Which operating system to choose for your computer - comparison and selection of the best one. Abstract: Operating systems alternative to Windows The newest operating system

Introduction

An operating system is a set of interconnected system programs that are loaded when the computer is turned on and are permanently stored in the computer's memory. They conduct a dialogue with the user, manage the computer, its resources (RAM, disk space, etc.), and launch other (application) programs for execution. The operating system provides the user and application programs with a convenient way to communicate (interface) with computer devices.

The main reason for the need for an operating system is that the atomic operations for operating a computer's devices and managing computer resources are very low-level operations, so the actions required by the user and application programs consist of several hundred or thousands of such atomic operations.

For example, a magnetic disk drive “understands” only such basic operations as turning on/off the drive motor, installing read heads on a specific cylinder, selecting a specific read head, reading information from a disk track into a computer, etc. And even to perform such a simple action as copying a file from one floppy disk to another (a file is a named set of information on a disk or other machine media), it is necessary to perform thousands of operations to run disk drive commands, check their execution, search and process information in tables placing files on disks, etc.

The operating system hides all these complex and unnecessary details from the user and provides him with a convenient interface to work with. It also performs various auxiliary actions, such as copying or printing files. The operating system loads all programs into RAM, transfers control to them at the beginning of their work, performs various actions at the request of executing programs, and frees RAM occupied by programs when they complete.

The functions of the operating system include:

· carrying out a dialogue with the user;

· input/output and data management;

· planning and organizing the program processing process;

· distribution of resources (RAM and cache, processor, external devices);

· launching programs for execution;

· various auxiliary maintenance operations;

· transfer of information between various internal devices;

· software support for the operation of peripheral devices (display, keyboard, disk drives, printer, etc.).

Operating systems can be divided into groups (classified) according to the following criteria:

By number of users: single-user operating system (serves only one user); multi-user (works with many users)

By the number of processes: single-task (process only one task - no longer used); multitasking (locates several tasks simultaneously in RAM, which are alternately processed by the processor)

By type of computer technology: uniprocessor, multiprocessor (tasks can be performed on different processors; servers are usually multiprocessor), networked (ensure the sharing of resources by all tasks performed on the network).

Based on the type of interface (the method of interaction with the user), operating systems are divided into 2 classes: OS with a command line interface and OS with a graphical interface.

There are several types of operating systems: Windows, Linux, Mac os. The most common operating system is Windows. Let's look at it first, and compare other systems with Windows.

Data for 2006 on the use of operating systems in the world (home computers):

All other OS - 1%

Comparative analysis of operating systems

Windows XP

The history of Windows (developed by Microsoft) dates back to 1986, when the first version of the system appeared, but it did not gain popularity immediately - in 1990, when version Windows 3.0 was released. The popularity of the new version of Windows was due to several reasons. The graphical interface allows you to work with objects on your computer not with the help of commands, but with the help of visual and understandable actions on the icons representing these objects. The ability to simultaneously work with several programs has significantly increased the convenience and efficiency of work. In addition, the convenience and ease of writing programs for Windows has led to the emergence of an increasing variety of programs that run on Windows. Finally, work with a variety of computer equipment was better organized, which also determined the popularity of the system. Subsequent versions of Windows were aimed at improving reliability, as well as support for multimedia (version 3.1) and work in computer networks (version 3.11).

The process of development of operating systems does not stand still, and in 1995 the Windows 95 system appeared, which became a new stage in the history of Windows: the interface changed significantly, the speed of programs increased, and the Internet Explorer browser was included in the system.

The continuation of the development of Windows 95 was the operating system that appeared in 1998 (Windows 98). While the interface remained the same, the internal structure was significantly redesigned. Much attention was paid to working with the Internet, as well as supporting modern information transfer protocols - standards that ensure the exchange of information between various devices. In addition, a feature of Windows 98 is the ability to work with multiple monitors.

The next stage in the development of Windows was the appearance of Windows 2000 and Windows ME (Millennium Edition). The Windows 2000 system was developed on the basis of Windows NT and inherited from it high reliability and security of information from outside interference. The Windows ME operating system became the successor to Windows 98, but acquired many new features. First of all, this is improved work with multimedia, the ability to record not only audio, but also video information, powerful means of recovering information after failures, and much more.

The Microsoft Windows XP operating system (from the English eXPerience - experience), also known under the code name Microsoft Codename Whistler, is an OS of the Windows family, created on the basis of NT technology. Initially, Microsoft Corporation's plans included the development of two independent next-generation operating systems. The first project received the working name Neptune; this OS was supposed to be the next update to Windows Millennium Edition, a new system in the Windows 9X line. The second project, called Odyssey, involved the creation of an OS on the Windows NT platform, which was supposed to replace Windows 2000. However, Microsoft management considered it inappropriate to disperse resources to promote two different OSes, as a result of which both areas of development were combined into one project - Microsoft Whistler. Perhaps it is thanks to this solution that Windows XP combines the advantages of operating systems of previous generations already familiar to users: convenience, ease of installation and operation of the Windows 98 and Windows ME family of operating systems, as well as the reliability and versatility of Windows 2000. Currently, Windows XP for desktop PCs and workstations are available in three versions: Home Edition for home personal computers, Professional Edition for office PCs and, finally, Microsoft Windows XP 64bit Edition - this is the version of Windows XP Professional for personal computers built on the basis of a 64-bit Intel Itanium processor with a clock frequency of more than 1 GHz.

