Comparison of user features of operating systems: Difference between revisions

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'''Comparison of user features of operating systems''' refers to a comparison of the general user features of major [[operating system]]s in a narrative format. It does not encompass a full exhaustive comparison or description of all technical details of all operating systems. It is a comparison of basic roles and the most prominent features. It also includes the most important features of the operating system's origins, historical development, and role.

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For hardware functions such as [[input and output]] and [[memory allocation]], the operating system acts as an intermediary between programs and the computer hardware,<ref>{{cite book | last = Stallings | title = Operating Systems, Internals and Design Principles | publisher = Prentice Hall | year = 2005 | ___location = Pearson |page=6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last = Dhotre| first = I.A.| title = Operating Systems. | publisher = Technical Publications | year = 2009 |page=1}}</ref> although the application code is usually executed directly by the hardware and frequently makes [[system call]]s to an OS function or is [[interrupt]]ed by it. Operating systems are found on many devices that contain a computer{{snd}} from cellular phones and video game consoles to [[web server]]s and [[supercomputer]]s.

The{{As of|2024|June}}, the dominant general-purpose desktop operating system is [[Microsoft Windows]] with a market share of around 7672.4591%. [[macOS]] by [[Apple Inc.]] is in second place (1714.7293%), and the varieties of [[Linux]] are collectively in third place (14.7304%).<ref name="statcounter-desktop">{{Citecite web|title=Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide/|access#monthly-202301-202301-datebar|title=31Desktop OctoberOperating System Market 2020Share Worldwide|websiteaccess-date=StatCounter6 GlobalFebruary Stats|language=en2023}}</ref> In the [[Mobile operating system|mobile]] sector, (including both smartphones and [[Tablet computer|tablets]]), [[Android (operating system)|Android's]] share is updominant towith 72a market share of 71%, infollowed theby yearApple's 2020.[[iOS]] with 28%;<ref name="statcounter-mobile-and-tablet">{{Cite web|title=Mobile & Tablet Operating System Market Share Worldwide|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile-tablet/worldwide/#monthly-202301-202301-bar|access-date=316 OctoberFebruary 20202023|website=StatCounter Global Stats|language=en}}</ref> Accordingfor tosmartphones third quarter 2016 dataalone, Android's sharehas on72% smartphonesand is dominant with 87.5 percent with also a growth rate of 10.3 percent per year, followed by Apple's [[iOS]] withhas 12.1 percent with per year decrease in market share of 5.2 percent, while other operating systems amount to just 0.3 percent28%.<ref>{{citeCite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161102006440/en/Strategy-Analytics-Android-Captures-Record-88-Percent |title=StrategyMobile Analytics:Operating AndroidSystem Captures Record 88 PercentMarket Share of Global Smartphone Shipments in Q3 2016 |date=2 November 2016 Worldwide|url-status=live |archive-url=https://webgs.archive.org/web/20161105223332/http://www.businesswirestatcounter.com/newsos-market-share/homemobile/20161102006440worldwide/en/Strategy#monthly-Analytics202301-Android202301-Captures-Record-88-Percent bar|archiveaccess-date=56 NovemberFebruary 20162023|website=StatCounter Global Stats}}</ref> [[Linux distribution]]s are dominant in the server and supercomputing sectors. Other specialized classes of operating systems (special-purpose operating systems)<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/operating-system-concepts/9780471694663/pt07.html|title=VII. Special-Purpose Systems - Operating System Concepts, Seventh Edition [Book]|website=www.oreilly.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.acs.eonerc.rwth-aachen.de/cms/E-ON-ERC-ACS/Studium/Lehrveranstaltungen/~lrhs/Spezial-Betriebssysteme/?lidx=1|title=Special-Purpose Operating Systems - RWTH AACHEN UNIVERSITY Institute for Automation of Complex Power Systems - English|website=www.acs.eonerc.rwth-aachen.de}}</ref>), such as [[Embedded system|embedded]] and real-time systems, exist for many applications. [[Security-focused operating system]]s also exist. Some operating systems have low system requirements (i.e. [[light-weight Linux distribution]]). Others may have higher system requirements.

Some operating systems require installation or may come pre-installed with purchased computers ([[OEM]]-installation), whereas others may run directly from media (i.e. [[live cd]]) or flash memory (i.e. usbUSB stick).

