The Evolution of Operating Systems: From DOS TO Modern OS

Operating systems are the directors behind the movie scenes. They are designed to run all your commands smoothly on your PC setup. As far as the story of OS is concerned, it’s a journey back through the time when a personal computer at home was a big fat thing.  

But now, it has changed a lot. They are the backbones of everything – from iPads to MacBooks, tablets, and custom-built computers. However, they have struggled so much and changed over the years. Still, there is so much that has changed around. Now, in the world of smartphones, you can never imagine how punch cards were a diamond in those old golden days. 

This guide brings the sea of operating systems into a small Rubik’s cube. Computer technology has now modified so much from punch cards to multi-programming and machine learning. Operating systems are not just the technical stuff. This article is about how these systems have refined themselves and displayed the survival of the fittest game. Let’s dive back into the 1980s for a rough and tough operating system journey! 

1928 – When Punch Cards & First Operating Systems were Everything!

In the early days of 1928, IBM introduced punch cards for automated commands. They were actually the stars in the world of computers. Imagine you have a card to prompt your computer what it should do next. However, these cards are compiled with instructions. And whenever you ask your computer to do something, the programmer has to feed these cards inside the computer. Though it seems easy, one plus one equals two. But, in reality, it’s not an easy process to do at that time. 

Those days, people were grasping the concept of multi-programming. And, so computer resources are introduced for effective and efficient management throughout different programs. All these cards were introduced to make the programming less than a total headache.  

People then called it the Batch Operating System or Batch Processing System. In this process, the programmer has to punch all the cards at once. So, the process is slightly smoother. This idea gave birth to the diversity of operating systems with better creativity and smart innovations. And here we are today with different types of operating systems. Every OS is designed to match some specific requirements of computational programs. 

DOS and Windows Brought Graphical User Interfaces to Personal PC Set Ups

Back in the 1980s, personal computers were like having your PS5 at home. Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS) was the number one priority for all IBM-compatible computers. MS-DOS seems like a tech term, as you must type every command to ask your computer for something cool. There are graphic user interfaces that make it trickier as well. 

Then, Windows introduced its Windows 95 version. This brought joy and excitement as Microsoft Windows brought up personal computing with a revolutionized user interface. The graphical processors and computer hardware were set up according to user interaction. 

Imagine two scenarios. Number one. You have to type a command to get all your tasks done. Scenario Two. You can give any prompt with a single click on the icons and mouse. This computing system was a lifesaver to do multiple things all at once.  Microsoft’s idea to introduce Windows development was a life changer in tech. 

Windows XP  for Better Multitasking and Multithreading

Now, let’s fast forward to the era of Windows. The Windows XP version brought multitasking into a new way. When so many apps are running at the same pace on your Windows, doesn’t it seem like living in heaven? XP brought multitasking with advanced multithreading features. Now, with this version, all the users smartly handle their Linux and other dimensions in a great way.  

Everything had a new dimension, from development to programming languages and system software. All this brought up a smoother productivity level. Here, users get an introduction to multithreading. When your computer systems or gaming setups do a whole lot of things all at once. With a faster pace in a single process, the phenomenon is called multithreading. 

Linux further remodified its operating systems, and the evolution of Macintosh OSX stepped into the market. After Macintosh, Ubuntu, a more user-friendly Linux version,n was introduced. This gave developers more flexibility and options when choosing their operating system setups. 

Smartphone Operating Systems: Android and iOS are the Trend Setters Now!

The time kept running at a slow yet steady pace. And here we are, computers get smaller and smaller. Smartphones threw the older PC concept away. Hence, again, operating systems had to evolve. From Android by Google to iOS by Apple, these big fat giant sharks are now ruling the operating systems. This era redefined the use of peripherals. From keyboards to mouse and desktop in a big shot.  

When there are countless mobiles around you, each operating on Android or iOS, it’s time to have some fun with the cooler stuff. The developers yet again amazed the world with the new thing, bringing lumpsum revenue to the tech market. You can easily tap and swipe on your phone screen. Aren’t you speechless? It’s now a whole app ecosystem where you can also download everything similar to those on PCs on your smartphones. Everything became super handy!  

