Lecture Notes: Evolution of Operating Systems

Introduction to Chapter Two

• Focus on the origins and evolution of operating systems (OS).
• Importance of understanding technological development for tech careers.
• Not necessary for everyday use, but beneficial for deeper understanding.

Early Operating Systems

• MS-DOS Origins
  • Started as IBM-DOS, later Microsoft-DOS.
  • Microsoft purchased its first DOS version.
  • Compatibility issues with early applications.
• Early Application Compatibility
  • Applications were not initially designed for cross-compatibility.
  • Major standards emerged: WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3.
  • Cross-platform compatibility achieved slowly.

Technological Challenges and Developments

• Hardware Compatibility
  • Initially, no networking; special hardware/software needed for compatibility.
  • High cost of computers limited the adoption of advanced features.
• Focus on Processing Power
  • Early systems prioritized processing power over graphics.
  • Commodore systems included graphics and sound from the start.

Evolution of Windows Operating Systems

• Windows Development
  • Windows 3.1 introduced color and multitasking by 1992.
  • Slow development due to market focus on enterprise needs.
• Graphics and Plug-and-Play
  • ActiveX and the introduction of graphics in Windows.
  • Plug-and-play initially unsuccessful, improved by Windows 98.

The Windows Registry

• Introduction and Purpose
  • Central database for OS settings and configurations.
  • Programs register their settings in the registry.
  • Unlike Mac/Linux, which use config text files.
• Drawbacks
  • Registry bloat can slow down system performance.
  • Uninstalling programs often leaves registry keys behind.
  • Risky to manually alter the registry; no undo feature.

Transition to Modern Windows

• Windows NT and Security
  • Windows NT designed by a Unix creator for better security.
  • Transition from DOS-based to NT-based systems by Windows 2000.
  • Modern Windows versions (e.g., Windows 10) are all NT-based.

Conclusion

• Understanding historical context enhances troubleshooting skills.
• Encourages curiosity about the development and evolution of technology.
• Further exploration of other operating systems is suggested.

Questions and Discussion

• Open invitation for questions and further discussion on the topics covered.