==MS-DOS==

===Overview===

[[MS-DOS]] (acronym for Microsoft Disk Operating System) is an [[operating system]] for [[x86]]-based personal computers mostly developed by [[Microsoft]]. Collectively, MS-DOS, its rebranding as [[IBM PC&nbsp;DOS]], and some operating systems attempting to be compatible with MS-DOS, are sometimes referred to as "DOS" (which is also the generic acronym for [[disk operating system]]). MS-DOS was the main operating system for [[IBM PC compatible]] personal computers during the 1980s, from which point it was gradually superseded by operating systems offering a [[graphical user interface]] (GUI), in various generations of the graphical [[Microsoft Windows]] operating system.{{factcitation needed|date=October 2021}}

IBM licensed and re-released it in 1981 as [[PC&nbsp;DOS]] 1.0 for use in its PCs. Although MS-DOS and PC&nbsp;DOS were initially developed in parallel by Microsoft and IBM, the two products diverged after twelve years, in 1993, with recognizable differences in compatibility, syntax, and capabilities.{{factcitation needed|date=October 2021}}

During its lifetime, [[Comparison of DOS operating systems|several competing products]] were released for the x86 platform,<ref name="roy">{{cite book |title=A history of the personal computer: the people and the technology |author-first=Roy A. |author-last=Allan |chapter=Microsoft in the 1980s, part III 1980s&nbsp;– The IBM/Macintosh era |page=14 |isbn=0-9689108-0-7 |date=2001 |publisher=Allan Pub. |___location=[[London, Ontario]] |chapter-url=http://www.retrocomputing.net/info/allan/eBook12.pdf|access-date=5 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715184453/http://www.retrocomputing.net/info/allan/eBook12.pdf |archive-date=15 July 2006}}</ref> and MS-DOS went through eight versions, until development ceased in 2000.<ref name="Historical Essays">{{cite web |title=A Compilation of 8 Historical Essays |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oyto0YS-bpYC&pg=PT18 |access-date=30 January 2016 }}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Initially, MS-DOS was targeted at [[Intel 8086]] processors running on computer hardware using [[floppy disk]]s to store and access not only the operating system, but application software and user data as well. Progressive version releases delivered support for other mass storage media in ever greater sizes and formats, along with added feature support for newer processors and rapidly evolving computer architectures. Ultimately, it was the key product in Microsoft's development from a [[programming language]] company to a diverse software development firm, providing the company with essential revenue and marketing resources. It was also the underlying basic operating system on which early versions of Windows ran as a GUI.{{factcitation needed|date=October 2021}}

==Microsoft Windows==

===Overview===

[[Microsoft Windows]], commonly referred to as Windows, is a group of several [[Proprietary software|proprietary]] [[graphical user interface|graphical]] [[operating system]] families, all of which are developed and marketed by [[Microsoft]]. Each family caters to a certain sector of the computing industry. Active Microsoft Windows families include [[Windows NT]] and [[Windows IoT]]; these may encompass subfamilies, (e.g. [[Windows Server]] or [[Windows Embedded Compact]]) (Windows CE). Defunct Microsoft Windows families include [[Windows 9x]], [[Windows Mobile]], and [[Windows Phone]].

Microsoft introducedannounced an [[operating environment]] named ''Windows'' on 2010 November 19851983, as a graphical [[operating system shell]] for [[MS-DOS]] in response to the growing interest in [[graphical user interface]]sinterfaces (GUIs); Windows 1.0 first shipped on 20 November 1985.<ref name=aboutcomnov>{{cite web |url=httphttps://inventorswww.aboutthoughtco.com/od/mstartinventions/a/Windows.htm?rd=1unusual-history-of-microsoft-windows-1992140 |title=The Unusual History of Microsoft Windows |access-date=2227 AprilNovember 20072023}}</ref> Microsoft Windows came to [[dominance (economics)|dominate]] the world's personal computer (PC) market with [[usage share of operating systems|over 90% market share]], overtaking [[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]], which had been introduced in 1984, while Microsoft has in 2020 lost its dominance of the consumer operating system market, with Windows down to 30%, lower than [[Apple Inc|Apple]]'s 31% mobile-only share (65% for desktop operating systems only, i.e. "[[IBM PC compatible|PCs]]" vs. Apple's 28% desktop share) in its home market, the US, and 32% globally (77% for desktops), where Google's Android leads.

Apple came to see Windows as an unfair encroachment on their innovation in GUI development as implemented on products such as the [[Apple Lisa|Lisa]] and [[Macintosh]] (eventually settled in court in Microsoft's favor in 1993). On{{As of|2023|January}}, on PCs, Windows is still the most popular operating system in all countries.<ref name="statcounter-os">{{Cite web|title=Operating System Market Share Worldwide|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share#monthly-202012202301-202012202301-mapbar|access-date=56 JanuaryFebruary 20212023|website=StatCounter Global Stats|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|titlename=Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide|url=https://gs."statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide/#monthly-202012-202012-map|access-date=5" January 2021|website=StatCounter Global Stats|language=en}}</ref> However, in 2014, Microsoft admitted losing the majority of the overall operating system market to [[Android (operating system)|Android]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2490008/microsoft-gets-real--admits-its-device-share-is-just-14-.html|title=Microsoft gets real, admits its device share is just 14%|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|date=14 July 2014|website=[[Computerworld]]|publisher=[[IDG]]|quote=[Microsoft's chief operating officer] Turner's 14% came from a new forecast released last week by Gartner, which estimated Windows' share of the shipped device market last year was 14%, and would decrease slightly to 13.7% in 2014. Android will dominate, Gartner said, with a 48% share this year|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821210826/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2490008/microsoft-windows/microsoft-gets-real--admits-its-device-share-is-just-14-.html|archive-date=21 August 2016}}</ref> because of the massive growth in sales of Android [[smartphone]]s. In 2014, the number of Windows devices sold was less than 25% that of Android devices sold. This comparison, however, may not be fully relevant, as the two operating systems traditionally target different platforms. Still, numbers for server use of Windows (that are comparable to competitors) show one third market share, similar to that for end user use. <!--Server share varies by types of servers, web server numbers most easily attained.-->

