History of OS (Operating Systems)

Summary

This video script delves into the evolution of operating systems, from early digital computers that performed 5,000 calculations per second to modern supercomputers capable of trillions. It traces the development from punch card programming to the GUI-based systems of today. Key milestones include IBM's OS/360, the rise of Unix, the commercial viability of home computers in the 1980s, Xerox's Star introducing the GUI, and Apple's Macintosh with its user-friendly interface. The script highlights how modern OS design is influenced by historical innovations, emphasizing the continuous progress and the commitment to user experience.

Takeaways

• 💻 We often overlook the complexity behind the user interfaces of our daily devices, which are the result of extensive software and hardware evolution.
• 📊 Early digital computers were impressive for their time, capable of about 5,000 complex calculations per second, a stark contrast to today's supercomputers.
• 📜 Programs were initially written on punch cards, a method that was later replaced as computers outpaced the manual feeding of cards.
• 🤖 The 1960s saw IBM's OS/360 and the rise of Unix, which revolutionized computing by being adaptable and freely available.
• 🚀 The 1970s introduced 8-bit processors like the Intel 8080, which laid the groundwork for future processor advancements.
• 📈 The 1980s marked a significant leap in computing with the commercial viability of home computers like the Commodore 64 and the Apple II.
• 🖥️ Xerox's Star office information system in 1981 introduced the GUI, which influenced Apple's development of a mouse-based operating system.
• 🍎 Apple's Lisa office system in 1983 was the first commercially viable GUI-based OS, though it was too expensive for mainstream success.
• 💡 Apple's System 1.0 for the original Macintosh in 1984 brought a user-friendly OS design that retains similarities with current macOS.
• 🔄 Microsoft's Windows, inspired by Apple's GUI, became a dominant OS, especially with the release of Windows 95.
• 🌐 Modern operating systems have evolved to include social media integration and are designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly.

Q & A

What was the primary method of inputting programs into early computers?

Early computers used punch cards as the primary method of inputting programs. These were pieces of cardboard with holes that were fed one at a time into the central processing unit (CPU) to enable the earliest form of computer batch processing.

What was the issue with the early batch processing system using punch cards?

The issue with early batch processing was that as computers became faster, they could process tasks quicker than the cards could be fed in. Additionally, different computers had different resources, such as RAM and devices like printers, which varied from one another, requiring programmers to write very specific programs for each machine.

Who developed the OS/360 and what was its significance?

IBM developed the OS/360 in the 1960s. It was significant because it was an early operating system that aimed to provide compatibility across different IBM computer systems, although it faced challenges due to the variety of hardware configurations.

What was the significance of the development of Unix at Bell Laboratories?

The development of Unix at Bell Laboratories was significant because it was an operating system that was easy to obtain, modify, and was free. It became popular and laid the groundwork for many modern operating systems due to its portability and flexibility.

How did the introduction of 8-bit processors in the 1970s impact computing?

The introduction of 8-bit processors, including the Intel 8080, led to a significant leap in computing capabilities. These processors allowed for more complex operations and paved the way for the development of personal computers.

What was the significance of the Xerox Star office information system introduced in 1981?

The Xerox Star office information system was revolutionary because it introduced the first graphical user interface (GUI) for a commercial system, complete with icons representing files and folders, and mouse-based input. This system heavily influenced the design of later operating systems.

Why was Apple's Lisa office system considered a commercial failure despite its innovative GUI?

Apple's Lisa office system was considered a commercial failure because it was too expensive for the average consumer, and the machine itself was costly, which limited its market reach despite being the first commercially viable GUI-based operating system.

How did the original Macintosh's System 1.0 influence the design of modern operating systems?

The original Macintosh's System 1.0 influenced modern operating systems by introducing a user-friendly GUI with elements like the Apple logo, folder layout, a taskbar, and a trash can. These design elements have been retained and evolved in subsequent macOS versions.

What was the impact of Microsoft's Windows 95 on the operating system landscape?

Microsoft's Windows 95 was a defining operating system of the 1990s. It popularized the GUI and introduced features like the Start menu, which became staples in subsequent Windows versions and influenced other operating systems' designs.

How have operating systems evolved to meet user expectations in the era of social media and touchscreen devices?

Operating systems have evolved to become more intuitive and appliance-like, with simplified interfaces and integration of social media features. They now offer seamless experiences across various devices, including touchscreens, and hide much of the underlying complexity from the user.

What core commitment has remained consistent in the development of operating systems throughout history?

The core commitment that has remained consistent in operating system development is meeting the user's needs and recognizing the importance of breaking down the barrier between hardware, software, and the human interface, ensuring usability and accessibility.