Introduction to Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) implies an interface between the computers hardware, software, and the user. There are different types of OS, such as the Windows, UNIX, and the Mackintosh. Windows was released into the market in 1987. The Windows 1.0. The version was a basic interface whose functionality entailed the use of simplified word processor, MS Paint, calendar, and calculator. Mac OS was also developed in the 1980s, and was more popular since it was the first operating system to embrace the graphical user interface (GUI). Other properties that made it more appealing to the user was its drag and drop concept, menu bar, and drop menu. A group of Bell labs programmers developed the first version of UNIX, between the late 1960s and the 1970s. The system incorporated a text editor and word processor that had typesetting capability. This paper discusses the main components of OS, factors that lead to OS upgrading, demonstrates upgrading of OS computers in various Windows versions, and gives a brief experience with the OS.

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Factors that Lead to Upgrading OS

It is evident that the current state of the three operating systems is different from the time of their formation. OS frequently undergo through the upgrading system in order to make them more user-friendly. For example, Windows OS was later tailored to GUI and features such as Excel incorporated to meet the needs of the user. Another factor that leads to improvement of OS is innovativeness. Improved technology has resulted in the development of systems that can support the internet programs. Security influences the decision of upgrading OS. Due to the rising concern for viruses, there is a need for consumers to use an OS that protects them from the risks.

Three Main Components of OS

The OS has various components that make it user-friendly. The user interface is a major OS component that enables the software and hardware to communicate. To illustrate this, it helps in allocation of CPU space for running programs. The interface also supports the computer applications that enable the user to interact with the hardware. The networking element is popular in most of the current OS. It allows computers to share resources such as printers, scanners, files, and wireless connections. While the OS facilitates the networking between the resources, utility software manages the connection. Some systems have a level of security, for instance Windows 8 has an antivirus called Defender. As a result, the computer can detect virus from shared resources. The function is related to that of antivirus software that protects the computer from harmful programs.

Differences between Windows OS Versions

Various OS versions exhibit differences in their components. Windows XP, for example, was different from the initial release, as it had GUI. It was also compatible with desktops and laptops and enabled the customers to use various types of media. A later version, Windows 7, had a higher speed of networking and was safer to use than earlier versions. Windows 8, on the other hand, has incorporated various technological innovations, as it is compatible with touchscreen computers, has antivirus protection, and has a windows store where consumers can access utility software.

Experience with OS

The recent version of Windows 8 OS has simplified my ability to use the computer. The improved protection that the OS offers has improved the confidence in using it. The compatibility of the system to computers due to its low system requirements reduces the chances of computer crashes. This is unlike with Windows Vista Version, which lacked not only effective security measures, but also had high system requirements. For this reason, it was selective. Installation in computers that did not meet the requirements experienced low performance and system failure.

Operating systems are important since they facilitate the communication between software and hardware of the computer. They are frequently upgraded to make them more consumer friendly depending on the change in customer needs and technological innovations. The upgraded versions exhibit differences in the components of the OS.