4.01 Explain common OS types and their purposes

Introduction 

Operating systems (OS) are like the managers of a busy hotel, overseeing all the different departments—like housekeeping, room service, and maintenance—to ensure everything runs smoothly. Similarly, an OS manages all parts of a computer, coordinating the hardware, software, and user interactions. 

Different OSs are like managers with unique styles. Some are very structured and formal, designed for business environments where rules and security are critical. Others are more relaxed and flexible, suitable for personal use at home or on mobile devices. Just as a hotel manager tailors their approach to fit the needs of their guests, each OS is tailored to serve different types of users and devices. 

In this lesson, we'll explore how these "managers" work differently to keep our computers running efficiently, and we'll also discuss the challenges of compatibility and support for various operating systems. 

Operating Systems 

Operating systems (OS) are software that manage computer hardware and provide services for computer programs. There are four main types of operating systems used today:

  • Business Client OS: Designed to work as a client in a centrally managed business network. 

  • Network Operating System (NOS): Runs on servers within business networks to manage network resources and services. 

  • Home Client OS: Meant for standalone use or in small home or office networks. 

  • Mobile OS: Used on smartphones and tablets, featuring a touch-operated interface. 

A business client PC is often called a workstation, though this term can also refer to powerful computers used for tasks like graphic design, video editing, or software development. 

Microsoft Windows 

Microsoft Windows is used in all four OS market segments: 

  • Windows 10 and Windows 11: Available in various editions for both business workstations and home PCs. They support touch interfaces for tablets and laptops. Windows for smartphones has been discontinued. 

  • Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022: Designed for use as Network Operating Systems (NOSs). They have the same core code and desktop interface as the client versions. 

Apple macOS 

macOS is the operating system for Apple's desktops and laptops, such as Mac desktops, iMacs, and MacBooks. It is not sold separately and cannot be installed on non-Apple hardware. This exclusivity helps make macOS stable but limits hardware options for users. 

  • macOS is built on a UNIX kernel, with added code to provide the Mac's graphical interface and system utilities. 

  • It supports the Magic Trackpad for touch input but does not support touch screens. 

  • macOS receives free version updates. Current supported versions (as of 11/30/24) include macOS 12 (Monterey), macOS 13 (Ventura), macOS 14 (Sonoma), and macOS 15 (Sequoia). 

  • Compatibility between Mac models and macOS versions is specific. Check support.apple.com for details on whether your Mac can run a particular version.

UNIX, Linux, and Chrome OS Overview 

While Windows and macOS are the most common operating systems for desktops and laptops, another group, known as *nix systems, is widely used across various devices. 

UNIX 

UNIX is a family of operating systems developed in the late 1960s at Bell Laboratories. It uses a kernel/shell architecture: 

  • Kernel: Manages system resources like CPU, RAM, and input/output devices. 

  • Shell: Acts as the user interface to interact with the kernel. 

UNIX is very portable and can run on many hardware platforms, from personal computers to mainframes. 

Linux 

Linux, created by Linus Torvalds, is an open-source OS kernel based on UNIX. Linux is available in multiple distributions (distros) like SUSE, Red Hat, Fedora, Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, and Arch. Various distros provide additional features such as a shell, desktop environment, and application packages.

Unlike Windows and macOS, Linux distros follow two main release models:

  • Standard Release: Uses version numbers, with some designated as Long-Term Support (LTS) for extended updates. 

  • Rolling Release: Continuously provides updates without using version numbers. 

Linux is popular in education and dominates the web server market. It's also widely used in smart appliances and IoT devices. 

Chrome OS 

Chrome OS, developed by Google, is based on Linux and designed for specific hardware like Chromebooks and Chromeboxes. It targets budget and education markets and is optimized for running web applications, which are hosted on servers and accessed through a browser. 

Chrome OS requires minimal local computing power and offers a simplified environment, reducing conflicts with other software. It also supports offline "packaged" apps and can run Android apps, enhancing its functionality beyond just web-based use. 

