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One of the primary functions of the operating system is to establish standards for how application programs
              interact  with the computer’s hardware.  Key responsibilities  of the operating  system  include booting up
              the system, managing input from devices like keyboards and mice, displaying output on the screen, and
              organising the storage of files and directories on Discs. It also oversees peripheral devices such as printers,
              scanners, and external drives, ensuring they function correctly with the computer.
              Mobile devices also rely on their operating systems to function smoothly. For instance, Apple’s iOS powers
              iPhones and iPads, while Google’s Android is used by a wide range of smartphones and tablets. Apart from
              the operating system, computers use software applications for different jobs. These can be web browsers,
              games, or tools like word processors and spreadsheets. Each app does a specific job, making your computer
              or phone useful for work and fun things like games and browsing the internet.
              Classes of an Operating System

              Some of the  classes of operating  systems, based  on interface,  number  of users, processing,  and  other
              classifications, are as follows:
                Based on Interface
                    CUI (Character User Interface): Users interact with text commands at a command prompt.
                    Examples: MS-DOS, UNIX.
                    GUI (Graphical User Interface): Users interact with icons, menus, and windows.
                    Examples: Windows, Linux.
                Based on Number of Users
                    Single User Single Task: Allows one user to perform one task at a time. Example: MS-DOS.

                    Single User Multi Task: Enables a user to run multiple programs simultaneously.
                    Examples: Windows, macOS.
                    Multi-User: Supports multiple users running programs concurrently on a network.
                    Examples: Linux, Unix.
                Based on Processing
                  Uniprocessing: Runs one program at a time on a single processor.

                  Multiprocessing: Supports simultaneous processing of multiple programs on multiple processors.
                Other Classifications

                   Multitasking (Time-Sharing): Allows rapid switching between tasks for concurrent application interaction.
                    Distributed  Operating  System:  Coordinates  independent  processing  across  networked  computers.
                    Examples: Windows Server, Unix, Linux.
                    Real-Time Operating System: Processes data within specific, predictable timeframes.
                    Examples: Windows CE, Lynx OS.
              Exploring Popular Operating Systems

              Let’s understand the technical and special advantages of these widely used operating systems:
                Microsoft Windows: Widely used on personal computers and laptops. Versions include Windows 10,
                 Windows 11, and Windows Server for servers. Windows 11 is the latest version of Windows OS. Windows
                 is known for its Graphical User Interface (GUI), support for a wide range of hardware and software, and
                 compatibility with many productivity applications and games.
                MacOS: Developed by Apple Inc., exclusively for their Macintosh computers and MacBooks. MacOS is
                 a Unix-based operating system known for its user-friendly interface, stability, security features (such as
                 Gatekeeper and FileVault), and seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.



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