Best Operating Systems (OS) for Business Solutions

The operating system is the most important piece of software, without which the computer cannot function. The OS manages all the software and hardware on the computer or mobile device.

Typically, a computer or device will have several computer programs running. All of these need access to the central processing unit (CPU) memory, and there is a need for a central system that coordinates it all. That is the function of the operating system.

Since the task of the OS is to allow you to run the programs on your device, most operating systems will provide a graphical user interface (GUI), which allows you to interact with the computer.

Every device with a computer chip uses an operating system. This includes not only computers but also computerized devices like:

• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Manufacturing robots and machines
• Medical devices
• Car computers
• Video game consoles
• Smart televisions

Operating systems come preloaded into the device to allow it to function.

There are seven main types of operating systems:

1. Batch Operating System: Some types of computer processes are very time-consuming. A batch operating system accelerates the process by grouping together and running jobs with similar needs.
   
2. Time-sharing OS: This system enables several users at different terminals to share a single CPU (central processing unit) server, forming an intranet. These systems are also referred to as “multi-tasking,” since they can run several programs at a time.
   
3. Real-time OS: This type of operating system focuses on minimizing processing time. It is used in the military, space agencies, and other industries where it is critical to avoid lag to system queries.
   
4. Distributed OS: A distributed OS uses several processors located in different physical machines to provide fast processing for users.
   
5. Network OS: This type of operating system runs on a server that manages a network of connected devices. It can manage data, users, groups, applications, and security.
   
6. Mobile OS: These operating systems are specifically designed to manage smartphones, tablets, and wearables.
   
7. Cloud OS: This operating system manages the operation of machines in a virtualized environment. The functionality of cloud operating systems may vary according to what they are used for. For instance, one OS can manage the processes between a cluster of virtual machines and servers.

Operating systems manage and coordinate all programs and applications on computers and mobile devices. Some of the functions of an OS include:

• Booting: Starting the computer and its systems.
• Loading and execution: The OS starts up and executes programs so that they will open and run.
• Memory management: An OS controls and manages memory usage by allocating space in the hard drive for programs.
• Data security: Most operating systems include security features to protect data and programs.
• Drive and disk management: The OS manages all the drives of the computer, both hard drives and optical. It divides the disks as needed and formats drives, among other things.
• Process management: The OS allocates the resources to computer processes, synchronizing them.
• Device controlling: The OS either opens or blocks access to devices, such as data transfer services.
• User Interface: Modern operating systems have graphic user interfaces (GUIs) that allow you to interact with the operating system and your computer programs.

Operating systems problems are very common. The OS can become prey to viruses, malware, or installation problems. Cookies and temporary files can clutter the system and slow it down.

Computers may crash because of errors in the operating system software or in the hardware. As the OS provides the interface between applications and the hardware, there can be a number of errors in this interaction. One of the most common is when the OS tries to access an incorrect memory address.

Other errors can send the OS into an infinite loop. In such cases, the system locks and needs to reset. The OS can also crash when it doesn’t manage the system resources correctly.

Diagnosing the potential causes of an OS crash is not always easy, but an IT professional can help you figure out what the issue is.