{{As of|2020|10}}, the most recent version of Windows for PCs, [[tablet computers|tablet]]s and [[embedded system|embedded devices]] is [[Windows 10]], version 20H2. The most recent version for [[Server (computing)|server computers]] is [[Windows Server]], version 20H2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/search?alpha=Windows%20Server%20version%202004%20(Datacenter%20Standard))|title=Microsoft|website=support.microsoft.com|access-date=28 May 2019}}</ref> [[Xbox One system software|A specialized version of Windows]] also runs on the [[Xbox One]] [[video game console]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wccftech.com/xbox-one-architecture-explained-runs-windows-8-virtually-indistinguishable/|title=Xbox One Architecture Finally Explained – Runs OS 'Virtually Indistinguishable' from Windows 8|work=WCCFtech|date=20 April 2014 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906020456/http://wccftech.com/xbox-one-architecture-explained-runs-windows-8-virtually-indistinguishable/|archive-date=6 September 2015}}</ref>

===Windows 95===

[[Windows 95]] introduced a redesigned [[Windows shell|shell]] based around a [[desktop metaphor]]; [[Shortcut_Shortcut (computing)#Microsoft_WindowsMicrosoft Windows|File shortcuts]] (also known as shell links) were introduced<ref name="WinLNK">{{Cite journal |first=Raymond |last=Chen |date=October 2009 |journal=[[TechNet Magazine]] |title=Windows Confidential: Tracking Shortcuts |url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2009.10.windowsconfidential.aspx |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012055953/http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2009.10.windowsconfidential.aspx |archive-date=12 October 2009 |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> and the desktop was re-purposed to hold shortcuts to applications, files and folders, reminiscent of Mac OS.

In [[Windows 3.1]] the desktop was used to display icons of running applications. In Windows 95, the currently running applications were displayed as buttons on a [[taskbar]] across the bottom of the screen.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Windows 3.0-style file browser lets you navigate like it's the 90s|url=https://www.engadget.com/2018-04-09-windows-3-file-browser-open-source.html|access-date=27 August 2020|website=Engadget|language=en}}</ref> The taskbar also contained a notification area used to display icons for background applications, a volume control and the current time.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 August 2019|title=New version of Windows 95 gains a snazzy user interface on Windows 10, macOS and Linux|url=https://betanews.com/2019/08/30/windows-95-new-user-interface/|access-date=27 August 2020|website=BetaNews|language=en}}</ref>

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===Windows 10===

A new iteration of the [[Start menu]] is used on the [[Windows 10]] desktop, with a list of places and other options on the left side, and tiles representing applications on the right. The menu can be resized, and expanded into a full-screen display, which is the default option in Tablet mode.<ref name="tomsguide-unveiled" /> A new virtual desktop system was added. A feature known as Task View displays all open windows and allows users to switch between them, or switch between multiple workspaces.<ref name="tomsguide-unveiled">{{cite web|url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/windows-10-unveiled,news-19648.html|title=Microsoft Unveils Windows 10 with New Start Menu|last=Andronico|first=Michael|date=30 September 2014|website=Tom's Guide|access-date=14 May 2019}}</ref> Universal apps, which previously could be used only in full screen mode, can now be used in self-contained windows similarly to other programs.<ref name="verge-win10">{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/9/30/6868695/microsoft-windows-10-announced-official | title=Windows 10 is the official name for Microsoft's next version of Windows | publisher=[[Vox Media]] | date=30 September 2014 | website=[[The Verge]] | first=Tom | last=Warren}}</ref><ref name="tomsguide-unveiled" /> Program windows can now be snapped to quadrants of the screen by dragging them to the corner. When a window is snapped to one side of the screen, Task View appears and the user is prompted to choose a second window to fill the unused side of the screen (called "Snap Assist").<ref name="tomsguide-unveiled" /> Windows' system icons were also changed.<ref name=verge-closerlook />

