IT Fundamentals: Computer Operating Systems

Introduction

• Lecture by Don Pezet on ITProTV for CompTIA IT Fundamentals Exam FC0-U61
• Focus on understanding computer operating systems
• Importance of operating systems in user experience

The Role of Operating Systems

• OS interacts between the user and computer hardware
• Translates user commands into binary for computers
• Manages resources and hardware communication

Evolution of Operating Systems

• 1970s: Command-line interfaces, user-unfriendly
• 1980s: Shift to graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
• Modern OS: Examples include Windows 10, macOS, and Linux

Types of Operating Systems

• Windows 10: Popular, widely used
• macOS: Used in Apple devices
• Linux: Open-source, Unix-like, popular in server environments

User Interaction

• OS allows access to web browsers, applications
• GUI enables easy navigation for users
• Similar functionalities in different OS: web browsing, applications

Purpose-built Operating Systems

• Desktops: Focused on user-friendly GUIs
• Servers: Performance-focused, less graphical
• Embedded systems: Specialized, e.g., in webcams, IoT devices

Virtualization

• Hypervisors allow multiple OS on one hardware
• Allows switching between different OS for demonstration

Mobile Operating Systems

• Smartphones run OS like Android (Linux kernel) and iOS
• Mobile OS are becoming similar to desktop OS

Hardware and Software Communication

• Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) simplifies OS interaction with hardware
• Drivers facilitate communication between OS and hardware
• Modern OS supports a wide range of hardware with fewer drivers

Software Development and Market Share

• Key OS: Windows (80% market share), macOS (5%), Linux (1-2% more in servers)
• Developers target major OS for software compatibility

Functionality of Operating Systems

• Beyond basic interaction: power management, network services, updates
• Continuous evolution in capabilities and functionalities

Conclusion

• Series will cover individual OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Important to understand OS basics for IT jobs
• Upcoming episodes will delve deeper into each OS

End Note: Stay tuned for more IT Fundamentals episodes on ITPro.TV.