When you compare Windows XP to earlier versions of Microsoft Windows, it's easy to spot many significant differences in the new operating system. Despite the fact that this OS was developed on the basis of the NT platform and, at first glance, its characteristics are in many ways similar to Microsoft Windows 2000, in fact Windows XP belongs to a fundamentally different generation of operating systems of the Windows family. Now the Windows user is not tied to any standard interface installed on the system by default. If you don't like the traditional look of windows, controls and the Taskbar that the new OS inherited from Windows 2000, then you can easily change them by downloading any of hundreds of specially designed "Themes" from the Internet. The traditional Main Menu, which provides access to programs installed on the computer, documents stored on disks and operating system settings, has also undergone a number of significant changes. Now, when you press the Start button, a dynamic menu appears containing icons for only the five programs that you use most often. Thanks to this, you can get started with the applications you need much faster. The Log Off and Turn Off Computer buttons are also located here, allowing you to end the current Windows session and turn off the computer.

In the Microsoft Windows environment, the user often has to work simultaneously with several documents or a set of different programs. At the same time, inactive applications are minimized to the Taskbar, as a result of which it sooner or later becomes overcrowded with icons, and switching between tasks becomes difficult. In order to relieve the taskbar and free up more workspace for displaying icons of running applications, Windows XP uses the so-called task grouping algorithm, according to which similar programs running on the computer at the same time are combined into a logical visual group.

Windows has significant security problems in terms of remote hacking of the system. Windows in general has a large number of “holes” in its delivery (i.e. immediately after installation), allowing hackers not only to gain administrative access to the system, but also to run arbitrary code on it. Coping with this problem is partially helped by installing patches regularly released by developers. Microsoft products are then mostly secure, but if you don't download updates, the operating systems may once again be open to hackers.

However, the reasons why holes are constantly found in Windows, the most widespread operating system in the world, stem not so much from the fundamental “leakyness” of the operating system itself, but from the influx of people who want to hack it. If some other operating system had taken the place of Windows (in terms of prevalence), it remains to be seen how many holes would have been discovered in it. And since the system is unpopular, there is no point in looking for holes in it.

Alternative operating systems

Most people are sure that Windows must be installed on their computer to work. Not all users know about alternative operating systems, and even fewer have tried these operating systems in action.

On September 7, 1991, Finnish student Linus Torvalds posted online the source code of what would later develop into the Linux operating system (Linux). The most fundamental difference between Linux and Mac OS and Windows is that Linux is free software that is distributed under the GPL license. For the average user, this means that most Linux distributions (varieties) are free, and for programmers, that they can freely and freely use the program code of both Linux itself and the programs included in it and create their own products based on them. The result of this policy is that there are now more than a thousand different Linux distributions. Of course, they are not equivalent and not all are worthy of attention, but the very idea of creating different distributions for different tasks is quite interesting.

For example, there is Puppy Linux, which is only 97.6 megabytes in size and even runs on a Pentium 166 MMX with 128 megabytes of RAM. Note that this is a completely modern OS with support for wireless interfaces and other fancy things. On the other hand, there is the Debian distribution, the full version of which, together with updates, consists of 4 DVDs and contains a huge number of different programs. There are special Linux OS for working with multimedia (Ubuntu Studio, JackLab Audio Distribution, 64 Studio), corporate OS (they, as a rule, do not support the latest innovations, but are very reliable, well protected, and carry a full range of office software). There are distributions intended for educational institutions (Edubuntu, Skolelinux).

Special mention can be made of commercial distributions. They are not free. These are mainly enterprise or dedicated Linux variants, although there are also versions for home users. Money in such distributions is mainly taken for technical support.

Another important difference between Linux and Windows is that Linux distributions come with a large set of application software. That is, after installation on your computer, you have a completely ready-to-use system.

Most Linux operating systems by default use one of two graphical interfaces - GNOME or KDE, so even when changing one Linux distribution to another, no problems arise for the user; he finds himself in a familiar graphical environment. Both interfaces have approximately the same distribution. To describe them very briefly, KDE looks like a Windows desktop, and GNOME looks like a Mac OS desktop. The similarity is, of course, only external. KDE has a huge number of customization tools, so that the appearance and behavior of the system can be adjusted to suit the most whimsical tastes. GNOME's strength is its simplicity and intuitive interface.

The Windows GUI is too tightly integrated with the operating system. In contrast, the Linux GUI is not built into the kernel. Accordingly, the operating system can be loaded in command line mode without connecting the GUI (Graphical user interface). This is one of the most important advantages of Linux, allowing it to run on computers with minimal configuration.

An important advantage of an operating system without a GUI is its increased reliability due to fewer working components, each of which can cause a failure. For example, Windows will not boot due to a poorly written monitor graphics driver, which is basically impossible in a Linux configuration without a GUI.

The advantage of Linux is that it is a flexible OS. The user can choose the Linux distribution that is most suitable for solving his problems, and then also optimize the system for himself. For most settings, you no longer need to go into the console or edit configuration files; everything is done through the graphical interface. Of course, this flexibility also has a downside: it can be difficult for a “non-advanced” user to make a choice, since he usually cannot spend much time studying the advantages or disadvantages of different distributions, interfaces or programs.

Linux is ideal for administration because... was originally adapted for remote control, since it originated from UNIX. The first UNIX machines were expensive minicomputers with many terminals connected to them via serial ports. The only difference between local and remote connections was the higher local speed (4800 bps to 19,200 bps) compared to dial-up speeds (110, 300 or 1200 bps). In both cases, the same communication software was used, regardless of whether the terminal was connected directly or through a pair of modems and a telephone line. Even today, when UNIX and Linux have a graphical interface, setting up a communication session remains equally simple on a remote and local machine (provided that the user has permission to start a session from the remote host). Thus, if in order to manage a Linux computer located in another country I only need to connect to it using the telnet program, then to solve the same problem with a Windows server I will have to travel to that country.

Due to the fact that programs for Linux are mostly free software, one can say that a whole army of enthusiasts and a number of paid employees write code, test programs and localize them.

