Operating System
An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and provides common services for computer
programs. It acts as an intermediary between applications and the hardware of a computer system, enabling software
to communicate with the underlying hardware resources like the CPU (central processing unit), memory, storage
devices, and peripherals.
Key functions of an operating system include:
1. Process Management: Handling tasks such as scheduling processes (tasks or programs), managing their
execution, and facilitating communication and synchronization between them.
2. Memory Management: Allocating and deallocating memory space as needed to processes or programs,
ensuring efficient use of available memory resources.
3. File System Management: Organizing and managing files and directories on storage devices, including
handling file access permissions and ensuring data integrity.
4. Device Management: Managing input and output devices such as keyboards, monitors, printers, and storage
devices, providing a consistent interface for applications to interact with these devices.
5. Security: Enforcing access control policies to protect data and resources from unauthorized access or
malicious programs.
6. User Interface: Providing a user-friendly interface that allows users to interact with the computer system
and applications easily, often through graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or command-line interfaces (CLIs).
1. Desktop and Laptop Operating Systems:
1. Microsoft Windows: Versions include Windows 10, Windows 11, etc., widely used on PCs and
laptops.
2. macOS: Developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh computers.
2. Linux Operating Systems:
3. Ubuntu: A popular Linux distribution known for its ease of use and community support.
4. Fedora: Another Linux distribution maintained by the Fedora Project, focusing on the latest
technologies.
5. CentOS: A Linux distribution derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL),
known for stability and long-term support.
6. Debian: Known for its stability and popularity as a base for other Linux distributions.
3. Server Operating Systems:
a. Windows Server: A version of Microsoft Windows designed for servers, providing features like
Active Directory, file services, and more.
b. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL): A commercial Linux distribution known for its enterprise-
grade features and support.
c. Ubuntu Server: The server variant of Ubuntu, widely used for web servers, cloud computing, and
development environments.
4. Mobile Operating Systems:
a. iOS: Developed by Apple Inc. for iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices.
b. Android: Developed by Google, used on a wide range of smartphones and tablets from various
manufacturers.
c. KaiOS: A lightweight operating system based on Linux, designed for feature phones and smart
feature phones.
5. Embedded Operating Systems:
a. Embedded Linux: Used in embedded systems like routers, smart TVs, and IoT devices.
b. FreeRTOS: A popular open-source real-time operating system for embedded devices.
c. VxWorks: A real-time operating system used in embedded systems, aerospace, and industrial
applications.
6. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS):
a. QNX: Known for its real-time capabilities, used in automotive systems, medical devices, and
industrial automation.
b. RTOS-32: A real-time operating system designed for x86 embedded systems.
c. FreeRTOS: Mentioned earlier, widely used in embedded systems requiring real-time processing.
Windows 10 Short cut keys
Windows Key (WinKey) Shortcuts:
WinKey: Open or close the Start menu.
WinKey + D: Show or hide the desktop.
WinKey + E: Open File Explorer.
WinKey + I: Open Settings.
WinKey + L: Lock your PC or switch accounts.
WinKey + R: Open the Run dialog box.
WinKey + Tab: Open Task View for virtual desktops.
WinKey + Arrow Keys (Up, Down, Left, Right): Snap windows to different sides of the screen.
WinKey + Ctrl + D: Create a new virtual desktop.
WinKey + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop.
Taskbar Shortcuts:
WinKey + 1, 2, 3,...: Switch to the application in the corresponding position on the taskbar.
Shift + WinKey + 1, 2, 3,...: Open a new instance of the application in the corresponding position on the
taskbar.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager directly.
File Explorer Shortcuts:
Alt + Up Arrow: Go up one level in File Explorer.
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder in File Explorer.
F2: Rename selected file or folder.
Browser Shortcuts (in Edge or Chrome):
Ctrl + T: Open a new tab.
Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab.
Ctrl + Tab: Switch between open tabs.
Text Editing Shortcuts:
Ctrl + C: Copy selected text or item.
Ctrl + X: Cut selected text or item.
Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut text or item.
Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
Ctrl + Y: Redo the last action.
Miscellaneous Shortcuts:
Alt + F4: Close the current window or app.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps.
Print Screen: Take a screenshot (saved to clipboard).
Ctrl + Print Screen: Take a screenshot of the entire screen (saved to clipboard).
Windows Key + Shift + S: Take a screenshot of a selected area (saved to clipboard).
