Saturday, January 9, 2010

Kind of OS

DOS

DOS stands for Disk Operating System.

Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Advantages: DOS has many advantages. The advantages will be the reasons for learning DOS. DOS is the most popular microcomputer operating system for IBM computers and compatibles ever sold worldwide. It runs thousands of applications, and is easy to use.

  • Disadvantages: DOS has some drawbacks, but there is no doubt that we will continue to see DOS used in the 1990s. It will then slowly be replaced as the dominant operating system. The hardware has evolved in significant ways. New microcomputers have more capacity and faster electronics than the old IBM PC and compatibles. This makes DOS an old operating system.
    DOS has direct access to only 640 kilobytes of primary storage, although new microcomputers have much more primary storage. This restriction is an inherent limitation of DOS. Today's new software for word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, and database management requires more primary storage. In addition, DOS is a single tasking operating system. It can support only one user and one program at a time.
    Another disadvantage is that DOS has a character-based interface. A graphical user interface is easier to the users than the character-based interface.
System Requirements:
DOS will run on practically any PC capable of running MS-DOS 3.1 or later. No sophisticated hardware is needed, making the program suitable for inexpensive, relic computers. Since most software being released today requires more expensive and sophisticated hardware, these simple PCs are likely to be sitting around gather dust or discarded. Schools may want to check with local user groups about donated PCs.

Windows 3.x

This is a graphics-based operating environment from Microsoft. This operating system runs under DOS. Thus, it is usually called "DOS with windows." Windows 3.x allows multiple tasking, allowing users to open several applications simultaneously and shift between them. Windows operating system is very similar to the Macintosh desktop environment.
Windows 3.x is a major upgrade of Microsoft's earlier versions. It provides a DOS extender that allows Windows 3.x applications to run in up to 16MB of memory. In the Windows, users can run DOS applications and change data between them.


Windows XP

Windows XP is a server, workstation, and desktop operating systems made by Microsoft that run on the Intel/Cyrix/AMD Pentium.

Advantages:

1. Practically universal hardware support (done by vendors, not Microsoft).
2. Abundance of programs for it.
3. Support. Almost everyone has experience with it, so they will be able to offer support for it, and help you with problems.

Disadvantages: One of the not so great advancements of Windows XP is product activation. This disables the operating system if you modify your hardware in ways Microsoft doesn’t like. Another disadvantage is that Windows XP contains Microsoft’s new Passport and .Net, which many believe will diminish users’ privacy, security, and control over their computers. A draw back to the corporate licensing is that Microsoft insists on a short-term Windows subscription rather than a one-time purchase if companies want upgrades discounts or premier support contracts.

System Requirement:
The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home Edition are:
  • Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
  • At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
  • At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
  • CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
  • Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
  • Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
  • Sound card
  • Speakers or headphones

Windows NT

Windows NT, Windows NT Server, and Windows NT Server Enterprise Edition are server and workstation operating systems made by Microsoft that run on Intel/Cyrix/AMD Pentium, Intel 80x86, and DEC Alpha.

Advantages:

Windows NT is developed and sold by Microsoft. The company continually provides supports and updates. Users who are familiar with Windows will find themselves comfortably using Windows NT. Most people using Windows NT hosting utilize Active Server Pages (ASP) technology. This is the main reason why people are turning to Windows NT hosting. Users can develop web site using familiar interface of Microsoft tools such as Microsoft FrontPage, Visual Interdev, and Microsoft Access. With ASP users can develop a database-driven web site using Microsoft Access as the database.

Disadvantages:

Windows NT requires more system resource. You need a powerful machine to run Windows NT. The Windows NT does not have a good reputation in term of server stability. The NT server needs reboot more frequent than Unix. If you are using Windows NT(2000) hosting services, you may find yourself investing a lot of money in the development tools. Most of them are Microsoft products. The costs of applications that can run on your web site are usually higher than that of Unix. For example, you can find a lot of free scripts to run web board, chat room, web stats, email (and more) for your Unix-based web site, but you won’t find many free applications in NT world.

System Requirement:

  • Pentium processor or equivalent
  • Minimum 128 MB RAM
  • Minimum 140 MB free disk space (development version)
  • Minimum 1024 x 768 display
  • Runs also on Windows XP Embedded (assuming all necessary components are included)
  • Note that independent from HALCON, some 3rd party image acquisition devices may have more restrictive system requirements

MXS

Macintosh OS X Server (MXS) is a server operating system based on Rhapsody. MXS is made by Apple Computers and runs on Motorola/IBM Power.

System Requirement:

  • 133-MHz or faster Pentium-based PC (Pentium 200 recommended)
  • Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows ME
  • Before installation: 50 MB of hard disk space (100 MB for full installation)
  • After installation: 60 MB of available hard disk space as virtual memory
  • 32 MB of RAM (64 MB recommended)
  • 32-bit ODBC drivers for external database connectivity
  • TCP/IP compliance for Internet connectivity
  • Display capable of 800 x 600 pixels at 256 colors or more
  • CD-ROM drive
  • Mouse or compatible pointing device

LINUX

Linux is predominantly known for its use in servers, although can be installed on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from embedded devices, mobile phones and even some watches[8] to mainframes and supercomputers.[9][10] Linux distributions, installed on both desktop and laptop computers, have become increasingly commonplace in recent years, partly owing to the popular Ubuntu distribution[11] and the emergence of netbook.

