Operating systems and their developers. Operating system for a personal computer. The center of the operating system is the kernel

(NT 6.0)

2006 Not supported
Almost not used (NT 6.1) 2009 Not supported
Actively used (NT 6.2) 2012 Not supported
Almost not used (NT 6.3) 2013 Supported
Almost not used (NT 10) 2015 Supported
Actively used

Server Windows

Logo	Version	Year	Status
		1993	Not supported Generally not used
		1994
		1995
		1996
		2000
		2003	Not supported Still in use
		2005
		2008
		2009	Supported Actively used
		2012
		2013
		2016
		2018	Getting started

All versions of Windows by line + chronology

Ruler	Years	Listing versions
16 bit	1985 - 1995	Windows 1 / 2 / 3
32 bits (9x)	1995 - 2001	Windows 95/98/ME
NT (32 and 64 bits)	since 1993	Windows NT 3.1 / NT 3.5 / NT 3.51 / NT 4.0 Workstation / 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
NT Servers (32 and 64 bits)	since 1993	Windows NT 3.1 / NT 3.5 / NT 3.51 / NT 4.0 Server / 2000 Server / 2003 / 2003 R2 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2012 / 2012 R2 / 2016 / 2019

History of success

This success story reflects the frequency of use of the system; the number of glitches encountered by users; reviews.

	Windows 1	Failure
	Windows 2	Neutral
	Windows 3	Success
	Windows 95	Failure
	Windows 98	Success
	Windows Millennium	Failure
	Windows 2000	Neutral
	Windows XP	Big success
	Windows Vista	Failure
	Windows 7	Success
	Windows 8	Failure
	Windows 8.1	Failure
	Windows 10	Success

* despite the failure of some versions of the operating system, they carried new functions that were transferred to already successful versions. For example, beautiful icons and windows appeared in the millennium, which were transferred to Windows 2000. Therefore, failure should not be assessed as unsuccessful work.

Windows 1

Years of support: 1985 - 2001. Branch: 16 bit.

Editions: -

What's new

Before Windows 1 there was MS-DOS, so the most important innovation was the graphical interface and the ability to control using the mouse.

System requirements

Windows 3

Years of support: 1990 - 2008. Branch: 16 bit.

Editions: -

What's new

• The first (from Microsoft) user-friendly interface.
• Appearance of the program manager.
• The emergence of multimedia capabilities.
• Network support (from 3.1).

System requirements

Windows NT 3.1

Editions: -

What's new

• The first system based on the NT kernel.
• NTFS file system support.

System requirements

CPU	Intel 80386
RAM	2 MB
Hard disk capacity	8 MB

Windows NT 3.5 Workstation

Editions: -

What's new

• Built-in support for Winsock and TCP/IP.
• The appearance of a DHCP and WINS server and client.
• VFAT support.

System requirements

CPU	33 MHz
RAM	12 MB
Hard disk capacity	70 MB

Windows NT 3.51 Workstation

Editions: -

System requirements

Windows NT 4.0 Workstation

Editions: -

System requirements

Windows 98

Years of support: 1998 - 2006. Branch: 9x (32 bits).

System requirements

Windows Millennium

Years of support: 2000 - 2006. Branch: 9x (32 bits).

System requirements

Windows 2000

Years of support: 2000 - 2010. Branch: NT.

System requirements

Windows XP

Editions: XP, XP Professional

System requirements

Windows Vista

Years of support: 2006 - 2017. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Starter, Basic Home, Premium, Business, Enterprise, Ultimate

System requirements

Windows 7

Years of support: 2009 - 2020. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz
RAM	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
Hard disk capacity	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB

Windows 8

Years of support: 2012 - 2016. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz
RAM	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
Hard disk capacity	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB

Windows 8.1

Years of support: 2013 - 2023. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: 8, 8 Professional (Pro), 8 Corporate (Enterprise)

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz
RAM	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
Hard disk capacity	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB

Windows 10 (latest for personal computers)

Years of support: 2015 - 2025. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions

• Home. For most home computers. There is no way to configure a remote desktop so that you can connect to the system remotely; There is no possibility of using group policies and joining a domain.
• Professional (Pro). Contains all the functions of the home version + the ability to join a domain, use group policies, and the ability to connect to a computer using a remote desktop.
• Corporate (Enterprise). Some features of the home version have been reduced. There are all the additional features of the Pro version + DirectAccess, AppLocker.
• S. Is a stripped down version; comes pre-installed on some devices. Does not support standard application installation - installation can only be done from the Windows Store.

What's new

Windows 10 is undergoing major changes with the release of new builds. Therefore, we will consider innovations based on this.

