Operating systems are vital components in ensuring the usage of a computer. The operating system is the most important type of systems software. It is the software that allows other software to function as well as manage hardware and software resources. The operating system provides a common set of services for programs. (Dombroski) Operating systems are essentially the functionality component to a computer’s user interactivity. The dynamics of it are quite extensive and intricate to grasp for many. A team of software engineers work over extensive period of times to cover all the needs of its users. Operating systems such as Windows and Macintosh has evolved over the years allowing individuals to utilize their computer’s full potential. As hardware prices fell, personal computers with bit-mapped displays that could control individual pixels were developed. These made personal computers with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) possible. The first commercial success was the Apple Macintosh which was introduced in 1984. As hardware continued to evolve, larger, color Macs were developed and Microsoft introduced Windows, their GUI operating system. (BPASTUDIO). There are many factors that have played into the alterations that computers have endured. Operating systems become obsolete rendering most computers impractical as year’s progress. The innovative evolvement of operating systems from the inception of the CPU to present-day has brought society to a new and insightful age of technology. Moore’s Law explains how computers became way more powerful and diverse as time progressed. Operating systems evolved to consolidate common functions and implement privacy and security measures.
Being able to experience the progress of operating systems is quite intriguing. There are always flaws in technology. The first computers used batch operating systems, in which the computer ran batches of jobs without stop. Programs were punched into cards that were usually copied to tape for processing. When the computer finished one job, it would immediately start the next one on the tape. (BPASTUDIO) The inefficiency of batch operating systems pushed for better operating systems. Operating systems have played a crucial role in the evolution of the computing field, adapting continuously to the evolution of hardware and to the evolving demands of user communities. (Peng). Software engineers accept feedback from its users to troubleshoot and update flaws that may arise within an operating system. Since the inception of Microsoft Windows in 1985, there has been nine Microsoft operating system updates that has shifted the computing technology paradigm. The latest Microsoft operating system, Windows 10 has provided beneficial software that gratifies user’s needs. Its elaborate design and inclusivity of necessary programs provide all its users with a quality product. A major component of the Windows operating system is it’s built in Microsoft Office Suite software. Microsoft Office aides in office or business productivity. Users are able to create, edit, present, and collaborate with one another using these programs. In recent years, Microsoft has implemented its cloud based component of Microsoft Office; enabling its users to access their work and projects at anytime from anywhere. The seamless cloud integration of Microsoft Office has furthered the usability and versatility of the Microsoft operating system.
Operating systems shifting towards the cloud forecasts where the future of technology is going. The term “less is more” applies significantly to the evolvement of technology. Being able to witness the transition from “fat” and “chunky” computers to “slim” and “sleek” computers that can do twice as much as older computers is phenomenal. Cloud computing systems are becoming rapidly prevalent both abroad and domestically. Cloud systems supports majority of traditional applicatons. Developers and service providers, services and applications are hosted without the concern about infrastructure construction, application deployment, hardware updating. Cloud computing systems are often built from the existing single machine OS, usually Linux. Now, the other operating systems like Windows have been used in the data center infrastructure. Most of the cloud computing system components are constructed as user applications from the traditional OS point of view. However, the platform for running cloud applications can still be called an OS as the platform serves the same two critical goals as a traditional OS.(Jiang) The ability to access files with something as simple as log-in credentials, helps with making things easier for the consumer as well. The cloud helps manage an individual’s work and social life. Windows Server 2016 is moving towards adopting more of a cloud-based platform, borrowing much from the public Azure cloud platform while also introducing the concept of a “nano server” – a stripped-back version of the Windows Server OS that is tuned for running containers. The same applies for the private version of “Azure” – let’s get rid of the need for a full Windows Server installation, instead focusing on what a private “Azure” needs as a bare minimum, such as focusing on the nano server as the main means of getting up and running. (Longbottom) Software engineers must fully comprehend and understand what is required before rendering the Windows Server hardware installation obsolete. The utilization of a nano-server will compact the operating system however it must be able to exude seamless and the maximum functionality. Its performance must carry out common user actions as well as intricate network activities. The transition to cloud based computing is imminent however it will take time to fully integrate it into home and business technology life.
The future advancements of operating systems are unforeseeable. Tailoring the operating system to the needs of the user is important. Companies like Microsoft are working everyday to expand on their remarkably efficient products. Microsoft is in the process of rolling out a universal operating system on its new devices. Microsoft is working on the WindowsCore operating system to unify its operating system across all its new devices. Windows Core OS is the next step in making Windows 10 fully modular. It’s a single base operating system for all devices. Rather than Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, and the Xbox operating system being based on OneCore but still different, they’ll all be running Windows Core OS. (Hoffman) Such an advancement will be significant for Microsoft. Windows Core will be using Composable Shell as a modular interface to interchange adaptability between devices. For example, a future Windows phone could have a phone interface, but provide a full Windows desktop when docked to a keyboard and monitor.(Hoffman) Extensive research and intricate work must be done to include every interface into one operating system. According to the article, the Cshell will store each operating system required as a “composer”. Operating systems for the Xbox 360, Microsoft mobile devices and Microsoft HoloLens will be stored in its respective composer. The emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality will expand the horizons of technology and how it will aide individuals. Microsoft’s stride to implement a seamless interconnectivity of operating systems across its devices successfully, will be a great milestone for technology.