Types of Operating System

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS
The   three basic categories of operating systems that exist today are stand-alone, server and embedded.
  (1) Stand-Alone operating Systems:

A stand-alone operating system is a complete operating system that works on a desktop computer, notebook computer, or mobile computing device. Some stand-alone operating systems are called client operating system because they also work in conjunction with a server operating system. Client operating systems can operate with or without a network. Other stand-alone operating systems include networking capabilities, allowing the home and small business user to set up a small network.
Examples of currently used stand-alone operating systems are Windows Vista, Mac OSX, UNIX, and Linux. The following pages briefly discuss these operating systems.
(i) Windows Vista.
In the mid-1980s, Microsoft developed its first version of Windows, which provided a graphical user interface (GUI). Since then, Microsoft continually has updated its Windows operating system, incorporating innovative features and functions with each subsequent version. Windows Vista is Microsoft’s faster, most efficient operating system to date, offering quicker program start up, built-in diagnostics, automatic recovery, improved security, and enhanced searching and organizing capabilities.

Windows Vista includes several programs to enhance user experiences, Home and small office users easily can set up a network and secure it from hackers with Windows Firewall. With Windows Messenger, users easily send and receive instant messages; Windows Media Player allows users to listen to Internet radio stations, play MP3 and other music formats, copy music and data to CDs, and watch movies.
Through Windows Sidebar, which is a vertical bar along the edge of the desktop, users can control and customize a variety of gadgets. A gadget, also known as a widget, is a mini-program with minimal functionality that connects to another program or...