[[Windows shell#Charms|Charms]] have been removed; their functionality in universal apps is accessed from an ''App commands'' menu on their title bar.<ref name="verge-win10" /><ref name="tomsguide-unveiled" /> In its place is Action Center, which displays notifications and settings toggles. It is accessed by clicking an icon in the notification area, or dragging from the right of the screen. Notifications can be synced between multiple devices.<ref name="verge-win10" /><ref name="verge-closerlook">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/28/7927109/windows-10-features-hands-on|title=Windows 10: a closer look at the future of Microsoft's vision for PCs|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=28 January 2015|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> The Settings app (formerly PC Settings) was refreshed and now includes more options that were previously exclusive to the desktop [[Control Panel (Windows)|Control Panel]].<ref name="pcpro-settingsmenu">{{cite web|url=http://www.alphr.com/microsoft/microsoft-windows-10/25290/windows-10-uk-release-everything-you-need-to-know|title=Windows 10 review: Technical Preview (January 2015)|date=29 July 2015|website=PC Pro|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=cnet-settingsmenu>{{cite web |title=Windows 10 Settings Menu: The System tab |url=http://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-10-settings-menu-the-system-tab/ |website=CNET |access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref>

Windows 10 is designed to adapt its user interface based on the type of device being used and available input methods. It offers two separate user interface modes: a user interface optimized for mouse and keyboard, and a "Tablet mode" designed for touchscreens. Users can toggle between these two modes at any time, and Windows can prompt or automatically switch when certain events occur, such as disabling Tablet mode on a tablet if a keyboard or mouse is plugged in, or when a [[2-in-1 PC]] is switched to its laptop state. In Tablet mode, programs default to a maximized view, and the taskbar contains a back button and hides buttons for opened or pinned programs by default; Task View is used instead to switch between programs. The full screen Start menu is used in this mode, similarly to Windows 8, but scrolls vertically instead of horizontally.<ref name="verge-continuum">{{cite web |title=Watch how Windows 10 works with touch interfaces |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/9/30/6873963/windows-10-continuum-touch-interface |website=[[The Verge]] |date=30 September 2014 |access-date=30 September 2014 |publisher=[[Vox Media]]}}</ref><ref name=thurrotcom-tablet1>{{cite webnews|title=Windows 10 Technical Preview 2: Configure Tablet Mode|url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3116/windows-10-technical-preview-2-configure-tablet-mode|website=Thurrott.com|date=23 April 2015|access-date=16 July 2015|last1=Thurrott |first1=Paul }}</ref><ref name=thurrotcom-tablet2>{{cite webnews|title=Windows 10 Technical Preview 2: Continuum and Tablet Mode|url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/2240/windows-10-technical-preview-2-continuum-and-tablet-mode|website=Thurrott.com|date=20 March 2015|access-date=16 July 2015|last1=Thurrott |first1=Paul }}</ref><ref name=winbeta-w10touch>{{cite web|last1=Bowden|first1=Zack|title=Windows 10: The tablet experience is better than ever (with video)|url=httphttps://www.winbetaonmsft.orgcom/newsvideos/windows-10-tablet-experience-better-ever/|website=WinBetaOnMSFT|date=3 July 2015|access-date=166 JulyFebruary 20152023}}</ref>

==Apple Macintosh==

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====Overview====

The classic Mac OS {{efn|This is a [[retronym]] coined after the introduction of its successor, [[macOS|Mac OS X]]. It did not have a name until later, as explained below.}} ('''System Software''') is the series of [[operating system]]ssystems developed for the [[Macintosh]] family of personal computers by [[Apple Inc.]] from 1984 to 2001, starting with [[System 1]] and ending with [[Mac OS 9]]. The Macintosh operating system is credited with having popularized the [[graphical user interface]] concept.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/useful-command-line-tips-for-programmers-and-mac-managers/|title=Useful command line tips for programmers and Mac managers|first=David|last=Morgenstern|website=[[ZDNet]]|access-date=13 October 2019}}</ref> It was included with every Macintosh that was sold during the era in which it was developed, and many updates to the system software were done in conjunction with the introduction of new Macintosh systems.

