Computer Operating Systems

DOS.
For IBM-compatible PCs, the aboriginal operating arrangement was Microsofts deejay operating system, or DOS. IBM apprenticed with the thenstartup Microsoft aggregation to accumulation the operating arrangement for the antecedent IBM PC; Microsoft purchased the absolute QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System) from Seattle Computer Products and acclimatized it as all-important for the new computer system. The aboriginal adaptation of DOS was appear with the IBM PC in 1981 and became the ascendant operating arrangement of the decade. DOS activated a command-line environment, which was eventually supplanted by Windows graphical user interface. Microsoft apoplectic DOS development in 2000 even admitting DOS itself remained a (buried) allotment of Windows until Windows Me.

Unix.
Originally developed in the 1960s and 1970s by AT&T, Unix (sometimes spelled UNIX, with all basic letters) was at one time the operating arrangement of best for ample servers, abnormally in the bookish environment. Originally a command-line arrangement like DOS, Unix today is accessible in several variants anniversary with its own graphical desktop carapace that runs on top of the amount kernel. Unixs primary proponents cover the SCO Group, Novell, and Sun Microsystems.

Windows Vista.
Like Unix and Linux, Vista is a rock-solid interface advised for 32- and 64-bit computers. Like the Mac OS, its visually stunning, demography the absolute advantage of todays high-performance cartoon cards. And like accomplished Microsoft operating systems, Vista is absolutely accordant with bequest Windows applications. For a lot of users, its the best of both worlds operating adherence and affluence of use in one instantly accustomed environment.

Linux.
Developed by Finnish apprentice Linus Torvalds, Linux is an open-source bulge of the Unix operating system. Linux is acclimated in a array of computer systems, from desktop PCs to web servers. Many users like the actuality that Linux is a able-bodied and almost virus-free operating environment, as able-bodied as the actuality that its chargeless (and not broadcast by Microsoft). Several variations of Linux are accessible today, including Debian, Mandriva, and Red Hat anniversary with its own different desktop interface

OS/2.
Before Windows able ascendancy of the desktop, IBM developed its own GUI-based operating system. Initially appear in 1987, it was dubbed OS/2 (for operating system/2) and was advised to accompaniment IBMs new PS/2 alternation of computers. In fact, antecedent development of OS/2 was able by IBM and Microsoft alive in tandem, afore Microsoft pulled out of the activity in 1990 to apply its efforts on the next-generation adaptation of its own Windows operating system. OS/2 aggregate operational similarities with the added able-bodied Unix operating system, while adopting a agnate interface to Windows. Competing manufacturers did not embrace it, and OS/2 eventually absent the OS war to Windows.

Mac OS.
Apple has connected been the ying to Microsofts yang. Apple appear its aboriginal graphical user interface (for the Apple Lisa) aback in 1983, if DOS was the alone operating arrangement that Microsoft had. Apple revamped the Lisa interface for the aboriginal Macintosh computer, and has connected to amend it over the years. The accepted version, Mac OS X Tiger, predated Windows with a burnished 3D interface and is based on solid Unix underpinnings. Some critics abuse Microsoft for always artful Apples OS efforts; others see the two companies afterward accordingly agnate paths. There is no denying, however, that Vista bears added than a casual affinity to the OS X interface.