OS and Android Overview 

iOS and Android are the main operating systems for smartphones and tablets, designed specifically for touch-screen devices.

Apple iOS/iPadOS 

  • iOS: Used on iPhones and early iPads, based on UNIX, and closed-source (modifiable only by Apple). Updates are released yearly, but older devices may not support new versions. 

  • iPadOS: A variant of iOS for newer iPads, supporting multitasking and the Apple Pencil. Updates align with iOS releases.

Android 

  • Android: An open-source OS based on Linux, developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. It allows manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola to create custom versions. Versions range from 9 (Pie) to 12, with updates depending on the device manufacturer. 

Windows File System Types 

Windows uses several file system types to format disk partitions: 

  • NTFS (New Technology File System): The primary file system for Windows, supporting large volumes (up to 8 Petabytes) and files. It offers features like journaling (to recover from crashes), security (file permissions, encryption), and snapshots (versioning for backups). NTFS is required for Windows installation and is ideal for most Windows partitions. However, it's not fully supported by non-Windows OSs. 

  • FAT32: An older file system with a 4 GB file size limit and up to 2 TB volume size. It lacks the security and reliability features of NTFS and is often used for boot partitions or removable media. 

  • exFAT: A 64-bit version of FAT for removable drives, supporting large volumes (up to 512 TB). It's widely compatible across different operating systems. 

Linux and macOS File System Types 

Linux and macOS primarily use their own file systems for fixed disks: 

  • Linux: Uses the ext file systems. ext3 and ext4 are the most common, with ext4 offering better performance and journaling to prevent data loss. Linux also supports VFAT (FAT32) and NFS for network storage. 

  • macOS: Uses the Apple File System (APFS), optimized for SSDs. APFS supports journaling, snapshots, permissions, and encryption, ensuring data security and integrity. 

 

OS Compatibility Issues 

Managing devices with different operating systems in a computing environment poses several compatibility challenges: 

  • Hardware Compatibility: Before upgrading or installing a new OS, ensure the computer meets the new hardware requirements. For example, Windows 11 requires a CPU or motherboard with TPM version 2, limiting compatibility with older PCs. 

  • Software Compatibility: Apps are coded to run on specific OSs. For instance, an app made for iOS won't run on Android without a separate version. The availability of software for a particular OS is crucial for its market adoption. 

  • Network Compatibility: Devices with different OSs must support common network protocols to communicate and exchange data effectively. 

  • User Training and Support: New OS versions or switching OSs can confuse users due to changes in the interface and file system. Training and support resources are essential for a smooth transition. 

Companies often hesitate to upgrade to new OS versions without thorough testing, which can be costly. However, compatibility issues are reduced using web applications and cloud services, which only require browser compatibility rather than full OS support. 

 

Vendor Life-Cycle Limitations 

An OS or device vendor follows a life cycle to manage support for its products. This cycle typically includes several phases: 

  • Public Beta Phase: A period where early versions of the OS are released to a select group of users for feedback. For example, Microsoft's Windows Insider Program allows users to test early versions and feature updates. 

  • Supported Phase: The OS or device is actively marketed and sold. During this time, the vendor releases regular patches for security and operational issues and offers feature upgrades. Devices in this phase can usually install OS upgrades. 

  • Extended Support Phase: The product is no longer sold, but critical security patches are still provided. Devices in extended support might not always be eligible for OS upgrades. 

  • End of Life (EOL): The OS or device no longer receives any support or updates from the vendor. EOL systems are vulnerable because they no longer get security updates, posing significant security risks if still in use. 

Summary 

In this lesson, you’ve learned how different operating systems—each with unique features and purposes—manage our digital lives, whether in business, at home, or on mobile devices. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right OS for your needs and troubleshoot common issues, from hardware compatibility to software support. By knowing how to navigate the various OS environments and their life cycles, you’re better equipped to handle the evolving technology landscape confidently. Keep exploring and experimenting with different systems, and you'll become even more proficient in managing and using technology effectively!