Over the years of work, of course, a huge amount of software has been accumulated. The easiest way to install software for Linux is to install programs from binary files (packages) that are stored in repositories (data stores) of a particular distribution. That is, you do not need to search all over the Internet for the desired program. Simply use the "OS package manager" to select the program you need, and it will automatically download and install on your computer. The size of the repositories depends on the specific Linux distribution. For example, the Ubuntu repositories contain more than 23 thousand packages.

Despite the very large amount of software written for Linux, users migrating from Windows will find that some of the software will be unfamiliar to them. This is due to the fact that not all programs are cross-platform and have versions for both Windows and UNIX systems. Among the most famous cross-platform programs, it is worth mentioning the Firefox and Opera browsers, the Thunderbird email client, the OpenOffice office suite, the Gimp graphics editor, the Adobe Acrobat PDF viewer, the FileZilla FTP client, the Azureus torrent client, and the Apache WEB server.

The greatest problems arise with specialized professional software, much of which is written only for Windows systems. There is no equivalent replacement for some applications in Linux. This, for example, is the well-known Photoshop, AutoCAD, video editing programs, as well as locally oriented software created taking into account Russian legislation (accounting software, legal reference databases).

For the youth audience, a serious disadvantage is the inability to run some modern games in a Linux environment, and here Windows has a huge advantage over both Linux and Mac OS X, since the PC gaming industry is focused primarily on Windows. To solve these problems, the Wine project was created. This software is used to work with Windows applications and to run Windows games on Linux.

Wine is an alternative implementation of the Windows API for UNIX-like systems. This is a very active and popular project, but it is too early to talk about 100% compatibility of Wine with all Windows software.

Recently, the business community has become more interested in Linux. Companies such as Novell, Oracle, Sun, IBM, Google are actively involved in the development of Linux and various related projects. This is largely due to the openness, security and stability of Linux, criteria that are very important for business. The security landscape in Linux is generally very similar to Mac OS. They are at a very high level on both systems and are significantly ahead of Windows.

A distinctive feature of the majority of Mac OS X users is that almost all of them are migrants from other platforms, mainly Windows. This is due to the fact that Mac computers became most widespread after the transition to Intel processors in 2005.

The transition to a new architecture greatly transformed the Mac community and, in fact, divided the understanding of their computers into two eras - “before the transition to Intel” and “after the transition to Intel.” The old idea of Mac users as followers of a certain sect, which included musicians, designers, journalists and other creative people, has been broken. Apple became more open to the outside world, and this openness was followed by mass production and a rapid increase in the number of new users.

Macintoshes now use standard equipment available on the general component market. At the same time, the final cost of Mac computers is still higher, but it could be much higher if it were not for the existence of constant competition with Microsoft.

Mac OS itself is a heavily redesigned BSD-UNIX system with its own kernel (XNU). Despite the fact that Mac OS and Linux have common UNIX roots, there are two fundamental differences between them.

The first is that Mac OS can be installed (without the help of hackers) only on Macintosh computers made by Apple. The second difference is that Mac OS is proprietary software (distributed with conditions prohibiting its free further distribution, use by the user in its own software, changes to it, etc. - i.e. with restrictions on the user's freedom) , and Linux refers to “free” software, accordingly, they differ in the way they are distributed.

The first Mac OS appeared in 1984, much earlier than Windows. It was designed specifically for Macintosh (Mac) computers. These computers, unlike the PCs we are used to, have a closed architecture, that is, the computers themselves are assembled only by Apple. Limiting the user's freedom of choice is far from the best solution. But, as Apple's practice has shown, sometimes this may be the only possible solution for the company's survival.

It is much more convenient and profitable to concentrate the process of releasing new computers and operating systems in one hand and to customize the operating system as much as possible for a specific set of components. At the same time, drivers for these components are written to the highest quality.

The strength of Mac OS is the virtual absence of viruses for Macintosh. And the point is not only that Mac OS is not very widespread compared to Windows, but also that traditional viruses simply do not work in a UNIX environment. Theoretically, of course, there are samples of viruses that can work with some applications for Mac OS, but their number is simply insignificant compared to malicious software written for Windows. Even remote hacking of a computer running Mac OS is much more difficult than hacking a machine running Windows, and anti-virus programs may be needed only to prevent an infected file from being sent to a machine running Windows, since it will not cause you any harm .

The system interface also has significant differences from Windows. For example, if in Windows each program usually corresponds to one window with tabs and toolbars opening in it, then in Mac OS “floating” windows and panels are used, not tied to a common window, but located on the desktop.

It is also characterized by a unified interface of applications and operating system, built according to AHIG standards. Apple Human Interface Guidelines (AHIG) is the main document that describes the principles of building a windowed interface in the Mac OS X environment. This is the first book that a developer should read before creating his software products for Mac OS. The purpose of this document is to explain the right and wrong approach to interface design in the Apple operating system. Despite the fact that the document is rather advisory in nature, almost all developers try to comply with these requirements.

The main feature of the Mac OS interface is its minimalism. This means that when the application is launched, the user is presented with key, basic interface and control elements and, only as needed, the user can customize the working environment to his liking. In this case, the user will not experience difficulties in mastering the OS interface.

Apple's operating system is already convenient and functional, but Apple is suspicious of user initiative. Guided by the principle “The less the user is given, the less he will break,” they have limited the freedom to customize the appearance of Mac OS X. There are only a few applications for changing the default theme, for example: Magnifique and ShapeShifter (10.4 Tiger only). But they cannot change the design in a coordinated way.

Another distinctive feature of the Mac interface is the dock panel. This is a panel at the bottom of the desktop where you can find icons for files and applications that you need quick access to, as well as running applications. The panel can be edited, resized, removed and added application icons. You can also note interface elements such as Dashboard and Expose. Dashboard is a panel for working with “widgets,” the simplest graphical applications that, as a rule, perform information functions. Expose – a function to display on the screen in the form of thumbnails all open windows or only windows of the active program.

