Computer Science - Operating Systems Assignment: Concepts and Review

This assignment delves into several key aspects of operating systems. It begins by exploring a real-life application of cloud computing, specifically Gmail, and discusses troubleshooting steps if the network connection is lost. The assignment then identifies and describes five current operating systems: Linux, Microsoft Windows, Google Android, Apple MacOS, and Apple iOS, detailing the computers, platforms, and configurations where each is utilized. The student explains the differences between main memory and secondary storage, addressing common misconceptions. Furthermore, the assignment outlines five essential concepts of an operating system that a typical user should understand. It also suggests how a supermarket manager could use a handheld computer to enhance efficiency. Finally, the assignment includes a review of an article about Linux operating systems from Datamation, summarizing the article's main points, the author's conclusions, and the student's personal evaluation of the article.

Running head: OPERATING SYTEMS
Operating systems
Name of Student:
Name of College:
Authors Note:
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1. Give a real life example of a task that you complete everyday via cloud
computing. How would you cope up if network connection suddenly
became unavailable?
Cloud computing is an archetype that allows universal access to shared source of information,
network, servers and applications. It permits processing of data to be made on private owned
cloud or third part provider which enhances speed and stability (Chen et al. 2017). So cloud
computing has huge applicability in real life for everyday computing. For instance, Gmail that is
provided by Google offers infinite storage over cloud which has reshaped the manner emails are
sent and has increased my usability of sending emails.
If network connection suddenly turns unavailable then mentioned steps can be followed:
 First checking the back of router and laptop/computer and ensuring all cables are tightly
connected to right ports.
 In case cables are in place then next step is checking router settings. If these settings are
as they should be then power cord should be removed from router and sometime should
be allowed before plugging again. Sometimes hard reboot fixes network connection
problems.
2. Name five current operating systems and identify the computers,
platforms and configurations where each is used
The various operating systems that are available are: (van Steen & Tanenbaum 2016)
Linux: it is an open source freely available OS. It can run on desktop, supercomputers, internet
and server platforms as well as on embedded systems. LILO (Linux Loader) is used to configure
Linux into memory and start OS. LILO can be configured to boot other OS also and LILO can be
customized that means if default configuration is not right it can be changed. Config file for
LILO is lilo.conf
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Microsoft windows: windows are an OS and the currently windows 10 are available for PC,
tablets, smartphone and embedded devices. Windows server 2016 is currently available for
server computers and a special version of window is used for Xbox one video game console. The
current version is based on Window NT kernel; client version on IA-32, x86-64 and 32-bit
AIRM microprocessor. Also Itanium supports old server version Windows server 2008 R2.
Windows 10 need 64 bit processor.
Google android: it is an OS that can be used on various devices like smartphone, tablets. After
2012, Android supported 64-bit x86 platforms and then on ARM64. After Android 5.0 Lollipop
64-bit version of all platforms are supported in addition to 32-bit version. Android can be run on
AOSP
Apple MacOS: it is an OS that runs on Apple desktop and laptops. UNIX is platform for MacOS
and the Configuration used for macOS is property list.
Apple iOS: it is a popular OS used for smartphone and runs on Apple iPhone, iPad and iPods.
iOS runs on ARM platform with 64 bit ARMv8-A processors. iOS runs on iPhone configuration
utility that generates XML files for configuration profile.
3. Many people confuse main memory and secondary storage. Explain why
this might happen, and describe how you would explain the differences
to classmates so they would no longer confuse the two.
Many people get confused with main memory and secondary storage for which the reasons could
be many but the main reason can be the fact that people do not interpret their distinct
responsibilities. Main memory functions to store and retrieve data which support computer
processing these data’s and also main memory is volatile. While secondary storage is non
volatile.
The main difference between main memory and secondary storage: (Chen, Lu, Xiao & Liu 2014)
Main memory Secondary storage
It is primary memory It is back up memory
Volatile which means data is lost when power Non volatile which means data is permanently
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is switched off stored even when power is switched off
Working memory of PC Storage for data
Computer cannot operate without main
memory
Computer can operate without secondary
storage
4. Name five key concepts of an operating system that you think a typical
user needs to understand and know.