Advantages:

Low cost: You don’t need to spend time and money to obtain licenses since Linux and much of its software come with the GNU General Public License. You can start to work immediately without worrying that your software may stop working anytime because the free trial version expires. Additionally, there are large repositories from which you can freely download high quality software for almost any task you can think of.

Disadvantages:

  • There’s no standard edition of Linux. Whereas Microsoft offers several different editions of each version of Windows, there are countless variations of Linux. For a new user it can be confusing to work out which is best for you.
  • Linux has patchier support for drivers (the software which coordinates your hardware and your operating system). This means you’ll sometimes find it trickier to get a new device set up.
  • Linux is, for new users at least, not as easy to use as Windows. That’s largely because Linux gives you more control, but does mean you’ll have to spend some time getting used to the way it works.
  • There’s no standard edition of Linux. Whereas Microsoft offers several different editions of each version of Windows, there are countless variations of Linux. For a new user it can be confusing to work out which is best for you.
  • Linux has patchier support for drivers (the software which coordinates your hardware and your operating system). This means you’ll sometimes find it trickier to get a new device set up.
  • Linux is, for new users at least, not as easy to use as Windows. That’s largely because Linux gives you more control, but does mean you’ll have to spend some time getting used to the way it works.
  • The only disadvantages of it is that it is Linux, and if you've used Windows all your life it's a bit different initially, so if you don't mind learning a new OS it's not really a disadvantage. It's not the stereotypical "command prompt" only interface, YDL and Ubuntu have a fairly nice graphical interface.

    With PS3 Linux don't think you're going to be running a) hardware accelerated games or b) Windows programs. Windows runs extremely slow on PS3 Linux, so running Windows apps other than instant messaging is pretty worthless. But Linux already has those apps, and they're all free and open source too. The RSX is locked, so no games released after Doom 1 will run we
    ll.

    System Requirement:
    CPU: Any Intel or AMD processor - dual-core supported
    RAM: 256 MB minimum, 512 MB recommended
    DVD drive required
    Video Card: NVIDIA, ATI, Intel® i8xx and i9xx, SIS, Matrox, VIA. 3D desktop features requires NVIDIA GeForce or later, ATI Radeon 7000 or later, or Intel i810 to i965.
    Sound Card: Any Sound Blaster-compatible card and AC97 – please note that Creative Labs X-Fi cards are not currently supported.
    Minimum hard disk space: 3GB for a smooth installation- 4GB if you plan to use KDE 4.
    Serial ATA: Most controllers supported in non-RAID mode and some in RAID mode.
    For more information: Please check the Mandriva Hardware Database.

    WINDOWS 98

    Windows 98 is a low quality desktop operating system made by Microsoft that runs on Intel/Cyrix/AMD Pentium and Intel 486DX.

    Windows 98 (codenamed Memphis) is a graphical operating system by Microsoft. It was released to manufacturing on May 15, 1998 and to retail on June 25, 1998. Windows 98 is the successor to Windows 95. Like its predecessor, it is a hybrid 16-bit/32-bit monolithic product with an MS-DOS based boot loader. Windows 98 was succeeded by Windows Me on September 14th, 2000. Microsoft support for Windows 98 ended on July 11th, 2006.

    System requirement:

    • Upgrading from Windows 95 (FAT16) or 3.1 (FAT): 140-400 MB (typically 205 MB).
    • New installation (FAT32): 190-305 MB (typically 210 MB).
    • Note 1: Both Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE can have significant problems associated with hard drives that are over 32 Gigabytes (GB) in size. This issue only occurs with certain Phoenix BIOS settings. A software update has been made available to fix this shortcoming.[3]
    • Note 2: Also, both Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE are unable to handle hard drives that are over 137 Gigabytes (GB) in size with the default drivers, because of missing 48 Bit LBA support. Data corruption is possible. An experimental third party software update is available to fix this shortcoming.[4]


  • There’s no standard edition of Linux. Whereas Microsoft offers several different editions of each version of Windows, there are countless variations of Linux. For a new user it can be confusing to work out which is best for you.
  • Linux has patchier support for drivers (the software which coordinates your hardware and your operating system). This means you’ll sometimes find it trickier to get a new device set up.
  • Linux is, for new users at least, not as easy to use as Windows. That’s largely because Linux gives you more control, but does mean you’ll have to spend some time getting used to the way it works.
  • Importance & Advantages/ disadvantages of OS

    Operating system (OS) is a software program that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer. The OS performs basic tasks, such as controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing the processing of instructions, controlling input and output devices, facilitating networking, and managing files. .

    What is an Operating System?

    An operating system is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a boot program, manages all the other programs in a computer. The other programs are called applications .The application programs make use of the operating system by making requests for services through a defined application program interface (API). In addition, users can interact directly with the operating system through a user interface such as a command language or a graphical user interface (GUI).

    An operating system performs these services :

    • In a multitasking operating system where multiple programs can be running at the same time, the operating system determines which applications should run in what order and how much time should be allowed for each application before giving another application a turn.
    • It manages the sharing of internal memory among multiple applications.
    • It handles input and output to and from attached hardware devices, such as hard disks, printers, and dial-up ports.
    • It sends messages to each application or interactive user (or to a system operator) about the status of operation and any errors that may have occurred.
    • It can offload the management of what are called batch jobs (for example, printing) so that the initiating application is freed from this work.