We are used to seeing Windows as a big pile of programs, updates, patches, and many unnecessary utilities and add-ons. Moreover, all these programs are in no way connected with each other and have a completely different, overloaded interface and a generally different approach to its design.

Windows, immediately after being installed on a computer, is nothing. It's like building a house and not finishing it. Mac OS X, from the very beginning, comes with the necessary set of tools for full-fledged operation. And although the list of programs for Mac OS is not as impressive as for Windows, nevertheless, all the basic necessary applications for work and entertainment are there, moreover, the very concept of creating software from Apple implies that everything is enough to solve one task one program, the main thing is that it works well. That is, to listen to music you don’t need 10 media players, but one iTunes, and to surf the web you need only one browser, and let it be Safari. The developers of the Mac OS interface believe that this will be more convenient for users who will not be confused by countless options, and the computer itself will not turn into a dump of dubious programs that threaten the performance of the entire system. And although now the company does not follow this rule so strictly, the very principle of this approach to software has been preserved. Therefore, most programs used on Macs are quite reliable and have a user-friendly interface.

Related information.

The list of them has increased greatly even over the last 5 years, especially due to the increase in the number of mobile devices. What are their features, how do they differ, what are their advantages and disadvantages?

System classification

They differ from each other in various parameters, in particular, in the distribution of functions between computers. There are classes of operating systems and the networks themselves:

peer-to-peer;
two-tier (have dedicated servers).

There are computers that provide their resources to others. In this case, they act as a network server. The other one is their client. Computers can perform one or two functions, or combine them together. must at the same time meet the needs of the buyer.

List of the most popular systems

What are the most popular operating systems among users? The list looks like this:

Windows.
MacOS.
Android.
Ubuntu.
Linux and others.

There are also less popular ones. For example, Fedora or Back Track. But they are common in a rather narrow circle of specialists.

How to choose?

There are different criteria for users. This is primarily the ease of use and capabilities of operating systems. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. For one, functionality is important, for the second - the interface, for the third - a guarantee of the safety of personal data. Operating systems for PCs, the list of which is longer than those developed for mobile devices, differ from the latter in their requirements for the machine.

They offer their users different levels of comfort and innovative solutions; the choice is largely determined by the person’s profession.

Windows Features

In recent years, new operating systems have appeared. The list of the most popular ones was supplemented by Android and IOS. However, it is Windows OS, as before, that remains the most popular in the world.

It is not only the most popular operating system, but also the most comfortable to use, perfect for beginners. Schoolchildren, office workers and people of different ages - almost all of them use Windows operating systems. Linux is traditionally used by specialized specialists.

pros

The key advantages of the popularly beloved Windows are the following factors:

user-friendly interface;
a large number of high-quality software that can be installed free of charge;
ease of installation and configuration;
ease of server administration.

Cons of Windows

Most versions of Windows are paid operating systems. The list can be found in open sources. The high cost of software is a key disadvantage of Windows.

Another disadvantage is the instability and vulnerability of the entire OS family to various types of malware.

Latest version

How much does Windows 10 cost? It all depends on what version will be - home or professional. In the first case, the cost will be about 6 thousand rubles, and in the second - about 10 thousand.

The latest modification, like the previous one, can have a classic interface or one like the G8, where you can switch icons on the desktop.

Answering the logical answer to the question of how much Windows 10 costs is that the cost is considerable, we must warn you: do not rush to worry. After all, the license that is granted to the user does not have an expiration date. But software such as online games, antiviruses or Office requires regular updates for a fee.

Traditionally, if you have a previous licensed version of Windows installed on your computer, you can update it to the latest version for free.

Previous Windows OS

Despite the release of new software, there are those who are comfortable using the previous ones. Different versions of operating systems have their own advantages. Now, along with the “ten”, many continue to use the “eight” and “seven”.

Windows 7 came out back in 2009. It included both developments from the previous Vista and completely new solutions that related to the interface and built-in programs. Some software was excluded - games, applications, a number of technologies, and more.

"Seven" has several editions:

initial;
home basic;
home extended;
corporate;
professional;
maximum.

The next version of the operating system, Windows 8, was released in 2012. Its main innovation was a modified interface, which was more adapted to work on mobile devices. Today this product of the company is the best selling.

Outdated versions

There are also once popular, but now almost forgotten operating systems. The list can start with Windows 95; it was with this version that many people started working with a PC at one time. After it, the no less popular Windows 98 appeared. The next system, Windows 2000, was released at the turn of the millennium and was intended for use on devices with 32-bit processors.

However, Windows XP, which appeared in 2001, gained real popularity. It only recently lost its championship to the seventh and eighth versions. For more than 10 years, users preferred to install XP on their computers and laptops.

The next user version was Vista, but its functionality and features, according to experts, were extremely weak, which is why it did not gain popularity.

Other computer operating systems

However, not everyone uses Windows. There are other operating systems for PCs. The list includes, in particular, MacOS, Linux Ubuntu and its other modifications. They are mainly used by highly specialized specialists.

Ubuntu was created on. Its interface resembles a Mac in many ways, but the overall style is similar to Windows. Users appreciated the ease of use, stability and the fact that the OS can be obtained for free. They also like the speed of the machine. But Ubuntu also has some disadvantages - a small amount of software, games, and a complex administration scheme.

MacOS is an operating system developed by Apple for its computers. It is called a premium user product - it has a beautiful design, user-friendly interface and excellent multimedia capabilities. But not everyone can afford this solution, because both the computers themselves and the Apple-branded OS, compared to others, are incredibly expensive.

Also for PC, some people use Linux. This system is free, stable, and equipped with a large amount of built-in software. However, despite all these advantages, it requires high user skills. Therefore, Linux is most often installed by programmers, networkers and other specialists.

