Common Operating Systems

Drivers

A driver is specialized software that controls a device attached to a computer. A 64-bit driver will not work with a 32-bit OS, and this is also true vice versa.

Android OS

Android™, on the other hand, is a layered environment built on the Linux kernel foundation that includes not only the operating system, but middleware, which provides additional software for the operating system and additional built-in applications. The Android OS was developed by the Open Handset Alliance and is owned by Google. It supports open-source-developed applications and functions and comes with basic operating system services, message passing, and so on. The major difference between Android and iOS is that iOS runs on Apple products only, whereas the Android OS is used by many different mobile device manufacturers and is more widespread across a number of different mobile devices. Android also enables manufacturers to overlay a suite of applications that they support.

Applications

Applications designed to run on 64-bit operating systems are not compatible with 32-bit OSs. The reverse is not necessarily true, as 64-bit OSs can usually run 32- bit applications. However, there still may be compatibility issues, and the application may not run as intended. You may be able to select an appropriate application compatibility mode for the application after you have upgraded the operating system. For example, Windows 8.1 will allow you to emulate Windows 7 and earlier operating systems when you go to run an older application.

BlackBerry OS

BlackBerry® phones are primarily used by professionals to conduct business operations and tasks. The BlackBerry OS directly supports corporate business requirements with functions such as synchronizing with Microsoft Exchange, IBM® Lotus® Domino®, or Novell® GroupWise® emails, contacts, and tasks by maintaining a high level of security

Chrome OS

Built on the open source Chromium OS, the Chrome operating system was developed by Google as its commercial OS. With manufacturing partners, the Chrome OS is installed on laptop computers that are known as Chromebooks.

Firefox OS

Developed by Mozilla, the Firefox OS is an open source operating system based on Linux

Linux

Linux is an open-standards UNIX derivative originally developed and released by a Finnish computer science student named Linus Torvalds. The Linux source code was posted publicly on a computing newsgroup, and the code was developed and tested cooperatively all over the world. Because the source code is open, it can be downloaded, modified, and installed freely. However, many organizations prefer to purchase and implement a Linux distribution. A Linux distribution is a complete Linux implementation, including kernel, shell, applications, utilities, and installation media, that is packaged, distributed, and supported by a software vendor

Windows

Microsoft® Windows® is the single most popular and widely deployed operating system on both desktop computers and server systems in the world today. The various versions of Windows all feature a graphical user interface (GUI), support for a wide range of applications and devices, a minimum of 32-bit processing, native networking support, and a large suite of built-in applications and accessories such as the Internet Explorer® browser. Windows currently comes pre-installed on many personal computers sold commercially. There have been several versions of Windows since its inception. The most current version is often deployed on personal and professional computers.

Mac OS X

OS X® is the operating system developed by Apple Computing, Inc. OS X is a Linux® derivative, and consists of UNIX-based operating systems and GUIs. This proprietary operating system is included on all Macintosh computer systems. OS X features include: • Multiple user support. • Integrated Mac, Windows, and UNIX server, file, and printer browsing in the Finder. • The Safari® web browser. • Native TCP/IP networking. • Many file- and network-level security features. • Comprehensive hardware device support with a unique Macintosh computer system design.

Hardware

The 32-bit and 64-bit OS architectures have different hardware requirements. The latter tends to require more random access memory (RAM) and storage space, or it may not function properly. Most important, however, is its processor. A 32-bit OS can usually run on a 64-bit processor, but a 64-bit OS cannot run on a 32-bit OS.

operating system functions

The operating system provides the following functions: • Provides the user-friendly environment to work with system features and applications. • Converts a user's input and sends it to the monitor or other display device. • Controls peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. • Provides the structure for files and folders. • Monitors the operating system's health and functionality

Windows Phone OS

Windows smartphones run on the Windows Phone OS, which is maintained and developed by Microsoft. Features include a suite of Microsoft® Office® applications, Outlook® Mobile, web browsing, Windows Media® Player, and other advanced features.

operating system

a software package that enables a computer to function; performs basic tasks, such as recognizing the input from a keyboard, sending the output to a display screen or monitor, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers; creates a user-friendly environment that enables users to use a computer efficiently without having to know the underlying technologies

Freeware

can be downloaded from the Internet directly and used without any restrictions

Open Source Licensing

enables users to access its source code and gives them the right to modify it; ensures that free and legal redistribution of the software is possible

Shareware

free applications that a user can download from the Internet directly; shareware is usually provided on a trial basis. That is, the user will have to purchase the full version of the software once the trial period expires. Some shareware applications have restricted features. Users can use these features only once they purchase the full version.

Apple iOS

iOS is the base software that allows all other applications to run on an iPhone®, iPod touch®, or iPad®. The iOS user interface supports direct touch, multitouch, and using the accelerometer. Interface control elements consist of switches, buttons, and sliders. The response to user input is immediate and provides a fluid interface that includes swiping, tapping, pinching, and reverse pinching, all of which have specific definitions within the context of the iOS operating system and its multitouch interface.

Commercial

intended to meet commercial needs; does not allow users to access the source code or modify it

Copyleft

method of ensuring that all original work, and all the derivative works created from it, are kept free and open