Next, the Future.....

An operating system is required to manage the computer and enable it to communicate with peripherals such as monitor, keyboard, mouse, or printer; and to control the flow of commands and data to and from programs or applications.

The predominant operating system in use today is MS-DOS, Microsoft- Disk Operating System, commonly referred to as DOS. There are, in addition, other versions of DOS that generally function with the same software applications as MS-DOS.

Perhaps a brief explanation of the popularity of DOS and hence of PC compatibles is in order here: Those who controlled DOS were amenable to the development of new hardware and software that would work with their operating system, and thus assisted other developers in making their products compatible. The result was a host of clones that only provide a multitude of options for PC users, but brought prices of the PC’s and their peripherals down. The resulting popularity that created a broad base of users further encouraged software developers to seek a niche in this lucrative market.

In general, early users fell into two categories – those who sought ease of use and who were willing to pay for it; and those who opted for lower cost and a broader selection of hardware and software. Lower cost and a host of options won out.

The several versions of Windows are environments that offer a graphics interface with the DOS operating system. Debate continues as to whether Windows95 is truly a distinct operating system because although the operating system and graphic environment are incorporated into a tight package, Windows95 functions on a DOS platform. That is to say that the user can access Dos from within Windows95, a proper concession to those who still have DOS programs they want to utilize, but the system also permits the user to boot up in the DOS environment.

There are other operating systems such as OS/2 and Warp, but none have achieved the popularity of DOS. Although some function with most DOS applications and utilities, they do not function well with all of them, a serious consideration when contemplating a change. And of course the MAC has its own operating system that requires programs specially designed to work with it.

Keep in mind, however, that all of the operating systems with a broad base of users have their merits and ‘most popular’ does not mean absolutely right for everyone. Operating system software is not terribly expensive, so you can reasonably sure that anyone using a operating particular system does so because he or she is satisfied with it. As you talk to other users you will undoubtedly find as well that users can be extremely attached to their systems and not at all shy about extolling the virtues of all their favourite programs as well as shortcomings of others. It’s a great learning experience.