Operating Systems

Hello all! We're back this time with a post on Operating Systems.

This subject has fascinated me since I was a small child and first started using a computer system running Windows 95. I started exploring the architecture, shell, and related concepts. Over time I ended up becoming exposed to more core concepts like the idea of a kernel, BIOS, bootloader, and so forth. 

This topic connects to the basic fundamentals and concepts of information technology and computer science in that the Operating System is a fundamental part of the computer infrastructure. It also controls the distribution of hardware resources and process priority via the kernel (Horcasitas, 2021). 

Operating systems also leverage programming languages by letting compilers and interpreters function in order to read the code and convert it over to machine language. Operating systems are the programmed system that allow humans to interact with computing technologies. Application software also runs within and on top of the operating system. Without an operating system, the software would not function.

Databases also run within operating systems and the operating system allows the database to be managed and distributed properly within the hardware. Within this, the database has its own operating system called a Database Management System (or DBMS). Without this system, the data set is virtually useless as there is no way to organize or find the data (Vasav, 2024).

Beyond this, basic networking concepts are also very important regarding operating systems. A functional operating system needs a solid network stack as well as the ability to connect to network hardware via SSH, Telnet, or other technologies for management. Security is a must as well. Most modern systems are networked and therefore vulnerable to exploits that can compromise the security. A strong firewall and antimalware system are mandatory in a good Operating System.

References

Horcasitas, J. (2021, July 30). What is a kernel? DigitalOcean. https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/what-is-a-kernel

Vasav. (2024, January 31). An introduction to database operating system. RedSwitches. https://www.redswitches.com/blog/database-operating-system/