Work on mobile devices

As you know, more and more users prefer to use the Internet not from laptops and PCs, but from mobile devices - smartphones and tablets. There are operating systems that are designed specifically for them. The most common are Android and IOS. But Symbian has already lost its former popularity, since its capabilities can no longer meet the needs of users.

In quantitative terms, Android is in first place by a large margin. After all, if IOS is an OS created specifically for Apple devices, then the second one can work on smartphones and tablets of other brands, for example:

Samsung.
Sony.
Lenovo and others.

Android has a convenient interface for its users, allowing them to use high-quality software in large quantities for free. It is suitable not only for smartphones and tablets, but also for modern smart TVs. Devices based on this OS can be independently reflashed and changes made to their operation.

But iOS, which is a product of Apple, is considered more stable and works much faster, providing buyers with good multimedia capabilities. But compared to Android, it is more expensive, since there is very little free software in it. And the one that is provided for money is very expensive.

About 10 years ago or earlier, those who used the Internet on mobile phones actively used the Symbian system, which was a joint development of the leading manufacturers at that time (Nokia, Motorola and others). It still works, but, compared to iOS and Android, it is not able to cope with the tasks that current owners of mobile devices set themselves.

Other operating systems

In addition to the common operating systems for computers and mobile devices, there are also lesser known ones, many of them are created like Linux and require a high level of user skills. One such system is Fedora. It is highly stable and practically does not drop in terms of performance. You can forever forget about freezes, sudden overloads and other problems.

There are also specific operating systems. For example, Back Track. This system is free and is used by hackers all over the world. Most hacks were carried out thanks to Back Track. It was initially optimized for gaining unauthorized access to download data from a particular computer.

People who are far from the computer field know little about the features of operating systems and their actual number. They install Windows on laptops or computers, iPhones are equipped with their own software, and Android is installed by default on other smartphones or tablets.

But there are other systems, they are generally not intended for a wide range of people due to their features. The choice of a particular OS depends primarily on the tasks that a person sets for himself.

It’s comfortable to work with Windows on regularly updated equipment, but on older computers it often starts to “slip.” Fortunately, there are alternative operating systems for this case - lightweight and safe.

A recent study by the well-known company Avast provides a good indication of what kind of equipment people actually use. About a third of users still work on computers released in 2009 or earlier. The average age of most personal computers is more than five years.

A quarter of computers have 2 GB of RAM or less, and the presence of an SSD is rather an exception. We think this is good. Don't worry and continue using your devices. The Windows operating system also has lighter alternatives that are suitable for older computers.

Lubuntu: A lightweight version of Ubuntu

Topping the list is Lubuntu, a compact version of Ubuntu with an LXDE desktop.

Linux is a lighter system than Windows, in part because it has many different GUI options. If you look at Ubuntu and its “daughter” Lubuntu with the LXDE desktop, the second seems like a worthy lightweight alternative. The big advantage is that it allows you to use the equipment sparingly without sacrificing your comfort. For a Windows user, working with the system should not be difficult, so it's worth a try.

Linux Mint XFCE: Another Ubuntu Alternative

Slim Mint is a lightweight version of Linux Mint with the XFCE desktop that saves resources.

Even the most popular version of Linux, Linux Mint, is available with a cost-effective interface. We recommend Linux Mint XFCE for slightly older hardware. Be sure to try the built-in tools, such as the Xplayer media player or the Xreader PDF viewer. They use resources very carefully.

Elementary OS: in the luxurious atmosphere of MacOS

Elementary OS stands out for its chic appearance.

Elementary OS benefits from its look by incorporating macOS design elements. At the same time, Linux is hidden under the shell. Thanks to the built-in AppStore, you can equip the system with additional software; basic programs are already installed.

Puppy Linux: It couldn't be easier

Puppy Linux is a very cost-effective alternative for those who want to save resources as much as possible.

If the above mentioned operating systems are not suitable for you because you don't have enough resources, then Puppy Linux may be a good option for you. However, this distribution is significantly reduced in functionality, which makes working with it somewhat more difficult.

CloudReady: Chrome OS for self-installation

With CloudReady, you can install Chrome OS on any hardware.

An option that differs from all the Windows alternatives presented above: CloudReady. It allows users to install Chrome OS on any hardware. Please note: Chrome OS is online, meaning you need an Internet connection to use it. The operating system is quite economical, so CloudReady is recommended for use on devices intended for Internet surfing.

Should I use outdated equipment?

Does it still work or is it time to throw it away? There will undoubtedly come a time when you will have to part with your old equipment. But there's nothing wrong with keeping old devices for as long as possible. But the software must be fresh - it is better to replace outdated Windows XP or Vista. If older hardware refuses to work with the current version of Windows, there are always plenty of lightweight alternatives.

Most likely, you have Windows installed on your computer. This operating system may seem free, but it is not. Manufacturers must pay Microsoft a license to supply Windows computers, and you need to buy a copy if you want to install Windows yourself.

There are many operating systems that are actually free. Most of them are quite famous. The most popular is Linux, and if you regularly read news about computer technology, this name is unlikely to be unfamiliar to you. Keep reading this article and by the time you get to the end of this list, Linux will seem completely ordinary. Here are ten other free operating systems that most of us have never heard of.

1. FreeBSD

If you are using a free operating system that is not Linux, then it is probably based on BSD. FreeBSD is just one of several UNIX-like operating systems. Others include NetBSD, OpenBSD and PC-BSD. Whichever you use, most of the experience is similar to what you'll find on Linux. Free and open source software available to one person can usually work on another.

Even if you're not a free software person, you may be using parts of FreeBSD without realizing it. Due to the project's permissive license, some of the code has made its way into Apple macOS, Sony PlayStation 4 and Juniper routers.