Apple released the [[Macintosh 128K|original Macintosh]] on 24 January 1984. The [[System 1|first version of the system software]], which had no official name, was partially based on the [[Lisa OS]], which Apple previously released for the [[Apple Lisa|Lisa]] computer in 1983. As part of an agreement allowing [[Xerox]] to buy [[Share (finance)|shares]] in Apple at a favorable price, it also used concepts from the [[Xerox PARC]] [[Xerox Alto|Alto]] computer, which former Apple CEO [[Steve Jobs]] and other Lisa team members had previewed.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://wwwbooks.google.com/books/edition/Apple_Confidential_2_0/?id=mXnw5tM8QRwC |title=Apple Confidential 2.0 |last=Linzmayer |first=Owen W. |publisher=No Starch Press |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-59327-010-0 |page=75}}</ref> This operating system consisted of the [[Macintosh Toolbox]] ROM and the "System Folder", a set of files that were loaded from disk. The name '''Macintosh System Software''' came into use in 1987 with System 5. Apple rebranded the system as '''Mac OS''' in 1996, starting officially with version 7.6, due in part to its [[Macintosh clone#Licensed Macintosh clones|Macintosh clone program]].<ref name="versionhistory">{{cite web|title=Macintosh: System Software Version History|publisher=[[Apple Inc.]]|date=7 August 2001|url=https://support.apple.com/kb/TA31885|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310055815/http://support.apple.com/kb/ta31885|archive-date=10 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> That program ended after the release of [[Mac OS 8]] in 1997.<ref name="endofclones">{{Cite news|first=Galen|last=Gruman|title=Why Apple Pulled the Plug|magazine=Macworld|volume=14|pages=31–36|date=November 1997|issue=11}}</ref> The last major release of the system was [[Mac OS 9]] in 1999.<ref name="macos9release">{{Cite web|url=http://www.applematters.com/article/october-23-1999-mac-os-9-released/|title=October 23, 1999: Mac OS 9 Released|publisher=AppleMatters.com|access-date=28 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028093711/http://www.applematters.com/article/october-23-1999-mac-os-9-released/|archive-date=28 October 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

Initial versions of the System Software ran one application at a time. With the [[Macintosh 512K]], a system extension called the [[MultiFinder#Switcher|Switcher]] was developed to use this additional memory to allow multiple programs to remain loaded. The software of each loaded program used the memory exclusively; only when activated by the Switcher did the program appear, even the Finder's desktop. With the Switcher, the now familiar Clipboard feature allowed cut and paste between the loaded programs across switches including the desktop.{{factcitation needed|date=October 2021}}

With the introduction of System 5, a [[cooperative multitasking]] extension called [[MultiFinder]] was added, which allowed content in windows of each program to remain in a layered view over the desktop, and was later integrated into System 7 as part of the operating system along with support for [[virtual memory]]. By the mid-1990s, however, contemporary operating systems such as [[Windows NT]], [[OS/2]], and [[NeXTSTEP]] had all brought [[pre-emptive multitasking]], [[protected memory]], [[access controls]], and multi-user capabilities to desktop computers, The Macintosh's limited [[Mac OS memory management|memory management]] and susceptibility to conflicts among [[Extension (Mac OS)|extensions]] that provide additional functionality, such as networking or support for a particular device,<ref name="MeaCulpa">{{Citation |last = Hertzfeld |first = Andy |author-link = Andy Hertzfeld |title = folklore.org: The Original Macintosh: Mea Culpa |url = http://www.folklore.org/StoryView.py?project=Macintosh&story=Mea_Culpa.txt |access-date = 10 May 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100619193516/http://folklore.org/StoryView.py?project=Macintosh&story=Mea_Culpa.txt |archive-date = 19 June 2010 |url-status = live }}</ref> led to significant criticism of the operating system, and was a factor in Apple's declining market share at the time.{{factcitation needed|date=October 2021}}

After two aborted attempts at creating a successor to the Macintosh System Software called [[Taligent]] and [[Copland (operating system)|Copland]], and a [[History of macOS|four-year development effort]] spearheaded by [[Steve Jobs#Return to Apple|Steve Jobs' return to Apple]] in 1997, Apple replaced Mac OS with a new operating system in 2001 named [[macOS|Mac OS X]]; the X signifying the underlying Unix system family base shared with Jobs' development of the [[NeXTSTEP]] operating systems on the [[NeXT]] computer. It retained most of the user interface design elements of the classic Mac OS, and there was some overlap of [[application framework]]s for compatibility, but the two operating systems otherwise have completely different origins and architectures.{{factcitation needed|date=October 2021}}

The [[Mac OS 9#Mac OS 9 and the Classic Environment|final updates to Mac OS 9]] released in 2001 provided interoperability with Mac OS X. The name "Classic" that now signifies the historical Mac OS as a whole is a reference to the [[List of macOS components#Classic|Classic Environment]], a [[compatibility layer]] that helped ease the transition to Mac OS X (now macOS).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lowendmac.com/2012/a-brief-history-of-the-classic-mac-os/|title=A Brief History of the Classic Mac OS – Low End Mac|date=26 July 2012|access-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005230817/http://lowendmac.com/2012/a-brief-history-of-the-classic-mac-os/|archive-date=5 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Apple macOS===

