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Operating system and comparison
An operating system represents software that facilitates communication using hardware and offers a platform where other programs can run (JAGDEEP, 2018). It is composed of the fundamental files or system software that allows a computer to function or boot up.
1b Differences
Structure of the files
Windows are aligned to a directory structure to assist with the storage of various files. It contains cabinet drawers and logical drives. An example includes pictures, videos, music, documents, and downloads (EDUCBA, 2020). It also allows for the storage of the files within the mentioned folders or the creation of new folders. Other files in the system can be spreadsheets. Additionally, windows have extensions such as .jpg, .txt, and recycle bin for storing deleted files.
Contrastingly, Linux possesses a distinct file structure from windows and OS X. The development of the system has a distinct code base, which helps with data storage in tree form (EDUCBA, 2020). The tree is a single file type, where all the drives are mounted upon the tree.
Lastly, Mac OS X contains several directories, and one can explore the structure of the directory by accessing the directories such as sbin/ developer/application.
Registry
The registry associated with windows represents a master database that is applied in storing all the systems within one’s computer. It keeps all the useful data using device correlated information and passwords (EDUCBA, 2020). Contrarily, Linux lacks its specific registry; instead, the entire application settings storage is under the different users within the same hierarchical format of the stored files. No central database stores these particular details. Mac OS X has all the application settings adopted within a .plist series that have different preference folder within the Mac system (EDUCBA, 2020). The .plist file has the necessary features within either a binary format or plain text. These are stored at: /Library/Preferences folder location.
Command terminal
It represents a tool (black box) used to implement commands. Windows applies the Windows command processor. It triggers distinct batch files and commands (EDUCBA, 2020). Additionally, it is employed in administrative obligations and to troubleshoot and provide solutions to issues facing windows. Conversely, Mac has a console terminal system with a command line, terminal, and prompt. It is applied in typing commands. The prompt also generates some data and runs the commands. In Mac, the terminal also provides the graphical user with a contemporary interface (EDUCBA, 2020). The system is found within the terminal at Applications →Utilities. Linux adopts the terminal as well. It is located at Applications→ System→ Utilities. Linux also has a shell prompt, this defines the terminal behavior and the operation mechanism.
- Role of operating system
It creates a platform for the installation and running of the software. As stated by Owan (2013); in Barnsley (2009), operating systems offer an environment where programs are implemented. Thus, operating is the feeder providing services for the programs and its users. Also, it is not easy to identify the hardware makeup of a computer when the operating system is missing.
From the analysis undertaken by Owan (2013); in Brianson and Peters (2008), operating system and the maintenance of hardware, these authors concluded that each computer requires an operating system to execute its roles and responsibilities. However, where such failure occurs, then the hardware components would not perform the functions, hence remaining in a stationery position.
- Kernel
It is the central part of an operating system, which is considered the interface linking the hardware and the applications (Bin Younis, 2018). Kernel helps regulate the communication between the hardware (CPU) and the software (user applications installed).
There are various functions associated with a kernel. Firstly, kernel offers process management within the system. Kernel ensures the allocation and de-allocation procedures (Bin Younis, 2018). For instance, when one requests a service, a kernel will create a memory that would be used for processing, and later generate the needed memory for processing.
Secondly, it applies the physical memory concept when one notices that logical memory cannot suit the program storage mechanism. The physical memory can then be utilized as temporary memory.
Thirdly, the kernel keeps a timetable for the running processes (Bin Younis, 2018). It creates a scheduled time that offers time to different CPU procedures.
Lastly, the kernel provides maintenance for the files stored within the computer system (Bin Younis, 2018). This is carried out through facility provision using the passwords, and documents stored in a specific way.
- Windows registry
This is a vital component of the operating system that manipulates the behavior and appearance of windows. It is the hierarchical database or central repository that helps configure data for the operating system used by the windows (http://sci.tamucc.edu/~cams/projects/352.pdf). The registry contains all the necessary configuration data for the device drivers, system policies for the user and system, and all the software applications installed within the computer network. The registry also regulates the running of the applications. Whenever an application is allowed to run within the Windows network, the registry is the first item that is assessed. As a consequence, when there is no registry then it is not easy to start any application. Subsequently, the windows registry supersedes data viewing in the registry because it entails extraction, understanding, and data interpretation.
References
Bin Younis, Suhaib. (2018). What is Shell and Kernel ?.
- Linux vs MAC vs Windows. Differences Between Linux and MAC and Windows. Retrieved from https://www.educba.com/linux-vs-mac-vs-windows/. Accessed on 11/14/2020.
http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1808820.pdf
JAGDEEP SINGH. (2018). COMPARING AND CONTRASTING CARDINAL FEATURES OF WINDOWS AND LINUX OPERATING SYSTEMS. ©2018JETIRAugust2018, Volume 5, Issue 8www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162).
Owan, Valentine. (2013). The Role of the operating system to the computer/system communication. 10.13140/RG.2.2.18168.44806.
http://sci.tamucc.edu/~cams/projects/352.pdf
http://www.idconline.com/technical_references/pdfs/data_communications/What_is_Operating_System_Kernel_and_Types_of_kernels.pdf