Describe Operating Systems

Last Updated on Sun, 19 Feb 2023 | Operating Systems

An operating system is the interface between the user and the computer. Without an operating system, the user would not be able to interact with the hardware or software on the computer. An operating system provides the following operational and organizational capabilities:

■ Provides a bridge between the hardware and applications

■ Creates a file system to store data

■ Manages applications

■ Interprets user commands

Operating systems have minimum requirements for hardware. Table 12-2 shows the minimum hardware requirements for several operating systems.

Table 12-2 OS Hardware Requirements

Hardware

Windows XP

Mac OS X

Linux

UNIX

CPU

Intel Pentium/

PowerPC G3, G4,

486 or greater

PA-RISC 1.1,

Celeron family,

or G5 processor

processor

PA-RISK 2.0,

AMD K6/Athlon/

Sun SPARC

Duron family, or

Ultra 1, or

compatible; single-

higher;

or dual-processor

Pentium II

system; 300 MHz

233 MHz or

or higher

higher (32-

bit); Tru64

CPU Alpha

processor (64-

bit); PowerPC

processor

Minimum

128

256

32

64

RAM (MB)

Minimum

1.5

3.0

3.5

1.0

hard disk

space (GB)

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Readers' Questions

  • dieter
    Which of the following describes the operating system?
    2 months ago
    • The operating system is the software that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer system. It provides a platform on which other programs or applications can be installed, allowing the user to interact with the hardware and software. The operating system is responsible for managing processes, allocating memory and storage, and providing administrative commands.
    Table 12-2 OS Hardware Requirements continued

    Hardware

    Windows XP

    Mac OS X

    Linux

    UNIX

    Display

    Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor

    Built-in display or Apple-supplied video card supported by your computer

    CD

    CD-ROM or DVD drive

    DVD drive

    —

    —

    Human interface

    Keyboard and Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device

    I/O

    —

    Built-in FireWire

    —

    —

    Floppy drive

    —

    —

    3.5-inch

    —

    Continue reading here: Describe Installation of a Second Operating System

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