• Improved performance.
• New built-in Microsoft Edge browser.
• Automatically shrinks an adjacent window when the active window is pressed to one side of the desktop.
• All Apps in Start supports a display of 2,048 items (previously only 512).
• Forced installation of updates.
• Using the virtual voice assistant Cortana.
• The updated start menu is a hybrid of previous versions and Windows 8 (the old expansion option has returned, and tiles have appeared on the right side).
• Ability to create multiple desktops.
• Refusal of the Windows 8 tiled system.

• Handwriting capability (Windows Ink).
• Identification using a webcam.
• Synchronization of notifications from a mobile device.
• Change the system settings menu.

• Built-in support for virtual reality headsets.
• Game Mode
• By default, the Powershell command line is offered.
• Access to the classic Control Panel is hidden from the context menu. Now it can be called with the command control.
• Improved performance of the built-in antivirus.
• Identification using a webcam for Active Directory.
• Ability to create a screenshot with a selection of an area using the keyboard shortcut Win + Shaft + S.
• Braille support.
• Extended battery life.

• The ability to run Cortana on one device and stop working on another.
• Disable SMBv1 protocol. You can enable it manually.
• The People panel appears.
• Information about the GPU in the task manager.
• Microsoft Edge Full Screen Mode
• Extended battery life (Power Throttling function).
• The emoji panel appears.
• Selective OneDrive sync.
• Fixing a slowdown issue in games.

• Ability to recover your password using security questions.

• Dark theme for Explorer.
• Ability to access messages from your phone (“Your Phone” function).

• Isolated desktop for safe running of applications.

* this list contains some innovations. Full list on Wikipedia page.

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz
RAM	1 GB	2 GB	4 GB
Hard disk capacity	16 GB	20 GB	16 GB	20 GB

Windows NT 3.1 Advanced Server

Years of support: 1993 - 2001. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 16, 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: -

System requirements

CPU	Intel 80386
RAM	2 MB
Hard disk capacity	8 MB

Windows NT 3.5 Server

Years of support: 1994 - 2001. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 16, 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: -

What's new

• Built-in support for Winsock and TCP/IP.
• The emergence of DHCP and WINS servers.
• Share files and printers.
• VFAT support.

System requirements

CPU	33 MHz
RAM	16 MB
Hard disk capacity	70 MB

Windows NT 3.51 Server

Years of support: 1995 - 2001. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 16, 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: -

System requirements

CPU	33 MHz
RAM	16 MB
Hard disk capacity	70 MB

Windows NT 4.0 Server

Years of support: 1996 - 2004. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Server, Enterprise Edition, Terminal Server

System requirements

Windows 2000 Server

Years of support: 2000 - 2010. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Server, Advanced Server and Datacenter Server

System requirements

Windows Server 2003

Years of support: 2003 - 2015. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter

System requirements

Web, Standard, Enterprise:

Datacenter Edition:

Windows Server 2003 R2

Years of support: 2005 - 2015. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter

System requirements

Standard, Enterprise:

Datacenter Edition:

Windows Server 2008

Years of support: 2008 - 2020. Branch: NT. Bit depth: 32 and 64 bits.

Editions: Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, HPC, Storage, Itanium

System requirements

	Minimum		Featured
Architecture	32-bit	64-bit	32-bit	64-bit
CPU	1 GHz	1.4 GHz	2 GHz
RAM	512 MB		2 GB
Hard disk capacity	10 GB		40 GB

Windows Server 2008 R2

Years of support: 2009 - 2020. Branch: NT. Bit size: 64 bits.

Editions: Foundation, Small Business, Web, Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, HPC, Itanium

System requirements

Windows Server 2012

Years of support: 2012 - 2023. Branch: NT. Bit size: 64 bits.

System requirements

Windows Server 2012 R2

Years of support: 2013 - 2023. Branch: NT. Bit size: 64 bits.

Editions: Foundation, Essentials, Standard, Datacenter

System requirements

Windows Server 2016

Years of support: 2016 - 2026. Branch: NT. Bit size: 64 bits.

Editions: Essentials, Standard, Datacenter

What's new

• Licensing for physical processor cores (minimum 16).
• New installation mode - Nano.
• The emergence of container virtualization.
• OpenGL and OpenCL for RDP.
• Encryption of virtual machines and internal network traffic.
• Block replication of file storages.

System requirements

Windows Server 2019 (latest for servers)

Years of support: 2018 - ?. Branch: NT. Bit size: 64 bits.

