even after its hardware is modified or software updates are made. The fact is that it is the operating system, and not each specific application, that monitors the hardware and the distribution of its resources. The challenge for operating system designers is to make the system compatible with hardware from thousands of companies that make computer components and peripherals. A modern operating system is capable of "recognizing" thousands of different printers, hard drives, and special peripherals. Moreover, in each specific case, this equipment will be combined in a different way.
Types of operating systems
The vast array of operating systems in existence can be divided into four main types:
It is important to clarify some of the subtleties that can make it difficult to determine the type of operating system. There are multiuser operating systems and systems that support network connections. And these are different operating systems. For example, Windows 2000 and Novell Netware supported hundreds or even thousands of network connections. However, they cannot be considered truly multiplayer. The only real user of Windows 2000 and Netware is the system administrator. Network support and all remote user accounts are included in the overall operating system plan, programmatically defined by its administrator.
Computer operating systems
When you turn on the power of the computer, the first program to start is a set of instructions contained in the computer's read-only memory (ROM, ROM). This code tests the system hardware and makes sure everything is working correctly. This process is called power-on self test (POST). In its course, the processor, memory and basic input-output system (BSVV, BIOS) are checked for errors. Test results are stored in a special memory area. If the self-test is successful, the resident software starts. It is known as BIOS. This software starts activating the hard drives of the computer. On most modern computers, upon activation hard disk the first operating system snippet is located: the bootstrap loader.
A boot loader is a small program that has only one function: load an operating system into memory. This will get you started. In general, the bootloader runs small driver programs that interact with and control various hardware subsystems. All of this resides in the same memory that contains the operating system itself, user information, and applications. A data structure is set in motion, containing a vast array of signals, indicators, and synchronizations that allow communication within and between subsystems and computer applications. Then control of the computer is transferred to the operating system.
We'll put a comma here, since we have yet to talk about what groups of tasks are performed by a typical operating system. But this will be the topic of another story.
To be continued…
Based on materials from computer.howstuffworks.com
DOS operating system Disk operating system. DOS (Disk Operating System) is the oldest common operating system for PCs. It exists in various versions and implementations. DOS versions differ in number and in the number of built-in tools for working with a computer. Newer versions of DOS are backward compatible with older ones. This means that the newer versions “can” everything that the older ones “could”, but not vice versa. As a result, programs written for more later versions DOS, cannot run under the control of earlier versions, but using the capabilities of later versions of DOS greatly facilitates the programmer's task. This statement, by the way, is true not only in relation to DOS, but also for most other operating systems. Note that DOS implementations vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. They are usually irrelevant for most programs that do not affect system settings. However, in some cases it is necessary to distinguish between them, and for this a prefix is added to the name "DOS" indicating its manufacturer. The most common implementations are PC-DOS, MS-DOS, DR-DOS, Novell DOS, etc. The DOS operating system has a console user interface.
