What is Computer Operating System ? 

A computer operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system.

An operating system processes system data and user input, and responds by allocating and managing tasks and internal system resources as a service to users and programs of the system. An operating system performs basic tasks such as controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing system requests, controlling input and output devices, facilitating networking, and managing file systems.

There are four main functions of an operating system: resource management, memory management, process management, and device management.

Resource management: The operating system manages and allocates resources such as memory, processors, and input/output devices. It ensures that the resources are used efficiently and fairly among all the programs and users of the system.

Memory management: The operating system manages the computer's memory and ensures that each program has enough memory to run efficiently. It also coordinates the transfer of data between main memory and secondary storage, such as hard drives and USB drives.

Process management: The operating system manages the execution of programs and processes, including the allocation of resources and the scheduling of tasks. It ensures that each process gets the resources it needs to complete its tasks and that no two processes interfere with each other.

Device management: The operating system manages the communication between the computer and its various devices, such as printers, keyboards, and displays. It coordinates the transfer of data between the devices and the computer, and ensures that the devices are used correctly and efficiently.

There are two main types of operating systems: single-user operating systems and multi-user operating systems. Single-user operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows and MacOS, are designed to be used by a single user at a time. Multi-user operating systems, such as Linux and Unix, are designed to be used by multiple users concurrently.

There are also several different categories of operating systems, including real-time operating systems, embedded operating systems, and mobile operating systems.

Real-time operating systems are designed to process data as it is received, with minimal delay. They are often used in critical systems such as aircraft control systems and industrial control systems.

Embedded operating systems are used in devices that are not primarily computers, such as smartphones, smart watches, and appliances. They are designed to be lightweight and efficient, and to run on low-power devices.

Mobile operating systems, such as Android and iOS, are designed for use on portable devices such as smartphones and tablets. They offer a range of features and functionality, including touch screen interfaces, support for mobile apps, and connectivity to mobile networks.

There are also many different ways to interact with an operating system, including command-line interfaces, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and voice-based interfaces.

A command-line interface (CLI) is a text-based interface that allows users to enter commands using a keyboard. CLIs are often used in Unix-based operating systems and are popular with advanced users who prefer to work with text-based commands.

A graphical user interface (GUI) is a visual interface that allows users to interact with the operating system using graphical elements such as icons, windows, and menus. GUIs are more user-friendly than CLIs and are popular with novice users.

Voice-based interfaces, such as Amazon's Alexa and Apple's Siri, allow users to interact with the operating system using spoken commands. These interfaces are becoming increasingly popular with the proliferation of smart home devices and voice assistants.

History of Computer Operating System creation :

The first computer operating system was created in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a way to manage and organize the increasingly complex computer systems of the time. These early operating systems were mainly used in large mainframe computers and were designed to allow multiple users to access the computer simultaneously.

One of the first operating systems was called UNIVAC 1108, which was developed by the UNIVAC Corporation in the late 1950s. This operating system was designed to run on the UNIVAC 1108 computer, which was a large mainframe computer used by businesses and government agencies.

In the 1960s, a number of other operating systems were developed, including OS/360, which was created by IBM for their mainframe computers, and DEC's VMS, which was designed for use on their VAX computers. These operating systems were designed to be more flexible and user-friendly than their predecessors, and they allowed users to access and manipulate data on the computer more easily.

As computers became more powerful and affordable in the 1970s, the demand for operating systems increased. This led to the development of a number of new operating systems, including Unix, which was developed at Bell Labs in the 1970s and became popular for use on servers and other high-end computers.

In the 1980s, personal computers became more widely available, and this led to the development of operating systems for these types of computers. One of the first operating systems for personal computers was MS-DOS, which was developed by Microsoft and released in 1981. MS-DOS was designed to be used on IBM-compatible personal computers, and it became the dominant operating system for these types of computers in the 1980s and early 1990s.

In the 1990s, a number of new operating systems were developed for personal computers, including Windows 95 and Mac OS. These operating systems were designed to be more user-friendly and easy to use, and they became popular among home users and businesses alike.

Today, there are a wide variety of operating systems available for computers, including Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and others. These operating systems are used on a variety of devices, including personal computers, servers, smartphones, and tablets. They are designed to be user-friendly, reliable, and efficient, and they are constantly being updated and improved to keep up with the evolving needs of users.