ABSTRACT
This chapter demystifies in brief the evolution of the operating system, with its basic functions and its important role in computer operation, along with the evolution of different types of generic system software required to run general applications and their relative hierarchical position on common computer hardware platforms. Due to the resurgence in electronic engineering, different generations of computers have been continuously introduced; hence, the corresponding generations of operating systems have constantly evolved. The salient features of these, with representative examples up to sophisticated modern forms, are described here. As the cost of computer hardware has constantly dropped, different types of computer architecture and organization with multiple CPUs in the form of networks of computers (and also computer networks) have been continuously introduced, and as such, the corresponding network operating system has been developed, which is covered here in brief. This chapter also includes the general idea of distributed operating systems run on multiple-processor machines (both multiprocessors and multicomputer systems separately). The relatively recent development of cluster architecture for computers for distributed computing (e.g. cloud computing), its classification, and different methods of clustering, including the role of the operating system that drives it, are described in brief. An overview of real-time operating systems, with a few of their distinct features and characteristics is also incorporated. Last, the genesis of modern operating systems and their challenges are covered.
