Operating systems that act as a bridge between our computers and our computers that we use in almost every aspect of our lives have many different types. Each of these systems provides advantages to users in different areas. Therefore, the first thing that users pay attention to when deciding on the system to be used is the purpose of use.
It is seen that large technology companies have developed the most suitable systems for the computer hardware they produce. Operating systems specially developed for the brand are presented to users by being coded in such a way that they can run the software included in them in the fastest way possible. There are also generally high performance systems for computers created by combining hardware parts of different brands. Such systems are used extensively around the world.
Before giving information about the most preferred operating systems by users, I will explain what these systems are and for what purpose they are used. Later, I will examine the popular systems and take a look at the details.
Computer Operating Systems
All general-purpose computers, from the simplest to the most complex and large, use operating systems to run their programs. When a computer is started, the operating system in the permanent hard disk is loaded into the main memory. Before running programs on the computer, the system loads the program information into RAM memory. Thus, the programs used by the users on their computers are run.
It is the system software that enables the computer to be used more easily by the users by providing the management and control of all hardware units and program software that make up the computer. The operating software is loaded into the computer after it is manufactured. However, it is possible for users to delete and reinstall the system at any time. Replacing it with previous or next versions or switching to a completely different software system is at the user's discretion according to the usage preference.
The task of the system is to create a collection of programs that act as an interface between the computer hardware and the user. With this community of programs, the necessary environment is provided for computer users to run the programs they use and to use the computer effectively. The software system fulfills its task by communicating with the user, ensuring that software and hardware resources are shared among users.
Operating systems are divided into two groups according to their resource structures. These are open and closed source systems. Open source systems are systems that users can install on their computers for free. These systems allow other users to make improvements and changes to the source code. Thus, freedom is provided to the users. It is less costly and faster. Closed source systems, on the other hand, are systems whose codes are kept confidential. For this reason, it does not allow any changes to be made without the manufacturer's permission. The most preferred systems are closed-source systems, although they are systems where error definitions are made more difficult and may have security problems.
Most Used Operating Systems
In this section, I will look at the most known and used operating systems around the world. After giving information about each system, I will share with you the updated ranking created by considering all usage data.
Windows Operating System
Windows, which was first introduced on November 20, 1985, has managed to become the most preferred system by users with its interface approach. After starting with the MS-DOS system, it has been developed and switched to a structure that offers pop-up windows. Thus, it has brought innovations that enable users to perform more than one function at the same time by facilitating the computer experience.
Since there were not many systems in the market when it was opened for use and the existing ones could not provide ease of use to users, Windows, which was developed with a focus on the graphical interface, has achieved great success. Continuing its development in the process, Windows has managed to become one of the biggest in the software systems market.
Windows, which has released a total of 13 different versions since its first release in 1985, launched the latest version of Windows 10 system in 2015. Looking at the current data, the Windows 10 system was used by approximately 40 percent of all users, and became the most used system among operating systems. Windows 7, one of the previous versions of the system, ranks second in the most used list. This situation is important for showing the strength of the company. I would like to share a list of all versions of Windows, as there are older versions still in use.
Windows- 1985
Windows 3- 1991
Windows 95- 1995
Windows CE- 1998
Windows 98- 1998
Windows ME- 2000
Windows XP- 2001
Windows XP 64 Bit Edition- 2004
Windows Vista- 2006
Windows 7- 2009
Windows 8- 2012
Windows 8.1- 2013
Windows 10- 2015
MacOS Operating System
Machintosh system, literally, is the operating system developed by Apple company for use in personal computers produced by it. It was put into use in 1984 with the personal computer named Machintosh, which was first produced by Apple. Since that year, it has continued its development process and continues to be offered to users with new versions. The company, which initially used the name System, started using the name MacOS, starting with the System 7 version. While it used to be used only in computers with processor chips manufactured by Apple, it has been used in computers with processors produced by Intel in recent years, albeit partially.
MacOS operating systems developed with features that greatly increase the performance of Apple computers are widely used, especially with the X 10.14 and X 10.13 versions. Since it can offer privileged features in the field of graphics, it attracts more attention in the fields of design and publishing. In addition, it provides ease of use by allowing it to be used in full compatibility with other devices belonging to Apple.
Linux Operating System
Linux operating systems are free systems that are built on the Unix environment and can be used for almost all computers. The developer of the system, Linus Torvalds, emphasized that the source codes are open and free distribution is provided. Thanks to these features, the development of the system has become sustainable with the contributions made by the users. The system, which developed rapidly with the contributions of different individuals and companies, reached its golden age with the support of companies such as Oracle, IBM and Corel.
The desktop used by the Linux system is actually an application that provides interaction between the user and program software. As in the Windows system, it is a program that provides user access, not the desktop software itself. In this way, since it contains separate program structures, applications downloaded from the internet cannot be easily installed. The downloaded applications contain the parts required for Windows in a single package, while the parts required for Linux are located separately in the system library.
Although this structure seems to be a disadvantage, since it does not require all applications to be updated separately during the update, the applications in the system are protected from vulnerabilities that may cause security problems. In this way, the Linux system is more secure.
Below you can find a table showing the usage rates of the most used operating systems.
Operating System Utilization Rate
Windows 10 % 39.22
Windows 7 36.90%
MacOS X 10.14 4.73%
Windows XP 4.54%
Windows 8.1 4.45%
MacOS X 10.13 2.84%
Linux 2.00%
MacOS X 10.12 % 1.61
Windows 8 0.88%
MacOS X 10.11 0.72%
There are various types of operating systems, these systems are open source and closed source. This distinction in the source code is the factor that determines the system's ability to be developed externally. Open source code systems are free, closed source systems are paid.
There are also Systems other than Computer Operating Systems. Today, there are systems used for many smart devices along with mobile phones. Systems such as Android and Ios can be given as examples.
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