History of Operating Systems
Operating systems have evolved from simple batch systems in the 1950s to advanced multi-user
and multitasking systems. Early OS like IBM's GMOS laid the foundation, followed by Unix in the
1970s, which introduced concepts like file hierarchies and multitasking.
Architecture of an Operating System
An OS typically consists of four main components:
1. Kernel: The core of the OS, managing CPU, memory, and device operations.
2. Shell: Provides an interface for users to interact with the OS.
3. File System: Manages data storage and retrieval.
4. Device Drivers: Facilitate communication between hardware and software.
Types of Kernels
1. Monolithic Kernel: All OS services run in a single kernel space (e.g., Linux).
2. Microkernel: Minimal kernel functions with services running in user space (e.g., Minix).
3. Hybrid Kernel: Combines features of monolithic and microkernels (e.g., Windows NT).
4. Exokernel: Provides direct access to hardware with minimal abstraction.
File Systems and Storage Management
File systems manage how data is stored and retrieved. Common types include:
1. FAT32 and NTFS: Used in Windows.
2. ext4: Default for Linux systems.
3. HFS+: Formerly used in macOS.
4. ZFS: Known for data protection and high scalability.
Process Scheduling Algorithms
An OS uses algorithms to manage CPU time for various processes. Some key algorithms include:
1. First-Come, First-Served (FCFS): Simple but may cause long wait times.
2. Shortest Job Next (SJN): Minimizes average wait time.
3. Round Robin (RR): Provides each process a fixed time slice.
4. Priority Scheduling: Executes processes based on priority levels.
Popular Open-Source OS Distributions
1. Ubuntu: User-friendly Linux distribution popular for desktops and servers.
2. Debian: Known for its stability and wide range of software packages.
3. Fedora: Features cutting-edge software and is sponsored by Red Hat.
4. Arch Linux: Aimed at advanced users who prefer manual configuration.