operating system general concept

 Operating Systems 

The operating system is a set of programs that control the operation of a computer, that is, a sequence of instructions written to be interpreted by a computer. Its function is to manage system resources (define which program receives processor attention, manage memory, create a file system in others. Operating system allows a person to access and control parts of the computer without having specific technical knowledge, making the computer accessible. 

Evolutions of Operating System Components 

Now as the operating systems emerged and developed until reaching the versions we know today, we can present their evolution during the past times until the current version. 

First generation 

The first electronic computers were introduced during the 1940's and 50's. At that time, all programming was done in machine language, usually by connecting wires to breadboards to control basic functions as complex operating systems did not exist. In this context, machines usually had the auxiliary function in simple math calculations. Second generation In the early 1950s, the first operating system was created by General Motors for the 701 machine from International Business Machines Corporation-IBM. At that time, operating systems were called single-stream batch processing systems, that is, single-task that was only possible to execute a single running program, The new machines developed with this technology were called Mainframe and used by operators in large rooms . Due to the high acquisition cost, only large corporations or governments used them.

Second generation 

In the early 1950s, the first operating system was created by General Motors for the 701 machine from International Business Machines Corporation-IBM. At that time, operating systems were called single-stream batch processing systems, that is, single-task that was only possible to execute a single running program, The new machines developed with this technology were called Mainframe and used by operators in large rooms . Due to the high acquisition cost, only large corporations or governments used them. 

Third generation 

In the late 1960s, it was possible to develop a multitasking or multiprogramming system whose performance was high enough to handle several tasks simultaneously. The introduction of this function was crucial for the development of operating systems, as it allowed a central processing unit (CPU) to be able to function for almost the entire time it was in operation. Another factor that weighed on the operating systems revolution was the development of small computers. Importantly, both the introduction of multiprogramming and the development of small computers led to the fourth generation of operating systems.

fourth generation 

The fourth generation of operating systems followed the development and growth of personal computers. Despite being very similar to other systems, they cost even less and allowed ordinary people to purchase a machine for personal use. Thinking about this personal computer revolution, the Windows operating system was created in 1975 after the birth of Microsoft. Windows soon became the largest and most widely used operating system, extending its operation to the present day. The system has already had several updates, such as Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 10. Another company that competed strongly with Microsoft in this market was Apple, with the Apple Macintosh, which was hugely successful due to its friendly and attractive interface for users. Currently, all electronic devices use operating systems, whether computers, smartphones or tablets. But this is not the end of the history of operating systems that, like all technology, continue to evolve and bring new and improved updates to users.