Editions: Standard, Datacenter

What's new

• Improved security - built-in Defender ATP and Defender Exploit Guard technologies.
• Windows Subsystem Linux (WSL) - containers for supporting Linux applications.
• To build a cluster with an even number of nodes, a USB drive can act as a witness disk.

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 it 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.

The part of the software that interacts most closely with the computer hardware is the system software and, above all, the operating system.

The operating system plays the role of an intermediary between the user, programs and computer hardware. It provides the ability to launch programs, maintains the functionality of devices, and provides tools for checking and configuring various components. The more flexible and multifunctional the operating system, the more opportunities it provides, the more convenient it is to work with the computer.

Operating system (OS) is a complex (set) of programs that ensures the interaction of all computer devices and allows the user to exercise general control of the computer.

The main purpose of the OS- resource management, and the main resources it manages are computer hardware. The OS controls the computing process and information exchange between the processor, memory, and external devices.

Since all computer devices operate simultaneously, the OS ensures resource sharing, thereby preventing the risk of conflict situations between components of the computer system that could lead to malfunction, loss or corruption of information.

The OS implements many different functions, including:

Creates a working environment and maintains the user interface;

Provides execution of user commands and program instructions;

Manages computer hardware;

Provides sharing of hardware resources between programs;

Plans user access to shared resources;

Provides I/O operations, information storage and file system management;

Recovers information in case of hardware failures and software errors.

The development of operating systems has always followed the development of hardware.

An operating system is a set of interconnected system programs, the purpose of which is to organize the user’s interaction with the computer and the execution of all other programs.

The operating system acts as a link between the computer hardware, on the one hand, and the programs being executed, as well as the user, on the other hand.

The operating system consists of:

Control program;

A set of utilities necessary to operate the operating system.

The operating system is usually stored in the computer's external memory - on disk. When you turn on the computer, it is read from disk memory and placed in RAM. This process is called loading the operating system.

Operating system features include:

Carrying out a dialogue with the user;

I/O and data management;

Planning and organizing the program processing process;

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

Launching programs for execution;

All kinds of auxiliary maintenance operations;

Transfer of information between various internal devices;

Software support for peripheral devices (display, keyboard, printer, etc.).

The operating system can be called a software extension of the computer's control device. The operating system hides complex unnecessary details of interaction with the hardware from the user, forming a layer between them. As a result of this, people are freed from the very labor-intensive work of organizing interaction with computer equipment.

Requirements for modern operating systems:

Compatibility - the OS must include tools for running applications prepared for other OSes;

Portability - ensuring the ability to transfer the OS from one hardware platform to another;

Reliability and fault tolerance - involves protecting the OS from internal and external errors, failures;

Security - the OS must contain means to protect the resources of some users from others;

Extensibility - the OS should provide ease of making subsequent changes and additions;

Performance - the system must have sufficient speed.

OS classification

Based on the number of simultaneously performed tasks, operating systems are distinguished:

Single-tasking (MS DOS, early versions of PS DOS);

Multitasking happens:

Non-preemptive (Net Ware, Windows 95/98), when the active process, upon termination, itself transfers control to the OS to select another process from the queue;

Preemptive (Windows NT, OS/2, UNIX) - the decision to switch the processor from one process to another is made by the OS.

Based on the number of simultaneously working OS users, they are divided into:

Single-user (MS DOS, Windows 3x, early versions of OS/2)

Multi-user (UNIX, Windows 2000, NT, XP, Vista). Multi-user systems contain means to protect user information from unauthorized access.

Currently, about 90% of computers use Windows OS.

There are four main classes of operating systems:

1. Single-user, single-tasking, which support one keyboard and can work with only one (at the moment) task;

2. Single-user, single-task with background printing, which allow, in addition to the main task, to launch one additional task, usually focused on printing information. This speeds up work when printing large volumes of information;

3. Single-user multitasking, which provides one user with parallel processing of several tasks. For example, you can connect several printers to one computer, each of which will work for its “own” task;

4. Multi-user multi-tasking, allowing several users to run several tasks on one computer. These operating systems are very complex and require significant machine resources.

An operating system for a personal computer oriented for professional use must contain the following main components:

I/O control programs;

Programs that manage the file system and schedule tasks for the computer;

A command language processor that receives, parses, and executes commands addressed to the operating system.

Each operating system has its own command language, which allows the user to perform certain actions:

Access the catalogue;

Mark external media;

Launch programs;

Other actions.

The analysis and execution of user commands, including loading ready-made programs from files into RAM and launching them, is carried out by the operating system command processor.

To control external computer devices, special system programs are used - drivers. Standard device drivers collectively form the basic input/output system (BIOS), which is usually stored in the computer's permanent memory.

