Operating systems

OS Overview

Different Types of Operating Systems

There are several types of operating systems, adapted to different environments and needs: – 1. Desktop operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux. – 2. Mobile operating systems: Android, iOS. – 3. Server operating systems: Linux (distributions like Ubuntu Server, Red Hat, etc.), Windows Server. – 4. Embedded operating systems

Brief history of computer operating systems

Early Beginnings (1950s-1960s)

  • The first computers operated without an OS, requiring manual input for each task.
  • GM-NAA I/O (1956) was one of the earliest operating systems, developed for the IBM 704.
  • UNIX (1969) introduced multitasking and multi-user capabilities, shaping modern OS design.

Rise of Personal Computing (1970s-1980s)

  • CP/M (1974) became popular for microcomputers.
  • MS-DOS (1981) was adopted by IBM, setting the stage for widespread PC usage.
  • Macintosh System 1.0 (1984) introduced a user-friendly graphical interface.
  • Windows 1.0 (1985) laid the foundation for Microsoft’s OS dominance.

Expansion and Innovation (1990s-2000s)

  • Linux (1991) provided an open-source alternative to proprietary systems.
  • Windows 95 (1995) revolutionized the user experience with a modern GUI.
  • Mac OS X (2001) brought UNIX-based stability to Apple’s ecosystem.

Modern Era (2010s-Present)

  • Windows 10 (2015) unified the experience across devices.
  • macOS continued evolving with regular updates.
  • Android and iOS dominated the mobile OS market.
  • Operating systems continue to evolve with AI integration, cloud computing, and enhanced security.

Brief history of server operating systems

Early Server Systems (1960s-1980s)

  • UNIX (1969): Developed at AT&T Bell Labs, UNIX became the foundation for many server OSs.
  • VMS (1977): Created by Digital Equipment Corporation for its VAX computers, offering robust multitasking.
  • Novell NetWare (1983): One of the first network operating systems, widely used for file sharing.

Rise of Commercial Server OSs (1990s-2000s)

  • Windows NT Server (1993): Microsoft’s first server OS, introducing enterprise-level networking.
  • Linux (1991): An open-source alternative that gained popularity for its stability and flexibility.
  • Windows Server 2000: Introduced Active Directory, enhancing network management.

Modern Server Operating Systems (2010s-Present)

  • Windows Server 2012 & 2016: Improved cloud integration and security features.
  • Linux distributions (Ubuntu Server, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux): Dominating enterprise environments.
  • Windows Server 2025: The latest iteration, continuing Microsoft’s advancements in server technology.
  • Server OSs continue to evolve with cloud computing, AI integration, and enhanced security.

Overview of the current state of computer operating systems:

Market Share and Popularity

  • As of 2025, Android leads the global OS market with 45.53%, followed by Windows at 25.36%, and iOS at 18.25%.
  • In the desktop segment, Windows dominates with 70.62%, while macOS holds 15.74%, and Linux accounts for 3.81%.
  • Windows 11 adoption has grown, capturing 31.63% of the Windows market by August 2024.

Emerging Trends

  • Cloud-Based OS: More systems are integrating cloud computing for seamless access and storage.
  • AI-Powered OS: Operating systems are increasingly leveraging AI for automation and optimization.
  • IoT and Embedded OS: The rise of smart devices has led to specialized OS for IoT applications.
  • Security Enhancements: OS developers are focusing on blockchain-based security and hybrid OS architectures.

Future Outlook

  • The global OS market is expected to reach USD 50.69 billion by 2028, with a steady growth rate between 2% and 4%.
  • Linux remains dominant in supercomputing, powering almost all high-performance computing systems.
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux continue to evolve with new features, improved security, and better integration with emerging technologies.

Mobile Operating Systems: An Overview

Mobile operating systems (OS) are specialized software platforms that manage the hardware and software resources of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. They provide essential functionalities like application management, user interfaces, connectivity, and security. The most widely used mobile operating systems today include:

1

Android

Developed by Google, Android is an open-source OS based on Linux. It dominates the global market and is known for its flexibility, extensive app ecosystem, and wide range of device compatibility.

2

iOS

Apple’s proprietary OS is known for its seamless integration with Apple hardware, strong security features, and optimized performance. It offers a closed ecosystem with curated apps from the App Store..

3

HarmonyOS

Developed by Huawei, this OS is designed for a multi-device experience, enabling smooth connectivity between smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices. 🌍

4

KaiOS

A lightweight OS focused on feature phones, enabling modern applications and internet access for low-end devices. 🌍

Other Systems – Older or niche operating systems, such as Windows Phone (discontinued), BlackBerry OS, and Sailfish OS, have played significant roles in mobile history but have largely faded from mainstream use.

Mobile OS advancements continue to shape the future, enhancing user experience, security, and connectivity across devic

Data in figures

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billion mobile devices in operation

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% of online adults still used laptops and desktops to access the internet

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milliards, avec environ 4,88 milliards d’utilisateurs de smartphones

Worldwide account

Currently, Android is the most widely used operating system worldwide, accounting for approximately 46% of the global market. It is followed by Windows with 25%, then iOS with 18%, and finally macOS with 6%. If we focus solely on smartphones, Android dominates with a 72% market share, while iOS holds 28%.