|
This section contains 1,618 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) |
|
Operating Systems
The operating system is software that manages every part of a computer system—all hardware and all other software. To be specific, it controls every file, every device, every section of main memory, every nanosecond of processing time, and every network connection. It controls who can use the system and how. In short, it is the boss—without it, nothing can happen.
When a computer user sends a command by typing it from the keyboard or clicking with the mouse, the operating system must make sure that the command is executed. If it is not executed, the operating system must arrange for the user to receive a message, usually on the monitor, explaining
| Platform | Operating System | |
| Microcomputers | Linux, Macintosh OS, MS-DOS, Windows 98, Windows 2000 | |
| Minicomputers | Linux, OpenVMS Alpha, UNIX | |
| Mainframe computers | IBM OS/390, IBM OS/400, UNIX | |
| Supercomputers | IRIX, UNICOS | |
| Workstations | HP-UX, Sun Solaris, UNIX | |
| Networks |
|
This section contains 1,618 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) |
|
More summaries and resources for teaching or studying Operating Systems.
Copyrights
Operating Systems from Macmillan Science Library: Computer Sciences. Copyright © 2001-2006 by Macmillan Reference USA, an imprint of the Gale Group. All rights reserved.





