PC Operating Systems:

Microsoft Windows: Developed by Bill Gates.

  • Bill Gates initially wanted to launch it with the name “Interface Manager”.
  • Version of Windows : 
  • Windows 1.0: Released in 1985 as the first version of Windows, it introduced a graphical user interface (GUI) for MS-DOS.
  • Windows 2.0: Released in 1987.
  • Windows 3.0: Released in 1990.
  • Windows 3.1: Released in 1992.
  • Windows 95: Released in 1995.
  • Windows 98: Released in 1998.
  • Windows Me (Windows Millennium Edition): Released in 2000.
  • Windows 2000: Released in 2000, based on Windows NT technology.
  • Windows XP: Released in 2001.
  • Windows Vista: Released in 2007.
  • Windows 7: Released in 2009.
  • Windows 8: Released in 2012.
  • Windows 8.1: Released in 2013.
  • Windows 10: Released in 2015.
  • Windows 11: Released in 2021.

  • macOS: Developed by Apple for Macintosh computers. 
    • Recent versions include macOS Monterey, macOS Big Sur, and macOS Catalina.

  • Linux: Linux is an open-source operating system with various distributions (distros). Popular distros include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and CentOS. Linux is often used for servers and is available for desktop use as well.

  • Chrome OS: Developed by Google, Chrome OS is a lightweight, web-focused operating system primarily used on Chromebooks. It relies on web applications and services.

  • FreeBSD: FreeBSD is a Unix-like operating system known for its performance, security, and stability. It’s often used in server environments.

  • Unix: Unix is the precursor to many modern operating systems and is still used in some specialized applications and server environments.

Mobile Operating Systems:

  • Android: Developed by Google, Android is the most widely used mobile operating system worldwide. It’s used on a wide range of smartphones and tablets from various manufacturers.

  • iOS: Developed by Apple, iOS is the operating system exclusively used on iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices. It is known for its user-friendly interface and tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem.

  • KaiOS: KaiOS is a mobile operating system designed for feature phones and low-end smartphones. It is known for its affordability and accessibility.

  • HarmonyOS (Hongmeng OS): Developed by Huawei, HarmonyOS is an operating system designed to work across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and IoT devices.

  • Tizen: Tizen is an open-source operating system primarily used in Samsung smartwatches and some smartphones. It’s also used in some smart TVs.

  • Windows 10 Mobile: While it is no longer actively developed or supported, Windows 10 Mobile was Microsoft’s attempt at creating a mobile operating system for smartphones.

  • Sailfish OS: Sailfish OS is a Linux-based mobile operating system developed by Jolla. It’s known for its compatibility with Android apps.

  • Ubuntu Touch: Ubuntu Touch is a mobile version of the Ubuntu Linux distribution. It’s designed to work on smartphones and tablets.

  • Firefox OS: Also known as “Boot to Gecko” (B2G), Firefox OS was developed by Mozilla and aimed at web-focused smartphones. It has been discontinued.

Patches : Patches in the context of operating systems (OS) refer to updates or modifications made to the OS software to address various issues and improve functionality. 

 Kernel: 

  • The kernel is a core component of an operating system (OS) .
  • It manages and controls the computer’s hardware and software resources. 
  • It acts as an intermediary between applications and the hardware, providing a set of essential services and abstractions that allow programs to run efficiently and securely. 
Operating System (OS)