2. ReactOS

Most free operating systems are alternatives to Windows. ReactOS, in a sense, strives to be Windows. The goal is to provide users with the means to run Windows software without having to purchase the operating system from Microsoft.

ReactOS is a free and open source operating system, so it cannot use any real Windows code. The project has partially implemented many of the Windows APIs, and it collaborates with the Wine project to run programs, applications, and software.

3.FreeDOS

Have you used computers when DOS was the only option? Do you have good memories of MS-DOS?

FreeDOS allows you to relive this bygone era. OS barebones gives you a means to run older DOS programs on more modern hardware or inside a virtual machine. Or you can just use it to run older games.

4. Haiku (Haiku or Hokku)

Haiku takes inspiration from BeOS. BeOS was a graphical operating system developed by Be Inc to run on the BeBox back in 1995. The operating system was stuck for five years before the last update came out in 2000.

BeOS may not have been a household name, but it attracted some users, and some wanted the operating system to live long enough to create their own open source version. The goal is for software written for BeOS to run on Haiku, similar to what ReactOS wants to do on Windows. All things considered, the haiku team may have an easier time of it.

5. Illumos

Oracle is used to support an operating system called Solaris. It was initially closed, but the project was opened in 2008. Oracle discontinued OpenSolaris in 2010 and returned to its own model with Solaris 11 in 2011.

6. Syllable

Syllable is based on AtheOS, an AmigaOS clone that was abandoned at the turn of the century. As for AmigaOS, it is still alive despite being born in the 80s for a line of computers long considered ancient.

Syllable is aimed at home office users with a user-friendly interface and native applications, including a Webkit-based web browser and email client. The thing is, it can only do this on a computer with 32MB of RAM (although at least 64MB is recommended for viewing). The complete installation should take approximately 250 MB of hard drive space.

7. Research operating system AROS

Although Syllable is based on an AmigaOS clone, AROS takes a different approach. It actually puts its binary compatibility with AmigaOS at the API level. This is similar to how ReactOS targets Windows and Haiku targets BeOS.

You might be wondering if AmigaOS is worth all the attention. Did I mention that AmigaOS is still here? It's not free either. Someone out there is still willing to pay for an operating system that most people have never heard of. AROS offers a way to use some AmigaOS programs without having to pay money. Plus, it's open source, which can leave you feeling secure.

8.MenuetOS

That's what MenuetOS is - it's small enough to fit on a single floppy disk. These were flash drives from the 90s and only offered up to 1.44MB of storage. Considering that many Linux distributions struggle with the 700MB CD, booting from a floppy is difficult these days.

MenuetOS is written entirely in 32-bit assembly language and is designed to run with minimal overhead, although it supports up to 32GB of RAM.

9. DexOS

Do all desktop operating systems feel the same? Here's one that takes a different approach. Bringing DexOS to life will feel less like using a computer in keyboard class and more like playing on a mainstream gaming console.

Launching apps in DexOS feels vaguely like inserting a disc into an old Dreamcast. The experience feels more authentic if you actually play the game. And another cool thing? This free OS is also small enough to fit on a floppy disk.

10. Visopsys

Like DexOS, Visopsys is a hobby project of one developer. Install it if you want to see what just one person can create.

The Visual Operating System (admittedly, this name can be applied to any OS with a desktop environment) has been in development since 1997. It is not based on any pre-existing OS. This does not mean that the project does not use existing code. Here you will find common GNU tools and icons that may be familiar to KDE Plasma users.

Will you use any of these free operating systems?

Most of them are not. Haiku developers do not work full time. Developer Visopsys is clearly saying that their OS is not as capable as Linux or, perhaps a fairer comparison, Syllable. DexOS is more of an experiment than anything else.

However, there are many people who prefer FreeBSD over Linux. illumos may not be well known, even among FOSS enthusiasts, but it has its uses. And didn't I mention using FreeDOS to play all the old DOS games?

Are there systems on this list that you would like to use? Do you know of another unknown free operating system that is not on this list? Let us know about it in the comments!

Over the past three decades of personal computer development, there have been numerous attempts to compete with Microsoft operating systems, some of which were unsuccessful, and these operating systems have now ceased to exist. But there are other types of operating systems that today constitute worthy competition for Microsoft, while occupying their niche in the modern software market.

The evolution of alternative operating systems is conventionally presented by us at Fig 1.7.

Novell operating systems

Novell Netware 3. x

Novell Netware 4.x

Novell Netware 5.x

Novell Netware 6. x

Unix-like operating systems

Solaris;

FreeBSD;

OpenBSD;

Darwin*

Ubuntu/Kubuntu; Mandriva;

SUSE Linux; Fedora Core;

Slackware; Gentoo;

Red Hat; ALTLinux; ASPLinux;

Knoppix;

Turbo Linux;

Caldera OpenLinux;

Linux XPand etc.

IBM Operating Systems

OS/2 v. 1. x

OS/2 v. 2.x

OS/2 v. 3.x

OS/2 v. Warp 4.x

Apple Operating Systems

MacOS 8. x

MacOS 9.x

MacOS X:

10.1 Puma (Puma)

10.2 Jaguar (Jaguar)

10.3 Panther (Panther)

10.4 Tiger (Tiger)

10.5 Leopard (Leopard)

Mini operating systems

Menuet, Inferno, React OSetc.

Alternative Operating Systems

Rice. 1.7 – Alternative operating systems

Novell. Operating System Novell NetWare is a network operating system and a set of network protocols that the system uses to communicate with client computers connected to the network. NetWare is a proprietary server operating system used to run various services on computers with Intel x86 architecture. The operating system includes a proprietary IPX/SPX protocol stack, which is supported along with traditional TCP/IP. The NetWare operating system has occupied a significant market share and has long been the undisputed leader in this software segment.

