Basic Concepts
Essential fundamentals of computing and operating systems.
Introduction to Operating Systems
Index
Management & Functions
Main functions and system resource management.
Historical Evolution
History and development of operating systems.
Types & Classification
Different types and categories of operating systems.
Fundamental Concepts
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Computer Science: Set of scientific knowledge and techniques that enable automatic information processing through computers.
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Computer: Electronic machine that, through specific programs, allows storing and processing information, and solving various problems.
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Computer System: Set of elements that enable capturing, storing, and processing data, composed of:
- Hardware (physical component)
- Software (logical component)
- Human component
Hardware (HW)
- Physical/tangible part of the computer
- Electronic components
Software (SW)
- Base Software: Operating system programs
- User Software: Programs for specific needs
Operating System (OS)
Set of programs that manage hardware resources and offer them to users and user software.
Operating System Objectives
Access Modes
Protected Mode
Higher privilege level for OS programs
User Mode
Restricted access for user programs
Main Functions
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Process Management
- Hardware resource allocation
- Concurrency control
- Running program management
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Memory Management (RAM)
- Process distribution in memory
- Address allocation
- Free memory control
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File System Management
- File and folder storage
- Indexing and structure
- Disk space management
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I/O Management
- External device communication
- Driver management
- Communication protocols
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Security Management
- Access control
- User hierarchies
- Resource protection
Historical Evolution
- First computers in academic settings
- No operating system
- Direct hardware manipulation
- Military and banking use
- Resident monitor
- Assembly programming
- First digital storage media
- UNIX and Multics emergence
- High-level languages
- Home computing
- Graphical interfaces (GUI)
- Communication networks
- High processing power
- Advanced interfaces
- Multimedia and 3D
- Artificial Intelligence
Types of Operating Systems
By Structure
Monolithic
- Organized in single level
- High performance
- Difficult maintenance
Hierarchical
- Organized by levels
- Better error control
- Lower performance
Hybrid
- Combined structures
- Balance between performance and maintenance
By Capabilities
By Function
Desktop OS
For conventional users
Network OS
For communication infrastructures
Distributed OS
For large networked systems
Real-Time OS
For immediate response
Licenses and Costs
Proprietary
- OEM
- Retail
- VLK (Volume)
Free
- GPL
- Apache
- BSD
- Creative Commons
- Free: No acquisition cost
- Commercial: With acquisition cost