But this is not the end of OS evolution! The operating systems have become super versatile, with every day rolling into the night. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or iPad, starting with friends, playing all your games now has your miniature world full of tech around you. Imagine how people from the 1980s would react when they knew all these operating systems would fit rightly into your pockets. Wouldn’t they go crazy? Absolutely, YES! 

Real-Time Operating Systems With a SMART Distribution

Now, here comes some real-time chit-chat! Operating systems are now designed to compete with the special requirements of every new model. It’s time for an operating system distribution! Gone are the days when computer networks were the superheroes. Now, people with software like Any Desk can handle all their computers remotely. The tech market grew like never before when the network and the mastermind developers played nicely together. 

Everything can be handled right here, whether automation or industrial aerospace. Operating systems are designed specifically to meet industrial requirements, whether it’s a company’s financial health. Hospitals may also want to roll into a newer version of Windows for their patients’ records. Everything is possible now.  

Modern Operating Systems with Windows 11, macOS, and Linux Versions

But these developers never put a full stop to the development and Windows upgrades! The roots started ruling the tech industry, and here we are. From Windows 7 to now, Windows 11 and Mac OS, with different Linux setups, have been the shiniest technology products.  

However, people struggled with some setups or Windows versions. For example, in Windows 9, users complained a lot about the blue screen of death (BSOD). But, with every update, the operating systems got better and better. 

What’s cooler is that Mac OS and Linux variants are now called one of the most user-friendly yet cool interfaces. Every new update brings some newer hardware support. Or more security levels to avoid all kinds of data breaches.  

Developers are now trying to make all your computers run faster than the speed of light. Are you using Mac OS? Or have you put your hands on Windows 11? It might be the best experience of your life. As it is a smooth and easy operating system, it keeps your computer up and in its premium condition. 

Memory Management Stood Up With Virtualization

Let’s put your hands on another thing. The Windows Update and evolution is not just about getting better and better. It has some other aspects as well. One of which is memory management. A few decades back, computers were heavier and had mini spaces. People had to rely on CD-ROMs all the time for data storage. But the developers had done a marvelous job. 

Now, virtual memory brings you extra brain power. Modern operating systems have the best management techniques, whether floor drives or file systems. With the concept of multiprocessing within a single setup, it’s time to hit the CPUs like never before. 

And apart from management, we are all aware of virtualization. See, these are rock stars of computers. Have your PC screen on a wall, cloth, or glass doors. Computers are all around you with a single click of a flexible touch.  

In the operating system language, developers usually make pun comments about PCs. “I can do more than one thing at a time. and I know how to do it well.” So, memory management with virtualization is the best buddy yet superhero to make your old Windows XP PC into a power booster rocket with a single click. 

Security and Permissions for System Safety

Although the operating systems evolved so much, but they brought some heart attacks as well! Does it sound crazy? The point here is security and permissions from you to your PC to share something somewhere else. Computers now connect better with other networks at a strong pace. Yet, we all want a safer PC with no hackers or data-breaching issues.  

The modern operating systems now bring you fancy permission systems. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. Your PC gets killed whenever you say yes to something illegitimate. With system programs and operating systems security steps, say no to all those unauthorized accessible files. A fancy term for this tech thing is “context and system call switching mechanism.” They are your PC warriors who keep your setups interconnected while keeping everything in place and secure. 

The Future of Operating Systems and AI

The tech world has progressed so much. Still, this is not the end. The future of operating systems is bright and clear, with more exciting updates and landmarks being achieved. With the sole focus on algorithm optimization, developers are trying hard to enhance system performance. Once they refine the spells, we all will soon enjoy maximum efficiency.  

With some security protocols going around, cyber threats and artificial intelligence are also arising daily. It’s time to step ahead and wholeheartedly welcome these new system changes. From quantum computing to artificial intelligence, these emerging trends open new possibilities for all of us, with a diverse visionary landscape. Operating systems are the navigators, so they will always be the frontier of the computing world. 

Final Words

The journey of operating systems from punch cards to the latest Windows and Linux versions. They have done a wonderful job. We all know only the fittest survives the race. And so, Smartphones said each innovation and introduction to newer versions are now ruling the industry. 

Whether it’s MacOS or Android gadgets, algorithmic changes bring user interfaces with better digital experience. As we say goodbye to the history of operating systems, we inspire our dynamic landscape, where computer hardware and some advanced programming languages define the computing narrative all around us.