NetWare was based on the following idea: one or more dedicated servers connect to the network and provide their disk space in the form of “volumes” for sharing. On client computers running the MS DOS operating system, several special resident programs are launched that allow you to “assign” drive letters to volumes. Users must register online to access volumes and be able to “assign” drive letters. Access to network resources is determined by the login name. Users can also connect to shared printers on a dedicated server and print to network printers just like they print to local printers.

Despite the fact that, at first glance, the operating system was at the peak of popularity, stability and use, it could not withstand competition with Microsoft network operating systems of the NT family and gradually faded into the shadows. Nowadays it is used quite rarely, is considered obsolete and works on computers mainly in government organizations (in cases where it is necessary to work with outdated software, the modern analogues of which may not exist).

Now Novell has not left the operating systems market and is one of the leaders in the production of open operating systems. Its product SUSE Linux 10.3 is an advanced network operating system that, in terms of functionality, does not lag behind the modern Microsoft Windows Vista.

Company operating systemsIBM. The OS/2 operating system (“semi-axis”) is a joint development of IBM and Microsoft. Subsequently, IBM and Microsoft parted ways, and OS/2 was completed and released only by IBM, which always positioned this operating system for corporate use. For its time (and this was the heyday of DOS and Windows 3.1x) it was very progressive. Later (versions 2–4) it received a significant expansion of functionality. It was a 32-bit multitasking operating system with support for a local network and the Internet. In addition to programs developed specifically for OS/2, the system allows you to run both DOS applications and Windows 3.1x applications. IBM has developed a proprietary file system called HPFS (High Performance File System), although file systems from the FAT family are supported for compatibility with Microsoft products. Due to IBM's weak marketing policy, strong competition from Microsoft, and the relatively small number of software products and drivers for peripheral devices developed for the system, IBM refused to further promote OS/2.

Company operating systemsApple. The MacOS operating system was developed by the company for its own Macintosh computers based on processors with RISC architecture. Today, the operating system competes very successfully with Microsoft products. The new version of MacOS X is built on the Darwin kernel and is Unix-like, purchased by Apple from BSD system manufacturers. The operating system is distinguished by its functionality, convenience and low consumption of computer resources. MacOS X is a multi-platform operating system, recently adapted for PC-compatible systems built on the new 64-bit Intel and AMD processors, capable of acting as both a server and a client operating system. It is distributed only with Macintosh computers, therefore it has a weak base of peripheral device drivers.

Mini operating systems are represented by a huge number of operating systems, either developed and distributed free of charge by enthusiasts, or solving small specific tasks and sold for “symbolic” money. It is impossible and does not seem appropriate to classify them. A successful example is the operating system Menuet OS, which is currently a completely modern 32-bit multitasking operating system with a simple and user-friendly graphical interface, which uses a low-level API and relies on the FAT32 file allocation table. This approach is very convenient from all points of view, since it does not force the user to repartition disk partitions and allows you to access files and folders on the hard drive on a computer usually running Microsoft Windows without using any specialized utilities.

To run Menuet OS, you need a computer with a processor of at least Intel 80386, in addition, 32 MB of RAM is recommended (the lower limit is 4 MB), and any video card is also required. When using an SVGA adapter, we recommend a board equipped with at least 1 MB of video memory, which allows you to get an image on the screen with a resolution of 1280x1024 pixels with a color rendition of 16.7 million shades. Menuet OS “can” work with LBA hard drives; recognizes any model of mouse connected to a COM port or PS/2 port. This operating system works perfectly with Sound Blaster 16 compatible sound cards (stereo audio output with a bitrate of up to 44.1 kHz is possible), and even allows you to connect a network card (the only type so far is the Realtech 8029 PCI Ethernet Adapter). These parameters may seem primitive for modern operating systems such as Microsoft, but the main advantage of Menuet OS is that the distribution kit of this operating system, together with the windowed interface and a basic set of application programs, occupies only 1.44 MB, and, when installed on floppy disk 3, 5-inch, it allows you to boot Menuet OS directly from the drive, which automatically eliminates any need to install the system on a hard drive with the accompanying creation of its own partition and setting up multi-boot options. Recently, a 64-bit version of the operating system has been developed, which also fits on one floppy disk.

Unix-similar operating systems are the oldest representatives of this class of software products, which have their own history. So, by the end of the sixties of the XX century. Operating systems as a class of software were already in their second decade; more than a hundred different operating systems had been developed for different computers - of which a dozen and a half were in operation. At the turn of the 60s - 70s, in one of the research departments of the American telecommunications monopoly AT&T, a development was carried out that determined the most important milestone in history - the Unix operating system.

Conceived and implemented by Ken Thomson with the participation of several colleagues, it absorbed many of the features of earlier operating systems, but had a number of advantages, which include low resource requirements, independence from hardware architecture and implementation in a high-level language (the C programming language). ").

Unix, due to its convenience primarily as a tool environment, was adopted first for use and study in universities, and then in industry. It was recognized as a single operating system that could be used on a wide variety of computing systems and, moreover, quickly and with minimal effort be ported to newly developed hardware architectures.

One of the centers for the development of Unix was the University of California at Berkeley, where many tools were created to complement the system and develop its concept. As a result, Berkeley developed its own version of the operating system of the same architecture, called “BSD” (Berkeley Software Distribution).

The task of developing an independent (from AT&T copyright) implementation of the same architecture was also set by Richard Stallman, founder of the GNU project (GNU’s Not Unix, that is, “GNU is not Unix”). During the development of the project (1980–90s), many utilities and tools were created that are now actively used in BSD and are the foundation of operating systems based on the Linux kernel, the development of which was started and led since the beginning of the 90s 's by Linus Torvalds.