====Overview====

[[macOS]]<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.apple.com/apple-events/june-2016/|time=36:28|title=Apple Events – WWDC Keynote June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911214036/https://www.apple.com/apple-events/june-2016/|archive-date=11 September 2017}} [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5jXg_NNiCA&t=2186 YouTube mirror.]</ref> (previously '''Mac&nbsp;OS&nbsp;X''' and later '''OS&nbsp;X''') is a series of [[Proprietary software|proprietary]] [[graphical user interface|graphical]] [[operating system]]ssystems developed and marketed by [[Apple Inc.]] since 2001. It is the primary operating system for Apple's [[Macintosh|Mac computers]]. Within the market of desktop, laptop and home computers, and by web usage, it is the [[Usage share of operating systems#Desktop and laptop computers|second most widely used desktop OS]], after [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref name="Net Applications">{{cite web |url=http://www.netmarketshare.com/ |title=Desktop Operating System Market Share |publisher=Net Applications |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203031223/http://www.netmarketshare.com/ |archive-date=3 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gs.statcounter.com/#all-os-ww-monthly-201109-201508 |title=Top 8 Operating Systems from Sept 2011 to Aug 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526/http://gs.statcounter.com/%23mobile_browser-ww-monthly-201012-201111-bar#all-os-ww-monthly-201109-201508 |archive-date=26 May 2012 }}</ref>

macOS is the direct successor to the [[classic Mac OS]], the line of [[Macintosh operating systems]] with nine releases from 1984 to 1999. macOS adopted the [[Unix]] kernel and inherited technologies developed between 1985 and 1997 at [[NeXT]], the company that Apple co-founder [[Steve Jobs]] created after leaving Apple in 1985. Releases from [[Mac OS X Leopard|Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard]]<ref name="leopard_unix_cert">{{cite web|title=Mac OS X Version 10.5 on Intel-based Macintosh computers|url=http://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3555.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511222112/http://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3555.htm|archive-date=11 May 2008|access-date=4 December 2014|publisher=The Open Group}}</ref> and thereafter are [[UNIX 03]] certified.<ref>* {{cite web|title=Mac OS X Version 10.6 on Intel-based Macintosh computers|url=http://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3581.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116122629/http://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3581.htm|archive-date=16 November 2014|access-date=4 December 2014|publisher=The Open Group}}

* {{cite web|title=Apple technology brief on UNIX|url=http://movies.apple.com/media/us/osx/2012/docs//OSX_for_UNIX_Users_TB_July2011.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710081938/http://movies.apple.com/media/us/osx/2012/docs/OSX_for_UNIX_Users_TB_July2011.pdf|archive-date=10 July 2012|access-date=5 November 2008|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]}}

* {{cite web|title=Mac OS X Version 10.8 on Intel-based Macintosh computers|url=https://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3591.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116121907/https://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3591.htm|archive-date=16 November 2014|access-date=4 December 2014|publisher=The Open Group}}

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* {{cite web|title=macOS version 11.0 Big Sur on Intel-based Mac computers|url=https://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3663.htm|access-date=19 November 2020|publisher=The Open Group}}

* {{cite web|title=macOS version 11.0 Big Sur on Apple silicon-based Mac computers|url=https://www.opengroup.org/openbrand/register/brand3668.htm|access-date=19 November 2020|publisher=The Open Group}}

</ref> Apple's mobile operating system, [[iOS]], has been considered a variant of macOS.<ref>{{cite web|last=Foresman|first=Chris|date=September 2010|title=Apple TV definitely running iOS, could be jailbreak target|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/09/apple-tv-definitely-running-ios-could-be-jailbreak-target.ars|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117151926/http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/09/apple-tv-definitely-running-ios-could-be-jailbreak-target.ars|archive-date=17 November 2010|access-date=16 November 2010|work=[[Ars Technica]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast Publishing|Condé Nast Digital]]}}</ref>

Mac OS X 10.0 ([[code name]]d '''Cheetah''') was the first [[software versioning|major release]] and version of [[macOS]], [[Apple Inc.|Apple's]] desktop and server [[operating system]]. Mac OS X 10.0 was released on 24 March 2001 for a price of US$129. It was the successor of the [[Mac OS X Public Beta]] and the predecessor of [[Mac OS X 10.1]] (code named Puma).

Mac OS X 10.0 was a radical departure from the [[classic Mac OS]] and was Apple's long-awaited answer for a next generation [[Macintosh operating systems|Macintosh operating system]]. It introduced a brand new code base completely separate from [[Mac OS 9]]'s as well as all previous Apple operating systems, and had a new [[Unix-like]] core, [[Darwin (operating system)|Darwin]], which features a new [[memory management]] system. Unlike releases of Mac OS X 10.2 to 10.8, the operating system was not externally marketed with the name of a big cat.