The key concepts of operating system that users should know are:
 Memory manager which is accountable for controlling memory usage
 Process manager that is composed of sub-managers, job schedulers; process schedulers
and makes decision for allocating CPU
 Device manager which is accountable for controlling device usage
 File manager which is accountable for controlling file usage
 User interface which is part of OS that users interact with directly
5. Select one of the two professionals. An insurance adjuster, a manager in
a supermarket. Suggest at least two ways that such a person might use a
handheld computer to work more efficiently.
The manager of supermarket can use interactive systems in their handheld computers that would
permit multiple job processing and delivering outcomes with better response. Also they can use
batch system where one job is entered and processed at a time that can be applicable to create
monthly sales report.
While insurance adjuster can use real time systems in their handheld computers to work more
efficiently within crucial environment such as insurance where credibility of information is vital.
Also interactive system can be used which would allow numerous amount of interaction between
user and computer.
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References
Chen, Z., Chen, K., Jiang, J., Zhang, L., Wu, S., Qi, Z., . . . Kang, Z. (2017). Evolution of cloud
operating system: From technology to ecosystem. Journal of Computer Science and
Technology, 32(2), 224-241. Retrieved from: doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11390-017-
1717-z [Accessed on 1 Oct. 2018]
Chen, Z., Lu, Y., Xiao, N., & Liu, F. (2014). A hybrid memory built by SSD and DRAM to
support in-memory big data analytics. Knowledge and Information Systems, 41(2), 335-
354. Retrieved from doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10115-013-0727-6 [Accessed on 1
Oct. 2018]
van Steen, M., & Tanenbaum, A. S. (2016). A brief introduction to distributed systems.
Computing. Archives for Informatics and Numerical Computation, 98(10), 967-1009.
Retrieved from: doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00607-016-0508-7 [Accessed on 1 Oct.
2018]
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6. Write a one page review of an article about the subject of operating
systems that appeared in a recent computing magazine or academic
journal. Give a summary of the article, including the primary topic, your
own summary of the information presented, and the authors’
conclusion. Give your personal evaluation of the article, including topics
that made the article interesting to you. Cite your work
In the article published in Datamation which is computer magazine the primary topic is about
Linux operating systems where the author highlighted success and failures of Linux in 2017.
Some of the successes of Linux OS were Linux Dockr and Kubernetes. Docker is a devoted
single application LXC container that permits users to run single process application
environment. As such they became huge in demand because they are flexible platforms. Also
Kubernetes is another container storage platform that was promoted under Google which also
created buzz. Moreover Linux is the OS that runs world’s supercomputers which exclusively is
dominated by Linux even more than those that are run on Microsoft Azure. Also 2017 was good
for Linux VARS (Value added reseller) where customers favored purchasing Linux PC with
Linux pre-installed due to the long term support for VAR (Hartley 2017) The author also
showcased some failure for Linux such as marketing and online presence where largest reason of
failure for Linux on desktop was inadequate market share. Also real cause was absence of brick
and mortar presence on platforms like Amazon which extended offerings to larger markets.
Though System 76 was available but it was limited which could have been improved through
collaboration with Dell or some other providers. At present market of Linux VAR is also limited
and continues to promote within existing customer base which has limited its presence.
As I have interest in latest information on technology and computer systems I found this article
hugely informative and interesting as it explained success and failures aspects of one of the most
powerful Linux OS in detailed way. The author also suggested some of his personal
recommendation to overcome the areas of failure for Linux so as to improve which was best part
of this article.
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References
Hartley. M (2017) Linux Successes (and Failures) in 2017. Datamation. Retrieved from:
https://www.datamation.com/open-source/linux-successes-and-failures-in-2017.html
[Accessed on 1 Oct. 2018]
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