Consequently, today there are three families open operating systems, conceptually derived from "Unix", but implemented independently:

1. Operating systems based on “AT&T Unix” (in various proprietary variants, such as AIX (IBM company), “Solaris” (Sun Microsystems company), etc.) are called non-free open operating systems. As a rule, they are used in combination with appropriate hardware platforms, accompanied and supported by the manufacturers of the latter. Most free application programs and packages are ported or ported to such operating systems.

2. “BSD” operating systems (this includes FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, as well as Darwin, which is the basis of MacOS X).

3. Linux operating systems (GNU, Open Source) - in various versions, or distributions, such as Debian, RedHat, Mandriva, Ubuntu, Fedore Core, etc.

There are two incorrect versions regarding operating systems based on the Linux and BSD kernels:

1) It is believed that “Linux” is a client operating system, and “BSD” is a server operating system. This is not true not only in relation to “Linux” systems, which “feel great” on servers, but also in relation to “BSD”, which is perfectly suited for “desktop” use (at least in the form of FreeBSD);

2) “Linux” operates under the GPL license, and “BSD” operates under the BSD license. In fact, distributions of both operating system families include many packages for various free licenses. At the same time, in the application part the composition of the packages is almost the same, and in the system and instrumental parts there is significant overlap.

So, market conditions today are such that more money is being invested in Linux, it is being used more widely, and literature is more accessible. The real main difference (besides the technicalities) is that the BSD communities tend to be more centralized, while the Linux communities tend to be more diversified. Free BSD systems today exist in four flavors: FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD and Darwin (www.bsd.org). The number of known GNU/Linux distributions exceeds one hundred (www.distrowatch.com).

A specific feature of the market for free operating systems, especially those based on the Linux kernel, is their existence in the form of a “population” of parallel developing options called distributions(from English distributive kit– “distributed kit”). Typically, a distribution kit includes, in addition to system programs, a large number of application programs and packages.

The price of free operating systems does not matter much (since one set is purchased for tens and hundreds of computers) and varies slightly due to competition between industrially replicated distributions and those rewritten from borrowed disks or via the Internet. Thus, the price for one of the most popular open operating systems in 32- and 64-bit versions with a complete repository (set of software) Ubuntu Linux on 15 DVDs and several documentation books is about 2,500 rubles. An alternative way to obtain a distribution is to download it in full or in batches via the Internet (they are almost always available on developer sites), which may be more expensive, but faster than purchasing disks. Most often, users combine the purchase of disc sets as new releases are released with downloading patches and updates over the Internet in the periods between releases.

Open operating systems have a great future, especially in our country, where not everyone can buy an operating system and application software for the number of computers. This primarily applies to organizations, therefore, within the framework of using licensed software, Linux operating systems will certainly find their users. As an example, we can cite the situation that arose in education: according to the decision of the Rosedubrazovaniye commission, the winner of the competition “Development and testing in pilot regions of the Russian Federation of a free software package for use in educational institutions of the Russian Federation in 2007-2008” was RBC-Center. - a subsidiary of the Armada group. The consortium included the developers of the ALT Linux, Linux-Online and Linux-Ink distribution kits as a subcontractor. For a contract amount of 59.5 million rubles, the Armada group undertakes to create a reference set of free software packages, develop methodological and reference materials and provide them to 50% of urban and 20% of rural schools in 2008. At the initial stage, it is planned to supply the software to schools in Tatarstan, Tomsk region and Perm region. One of the ALT Linux distributions will be used as the operating system, the manufacturing company of which is deservedly included in the list of subcontractors. It was one of the first Russian companies to begin experiments on introducing free software into schools. In addition, it has one of the world's largest software repositories - Sysyphus. A version of the school distribution called ALT Linux Junior is available for download at ftp://beta.altlinux.ru/junior.

Consequently, open source software has received government support, and it is quite possible that in the future Microsoft operating systems in Russia will be classified as alternative. In the meantime, although open systems today exist for computing systems of almost all types: from embedded and pocket computers to superservers and mainframes, their share in different market segments is not the same. Open operating systems confidently dominate the server segment, but are less widespread on personal computers and workstations than Microsoft operating systems.

Summarizing all of the above, we have developed a summary table of multi-aspect classifications in relation to alternative operating systems ( table 1.4). Mini-operating systems are not reflected in this table due to their large number and fragmentation. It was also difficult to select and combine more than 100 distributions of various open operating systems, so the indicators in the table reflect the classification characteristics of the same representatives that are presented on Fig 1.7.

Table 1.3 – Multi-aspect classifications of alternative systems

Study Aspect					Modern BSD and Linux
1. Hardware	multitasking
	multiprocessor
	32-bit			32- and 64-bit
	single platform			multiplatform
2. Social	outdated			Modern
	text		graphic	text and graphic
	multi-user
	for workstations
3. Financial	paid				shareware and free
	proprietary				open
4. Network	network
	server room	client		client and universal

Thus, alternative operating systems that were able to compete with Microsoft operating systems have occupied their market segment and produce worthy software products that are actively used in the modern world.

conclusions

In Chapter 1, we defined various criteria for classifications of operating systems, considered in hardware, social, financial and network aspects (the information presented is systematized and illustrated with a number of figures and tables). Features of the functioning of network operating systems were identified, their components were identified, and types were considered. The main characteristics of popular representatives of operating systems from Microsoft and alternative manufacturers are analyzed within the framework of the aspects of study described by us and in the light of possible prospects.

Control questions

1. Definition of operating systems.

2. Classification of operating systems within the hardware aspect.

3. Social aspect of studying operating systems.

4. Classification of operating systems within the financial aspect.

5. Network aspect of studying operating systems.

6. The relationship between the concepts of free software and freely distributed software.

7. Functional components of the operating system with network support.

8. Network operating system services.

9. Definition and characteristics of peer-to-peer networks.

10. Main features of networks with dedicated servers.

11. Definition and characteristics of hybrid networks.