Brief characteristics of some operating systems

Linux OS is a network OS, the kernel of which is developed based on the Unix OS. Linux is distributed in source code and is used to create servers in computer networks and on the Internet.

Unix OS is a multi-user, multi-tasking OS that includes quite powerful means of protecting programs and files of various users. The Unix OS is machine-independent, which ensures high OS mobility and easy portability of application programs to computers of different architectures.

An important feature and an extensive set of service programs that allow you to create a favorable operating environment for users - programmers (i.e. the system is especially effective for specialists - application programmers).

Operating system: purpose and composition

IBM-compatible personal computers use Microsoft Windows 9x/ME operating systems and a freely distributed Linux operating system. Apple personal computers use different versions of the Mac OS operating system. The most widely used operating systems on workstations and servers are Windows NT/2000/XP and UNIX.

The operating systems are different, but their purpose and functions are the same. The operating system is a basic and necessary component of computer software; without it, a computer cannot operate in principle.

The operating system ensures the joint functioning of all computer devices and provides the user with access to its resources.

Modern operating systems have a complex structure, each element of which performs specific functions to control the computer.

File system management. The process of computer operation, in a certain sense, comes down to exchanging files between devices. The operating system contains software modules that manage the file system.

Command processor. The operating system includes a special program - a command processor - that requests commands from the user and executes them.

The user can give a command to launch a program, perform any operation on files (copying, deleting, renaming), printing a document, and so on. The operating system must execute this command.

Device drivers. Various devices are connected to the computer backbone (disk drives, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.). Each device performs a specific function (information input, information storage, information output), while the technical implementation of devices varies significantly.

The operating system includes device drivers, special programs that control the operation of devices and coordinate information exchange with other devices, and also allow you to configure some device parameters. Each device has its own driver.

Plug and Play technology allows you to automate the connection of new devices to your computer and ensures their configuration. During the installation process, Windows determines the type and specific model of the installed device and connects the driver necessary for its operation. When you turn on the computer, drivers are loaded into RAM.

The user has the option to manually install or reinstall drivers.

Graphical interface. To simplify the user's work, modern operating systems, and in particular Windows, include software modules that create a graphical user interface. In GUI operating systems, the user can enter commands using the mouse, whereas in command line mode, commands must be entered using the keyboard.

Service programs. The operating system also includes service programs, or utilities. Such programs allow you to maintain disks (check, compress, defragment, and so on), perform operations with files (archive, and so on), work in computer networks, and so on.

Reference system. For user convenience, the operating system usually also includes a help system. The help system allows you to quickly obtain the necessary information both about the functioning of the operating system as a whole and about the operation of its individual modules.

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!

OS - operating system - a set of programs, without which any computer is just a set of metal and plastic spare parts. The most common OS is Windows, for which most other programs and applications are created. You will find the OS itself and all related programs in this section and you can download them for free, without registration or any confirmation.

Any operating system already contains a set of necessary functions that allow you to perform various works and install additional software at the discretion of the individual user. The very presence of an OS makes it easier for both the simple user and the developer of new programs to work with all devices and built-in programs.

Such different OS

There are currently several operating systems:

• is a whole series of OS, regularly updated and developed by Microsoft specialists. The earliest version was introduced back in 1985 and is currently the most common and popular operating system for a personal computer.
• MacOS - from Apple - was originally created for other products of this company, distributed with them, and developed in parallel with Windows. Currently it can be installed on computers from other manufacturers.
• Linux - distributed by various companies completely free of charge, this OS still remains a rather exotic choice for a personal computer. This operating system has several variations, some of which are available for a fee. Now systems of this version are installed mainly by computer specialists or enthusiasts.
• Android - this operating system is perhaps the most common among various mobile devices: from smartphones and e-readers to smart watches and Google glasses.

Operating system emulators

Emulation. Separately, it is worth highlighting emulator programs, which are designed to simulate one operating system in the working environment of another. For example, if you need to install an application running on the Android system on your computer. By installing an emulator, you can “deceive” such a program and work with it on Windows or any other OS. The most common Android device emulators are and.

Basic and additional OS functions

The main functions of any operating system are loading programs, executing their requests, accessing external and internal data input/output devices, RAM, accessing and managing various disks (hard and optical) and organizing the file system. Any OS has a number of additional functions:

1. distribution of system resources between several processes,
2. multitasking - running several processes at the same time,
3. file sharing and synchronization,
4. protection of the OS itself, personal data and user files and other applications,
5. differentiation of rights of several users on one computer.