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The History of Computer Operating Systems

The History of Computer Operating Systems

Operating systems (OS) are the backbone of any computer, managing hardware and software resources. Over the decades, we have seen a massive evolution in how we interact with technology.

  • MS-DOS
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Macintosh
  • Garuda OS

MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)

MS-DOS Illustration

MS-DOS was the mainstream operating system for IBM-PC-compatible computers before the rise of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).

  • 1981: First released as the primary OS for the original IBM PC.
  • Evolution: Microsoft released eight major versions between 1981 and 2000.
  • Significance: It was the key to Microsoft’s transition from a small programming language company to a global software giant.
  • Legacy: Support was slowly phased out as Microsoft introduced Windows.

MS-DOS Versions:

  • v1.xx to v7.xx (covering nearly two decades of development).

Microsoft Windows

Windows History

Windows transformed the personal computer into a more accessible device through its graphical interface.

  • Windows 1.0 (1985): The first version, essentially a graphical shell for MS-DOS.
  • Windows 3.0 (1990): Introduced Virtual Memory and VGA support.
  • Windows 95 (1995): Popularized “Plug and Play” and the 32-bit kernel.
  • Windows 98 (1998): Added built-in Internet Explorer and FAT32 support.
  • Windows XP (2001): Known for its extreme stability and the NT 5.1 kernel.
  • Windows Vista (2006): Introduced User Account Control (UAC) and the Aero GUI.
  • Windows 7 (2009): A highly refined successor to Vista.
  • Windows 8 (2012): Redesigned for touchscreens and tablets.
  • Windows 10 (2015): The current standard, unifying the desktop and modern app experiences.

Linux

Linux Mascot

Linux is a powerful, open-source, multi-tasking, and multi-user operating system.

  • History: Created by Linus Torvalds at the University of Helsinki.
  • Open Source: Because the source code is public, it grows rapidly through community contributions.
  • Benefits:
    • Multitasking: Runs many commands simultaneously.
    • Virtual Memory: Uses disk space as RAM.
    • Compatibility: Supports standard Unix protocols (POSIX.1).
    • Cost: Completely free.

Popular Distributions (Distros): Red Hat, SuSE, Mandrake, Slackware, Debian, Ubuntu, Kali Linux.

Macintosh (macOS)

Macintosh Logo

Developed by Apple, macOS is designed specifically for Apple hardware.

  • 1984: The original Macintosh 128K was introduced, being the first commercial computer with a GUI.
  • Innovation: Features like the mouse and desktop icons were revolutionary at the time.
  • Key Figures: Bill Atkinson, Jef Raskin, and Andy Hertzfeld.
  • Evolution: Transitioned through various hardware phases, including PowerPC and Intel (x86).

Garuda OS

Garuda OS Logo

Garuda OS is a local Indonesian Linux distribution derived from PCLinuxOS.

  • Goal: To provide a legal and economical alternative for users who previously relied on pirated software.
  • Launch: Released on National Awakening Day, May 20, 2011.
  • Features: Supports SNI (Indonesian National Standard) document formats and uses Bahasa Indonesia as the default system language.