Different Operating Systems for Desktop Computers
An operating system is the central piece of software used in most desktop computers. It is the user's main mode of access to the software installed in the computer. The OS also manages all of the system tasks such as memory allocation and hardware integration. Each type of desktop OS offers a different interface and management system unique to itself.
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Windows
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Microsoft Windows was introduced in the market in 1985. It originally was designed for the sole use of IBM PCs but later evolved into the standard for many operating systems. Microsoft has released several versions of Windows, with Windows XP being the most widely used of all Windows-based systems. According to Wolfgang Gruener of ConceivablyTech, Windows XP users account for 66 percent of all Windows users, as of 2010. At the time of the article's publication, Windows XP already was 9 years old and had two successors released. As of 2011, Windows has the biggest market share among all operating systems; NetMarketShare reports that 90 percent of all computers run a version of Windows.
Mac OS
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The Mac Operating System primarily comes with Apple computers but is also a stand-alone product. First released in 1984, it was the first operating system to feature a graphical user interface (GUI). This interface featured user-friendly elements such as program icons, folder storage and desktop management to provide more accessibility to the computer's software. These features would become the standard for most GUIs. Mac OS X is the evolution of Mac OS and has been shipped with all Apple computers since 2001. As of 2011, Mac OS X accounts for six percent of the operating system market.
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GNU/Linux
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GNU/Linux is among the most notable open-source operating systems in the market. It is the product of the GNU project. In 1983, Richard Stallman invited programmers across the world to create a completely free and open operating system. In the 1990s, development was merged with Linux, a Unix based operating system originally developed in 1969. Although GNU/Linux shares some elements with other private operating systems, it uses completely original code. As of 2011, GNU/Linux accounts for one percent of the operating system market. However, it is widely used among supercomputers and is the base of several developments; for instance, Google's mobile Android operating system is built on GNU/Linux.
PC-DOS
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PC-DOS was one of the first operating systems used in early desktop systems, primarily IBM PCs. This system featured a relatively simple design due to the processing power limitations at the time of its release in 1981. Upon boot-up, users were taken to a black screen with a single line of input. Users had to input command lines to move within the hard drive and access software. This interface became the basis of modern operating systems such as Windows and Mac OS. Certain DOS design elements and functionality also carried over to some programming languages such as BASIC.
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