<!----

The first desktop version, [[Mac OS X 10.0]], was released in March 2001, with its first update, 10.1, arriving later that year. The "X" in Mac OS X and OS X is the [[Roman numerals#Symbols|Roman numeral]] for the number 10 and is pronounced as such. The X was a prominent part of the operating system's [[Brand#Brand identity|brand identity]] and marketing in its early years, but gradually receded in prominence since the release of Snow Leopard in 2009. Apple began naming its releases after [[big cat]]s, which lasted until [[OS X Mountain Lion|OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion]]. Since [[OS X Mavericks|OS X 10.9 Mavericks]], releases have been named after locations in California.<ref name="techMavericks">{{cite news|last=Ha|first=Anthony|date=10 June 2013|title=Apple Has A New, California-Based Naming Scheme For OS X, Starting With OS X Mavericks|work=TechCrunch|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/10/os-x-mavericks/|url-status=live|access-date=10 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709214256/https://techcrunch.com/2013/06/10/os-x-mavericks/|archive-date=9 July 2017}}</ref> Apple shortened the name to "OS X" in 2012 and then changed it to "macOS" in 2016, adopting the [[nomenclature]] that they were using for their other operating systems, [[iOS]], [[watchOS]], and [[tvOS]]. With [[MacOS Big Sur|Big Sur]], Apple advanced the macOS major [[version number]] for the first time, changing it to 11 for Big Sur from the 10 used for all previous releases.

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====Apple MacOS Components====

{{see also|MacOS#Components|List of macOS componentsbuilt-in apps}}

The [[Finder (software)|Finder]] is a file browser allowing quick access to all areas of the computer, which has been modified throughout subsequent releases of macOS.<ref>{{cite web | first=Thom | last=Holwerda | url=http://www.osnews.com/story/18992/Review_Mac_OS_X_10_5_Leopard/page2/ | access-date=15 April 2009 | date=6 December 2007 | title=Review: Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard | publisher=OS News | quote=The next area where Apple claims to have made major improvements is the Finder. | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515190607/http://www.osnews.com/story/18992/Review_Mac_OS_X_10_5_Leopard/page2 | archive-date=15 May 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=John | last=Siracusa | access-date=15 April 2009 | date=26 January 2006 | title=Finding Leopard | url=https://arstechnica.com/staff/fatbits/2006/01/2673.ars | publisher=[[Condé Nast Publishing|Condé Nast Digital]] | work=[[Ars Technica]] | quote=Unsurprisingly, each new Mac OS X release has been the vehicle for a parade of Finder fantasies. | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204195034/http://arstechnica.com/staff/fatbits/2006/01/2673.ars | archive-date=4 February 2009 }}</ref> [[Quick Look]] has been part of the Finder since [[Mac OS X Leopard|version 10.5]]. It allows for dynamic previews of files, including videos and multi-page documents without opening any other applications. [[Spotlight (softwareApple)|Spotlight]], a file searching technology which has been integrated into the Finder since [[Mac OS X Tiger|version 10.4]], allows rapid real-time searches of data files; mail messages; photos; and other information based on item properties (metadata) and/or content.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2005/04/macosx-10-4.ars/9 | first=John | last=Siracusa | title=Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger | access-date=15 April 2009 | publisher=[[Condé Nast Publishing|Condé Nast Digital]] | work=[[Ars Technica]] | date=28 April 2005 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402204130/http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2005/04/macosx-10-4.ars/9 | archive-date=2 April 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Mac 101: Spotlight | url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2531 | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | date=6 November 2008 | access-date=15 April 2009 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119031831/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2531 | archive-date=19 January 2009 }}</ref> macOS makes use of a [[Dock (Mac OS XmacOS)|Dock]], which holds file and folder shortcuts as well as minimized windows.

Apple added Exposé in [[Mac OS X Panther|version 10.3]] (called [[Mission Control (macOS)|Mission Control]] since [[Mac OS X Lion|version 10.7]]), a feature which includes three functions to help accessibility between windows and desktop. Its functions are to instantly display all open windows as thumbnails for easy navigation to different tasks, display all open windows as thumbnails from the current application, and hide all windows to access the desktop.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2503 | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | access-date=16 December 2008 | date=31 October 2008 | title=Mac 101: Exposé | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216053853/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2503 | archive-date=16 December 2008 }}</ref> [[FileVault]] is optional encryption of the user's files with the 128-bit [[Advanced Encryption Standard]] (AES-128).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/8727.html | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | access-date=16 December 2008 | title=About FileVault | work=Mac OS X 10.5 Help | url-status=livedead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113170834/http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac%2F10.5%2Fen%2F8727.html | archive-date=13 January 2009 }}</ref>

