Operating systems

From IT Jalakam - Unofficial IT syllabus for grade 10 students

Operating system (commonly abbreviated to either OS or O/S) is an interface between hardware and user; it is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer.

In simple terms , it is a piece of program which helps the user communicate with the computer and perform tasks on it

Most Popular Operating Systems on Desktop are -

• Windows
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
• Linux
  • Ubuntu
  • Fedora
  • Arch Linux
• Macintosh
  • Mac OS X

Popular Operating Systems on Servers are -

• Windows
  • Windows Server 2000
  • Windows Server 2003
• Linux
  • RHEL
  • CentOS
  • Debian GNU/Linux
• Others
  • FreeBSD
  • Solaris

Popular Operating Systems on embedded devices and cell phones are -

• Linux
• Android
• Mac OS for iPhone
• Windows Mobile
• Symbian

Ubuntu

Ubuntu , is a computer operating system based on Debian GNU/Linux. It is distributed as free software. Ubuntu's goals include providing an up-to-date, stable operating system for the average user, with a strong focus on usability and ease-of-installation. Ubuntu has been selected by readers of desktoplinux.com as the most popular Linux distribution for the desktop, claiming approximately 30% of their desktop installations in both 2006 and 2007.

	Desktop computer|Desktop & Laptop		Server (computing)|Server
	Required	Recommended
Processor	300MHz (x86)	700MHz (x86)	300MHz (x86)
Memory	256MB	384MB	64MB
Hard drive capacity	4GB	8GB	500MB
Video card	VGA @ 640x480	VGA @ 1024x768	VGA @ 640x480

Note : Need to add instructions on how to install Ubuntu on a USB Flash drive.

Theory and practicals

Introduction to disk partitions

Usage of different partition tools

Installing Windows and basic configuration

Installing linux and basic configuration

Running live CDs

Updating / Upgrading OS.