Inasmuch as we humans need a soul or consciousness to make our bodies move, computers need software – the intangible component of the system, the soul of digital machinery to perform its complex tasks.
Also called programs, they can be seen, but can’t be touched, can be controlled, but can’t be physically manipulated in any way. For all its complexity and elegance, computer hardware would only be good for nothing if no software is present to accompany and guide it.
Much like human thought that makes body language and gestures possible, all computer parts need specific instructions so they can perform their distinctive tasks.
From a legal standpoint, there are two kinds of software:
Proprietary – the kind that requires payment and licensing so they can be installed and used to the fullest. Software applications in this category can only be used for a limited time while being on a trial version. Wanting to use their true capabilities means that the user must procure the actual payments that could be required on an annual basis
Open-source – the kind that can be modified and redistributed for free. Within this software distribution scheme, many applications are developed that are products of collaboration from many programmers and hobbyists all over the world.
Out there in computer stores and in the internet, are multitudes of software so plentiful that naming them all would take an entire lifetime to accomplish. However, we can easily grasp the idea behind them by classifying them into four: operating system, programming language, application programs, and device drivers.
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Nicknamed as “OS” it is the mediator between the computer and the human user. Its main purpose is to provide a virtual interface so people can manipulate and operate computer hardware, as well as provide the environment for other program types to attach themselves to.
Computer functions in general can never happen at all without the presence of an OS. In setting up a computer for first use, an OS must be installed first so other types of software can exist within the machine. No other program can be installed into a computer if no OS is present.
To sum up what really an OS does, we might say that it:
• facilitates hardware communication – Devices can communicate with one another, inasmuch as the human user communicates with them.
• coordinates computing tasks – Loading programs and files, performing calculations, copying and saving data, etc.
• allocates memory and storage processes – Allocation of computing power and resources and setting up how much of those resources are required to get a task done.
• allows connectivity and resource sharing – Connecting to other devices through networking and allowing resources to be accessed by users.
• implements security and protection – data manipulation is what really computing is all about, and an OS must be capable of securing the data it holds
Although an OS is created to reside typically on a hard disk, some programs with OS-like traits are meant to be installed elsewhere. These programs that belong to the firmware category are mostly situated on an electronic chip that cannot be erased or re-formatted like most storage devices.
Windows
Without a doubt, it is the most popular OS for personal computers. It is the flagship product of Microsoft, the largest software manufacturer in the world. Because of its popularity, many software developers build their products with the Windows platform in mind.
Furthermore, many applications today are clearly designed to perfectly blend into the Windows environment neatly. Surveys suggest that around 90% of the world’s desktop computers run on Windows.
Windows gained worldwide popularity with the release of Windows 95. With its innovative way of harnessing the potential of a graphical user interface (GUI), it was well received by many computing enthusiasts all over the world then.
As the most popular product of its kind, Windows is also the most pirated software of all. But in spite of this, Microsoft still stands firmly as the leading company in software development. Consequently, Bill Gates, the company’s chief software architect is consistently listed as one of the richest men in the world because of Windows’ sales revenue.
Now with its more stunning newer versions, Windows still proves to be the most popular OS in personal computers, even with the existence of some promising rival products.
Mac OS
It is the OS for Macbooks and other computers made by Apple Computers. It is built specifically for a distinct line of products which means they cannot run on Windows-based computers. Even the applications that run within it are not executable in other computer brands.
The classic Mac OS is believed to be the first revolutionary GUI OS. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs openly declared that Windows is nothing but an imitation of Mac
Earning the tagline “design perfectionist”, Steve Jobs has proven to still continue his legacy as what is evident in the amazing design of the latest versions of MacOS
Linux
It is the most popular open-source OS. Very few people use it although some experts claim that most Linux versions are more stable and more powerful than Windows. Such stability could be due to the fact that anyone with decent programming skills can help build and modify it.
Because it requires no licensing of any kind, it can be redistributed freely. In fact, selling any version derived from it is strictly prohibited by the Linux community. With a richly-thriving community on the internet backing it up, there are more versions of LINUX than there are of Windows.
It started out as a hobby by Linus Torvalds, a young programmer in 1991, who made an OS core derived from UNIX, a system known for its stability. \when Torvalds posted his source code on an internet newsgroup, many other collaborators joined his crusade, thus the birth of LINUX.
Android
The majority of cellphones and tablets run on Android and this makes the OS the most popular in the mobile category. It is a known fact that cellphones are more prevalent now than PCs and for this reason, the Android is now also overpowering Windows as the most popular OS when we speak of the over-all category. Some new desktop PC brands actually run on the Android OS. Such PCs are not yet too well known, but it is very likely that they will gain greater popularity in the next years.
Developed by Google Inc, Android actually evolved from Linux. With its finger-clicking oriented interface, it has truly redefined the way mobile phones are used. Although it’s not the first of its kind, it is undoubtedly the most popular OS for portable computers.
There will be more of this, so we can get educated with the simplest understanding of computers.
Seems like i want to learn programming again..