|
* Linux Classes *
|
|
| |
For a computer to do anything useful, it needs both application software (programs you use) and an
operating system (programs the computer uses). The operating system sits between the physical hardware
that makes up a computer (the monitor, keyboard, CPU, hard drive, and so forth) and the end-user software
that people use to process documents, play games, and all that good stuff.
My brother Tom and I are both into computers. We're computer programmers by trade, but I'm quick to point out that we produce very different kinds of software. The difference, as I like to explain it, is this: I write software for people (application software), and Tom writes software for computers (operating system software).
We commonly think of the CPU as the brain of a computer, but in reality, it can't do much besides crunch numbers and move data around in the computer's memory. The job of the operating system (OS) is twofold:
If you've used a multitasking environment like Windows or a multiuser mainframe system, you've seen the concept of "time-slicing" in action. While your computer has only one CPU, which can do only one thing at a time, the OS can make it seem like several people or programs are using the CPU simultaneously. Similarly, even though the real memory (RAM) is shared by all running applications, the OS can make it seem like you have it all at your disposal, all the time, by sharing it between applications--using a technique called paging.
The OS time-slices by giving one user or application exclusive use of the hardware for a brief instant, and then doing the same for the next user or application. On systems with adequate horsepower, this approach works so that you never even know about that little game of round-robin going on behind the scenes. On a wimpy computer or a mainframe with too many users, it's toe-tappin' time for everybody.
Previous Lesson: History of Unix
Next Lesson: What's Next?
Comments (most recent first)
Rajesh (19 Apr 2010, 02:17)
Hi Ujjal,
I think u r confused with installing packages in ubundu. Each packages to be installed in different ways according to the package type u have. so let me know the s/w you looking for. for assistance u can look in ubuntuforums.org r mail me at stripling20 at gmail dot com
Ujjal (19 Apr 2010, 01:08)
I was using xp.but now i have installed ubuntu.i am very much confused
about the commands of linux. I cant install anything.please help me.
bashir ahmed - islamabad Pakistan (25 Feb 2010, 20:10)
First of all THANK U VERY MUCH for writing an helpful and useful tutorial
on Linux in simple and consolidated form.
I m a new user and try to learn the LINUX on the advice of my Teacher when i m attending the two weeks networking class in windows operating. I have recently finished the linux course with servers only in 3 weeks. Now i m trying to revise and also in detail about the commands and step by step. Actually i m doing part time job as teacher in academy in the field of computer. Now my students are emphasis to teach them linux. So i am looking and searching on net, but i cannot found the crash program type contents of the linux. Today during searching i found this site which is really helpful. If kindly u or any honourable member give the guide line or valuable advice for further improvement and teaching. I shall be grateful for all of them. with best regards and wishes bashir ahmed
Rajesh (07 Feb 2010, 22:00)
@vilas,
The main diff btw windows & linux are 1.) Linux is an open source development model and so the programmer can redesign the OS but its not in windows 2.) The linux servers have surpassed windows server OS in security.
vilas hade (06 Feb 2010, 10:25)
what is different beetwin linux & windows
|
|
|
 |
|
| <Send This Link to a Friend> <Bookmark This Page> | ||