Features introduced in [[Mac OS X Tiger|version 10.4]] include [[Automator (softwaremacOS)|Automator]], an application designed to create an automatic workflow for different tasks;<ref>{{cite web | url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2488 | title=Mac 101: Automator | date=6 November 2008 | access-date=16 December 2008 | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221115524/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2488 | archive-date=21 December 2008 }}</ref> [[Dashboard (Mac OSmacOS)|Dashboard]], a full-screen group of small applications called [[desktop widget]]s that can be called up and dismissed in one keystroke;<ref>{{cite web | url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2492 | title=Mac 101: Dashboard | date=11 November 2008 | access-date=16 December 2008 | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210111941/http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2492 | archive-date=10 December 2008 }}</ref> and [[Front Row (software)|Front Row]], a media viewer interface accessed by the [[Apple Remote]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.apple.com/macosx/features/300.html#frontrow | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | access-date=16 December 2008 | title=Front Row | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215210759/http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/300.html#frontrow | archive-date=15 December 2008}}</ref> Sync Services allows applications to access a centralized extensible database for various elements of user data, including calendar and contact items. The operating system then managed conflicting edits and data consistency.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://developer.apple.com/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/SyncServices/Articles/WhySyncServices.html | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | access-date=16 December 2008 | date=31 October 2007 | title=Why Use Sync Services? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012141434/http://developer.apple.com/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/SyncServices/Articles/WhySyncServices.html | archive-date=12 October 2008}}</ref>

All system icons are scalable up to 512×512 pixels as of [[Mac OS X Leopard|version 10.5]] to accommodate various places where they appear in larger size, including for example the [[Cover Flow]] view, a [[3D computer graphics|three-dimensional]] graphical user interface included with [[iTunes]], the Finder, and other Apple products for visually skimming through files and digital media libraries via cover artwork. That version also introduced [[Spaces (software)|Spaces]], a [[virtual desktop]] implementation which enables the user to have more than one desktop and display them in an Exposé-like interface;<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.apple.com/macosx/features/spaces.html | access-date=16 December 2008 | title=Spaces. Room for everything. | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215205127/http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/spaces.html | archive-date=15 December 2008}}</ref> an automatic backup technology called [[Time Machine (macOS)|Time Machine]], which allows users to view and restore previous versions of files and application data;<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.apple.com/macosx/features/timemachine.html | access-date=16 December 2008 | title=Time Machine. A giant leap backward. | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215222504/https://www.apple.com/macosx/features/timemachine.html | archive-date=15 December 2008 }}</ref> and Screen Sharing was built in for the first time.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.apple.com/macosx/features/300.html#finder | access-date=16 December 2008 | title=Finder | publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215210759/http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/300.html | archive-date=15 December 2008}}</ref>

In more recent releases, Apple has developed support for [[emoji]] characters by including the proprietary [[Apple Color Emoji]] font.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/3/4/3966140/how-emoji-conquered-the-world|access-date=28 July 2014|title=How emoji conquered the world|author=Jeff Blagdon|website=The Verge|date=4 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306003148/http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/4/3966140/how-emoji-conquered-the-world|archive-date=6 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="Smile, You’re Speaking EMOJI: the rapid evolution of a wordless tongue">{{cite web|last1=Sternbergh|first1=Adam|title=Smile, You're Speaking EMOJI: the rapid evolution of a wordless tongue|url=http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/emojis-rapid-evolution.html|website=New York magazine|date=17 November 2014|access-date=15 August 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326144817/http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/11/emojis-rapid-evolution.html|archive-date=26 March 2017}}</ref> Apple has also connected macOS with social networks such as Twitter and Facebook through the addition of share buttons for content such as pictures and text.<ref>{{cite web|title=OS X Mountain Lion: Share with iCloud, Facebook, Twitter, and other services|url=https://support.apple.com/kb/PH11435?locale=en_US|publisher=Apple|access-date=14 August 2015|url-status=livedead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419023942/https://support.apple.com/kb/PH11435?locale=en_US|archive-date=19 April 2016}}</ref> Apple has brought several applications and features that originally debuted in [[iOS]], its mobile operating system, to macOS in recent releases, notably the [[Virtual assistant|intelligent personal assistant]] [[Siri]], which was introduced in [[macOS Sierra|version 10.12]] of macOS.<ref name="siri1">{{cite web | url=http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/13-things-you-can-do-with-macos-sierra-you-couldnt-befo-1787059614 | access-date=28 September 2016 | title=13 Things You Can Do with MacOS Sierra You Couldn't Before | website=[[Gizmodo]] | date=27 September 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927150746/http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/13-things-you-can-do-with-macos-sierra-you-couldnt-befo-1787059614 | archive-date=27 September 2016 }}</ref><ref name="siri2">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3088224/macs/how-to-use-siri-on-macos-sierra.html | access-date=28 September 2016 | title=How to use Siri in macOS Sierra: A look at using the Apple's virtual assistant on the Mac | magazine=[[Macworld]] | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204005925/http://www.macworld.com/article/3088224/macs/how-to-use-siri-on-macos-sierra.html | archive-date=4 February 2017 }}</ref>

==Unix and Unix-like systems==

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===Unix===

'''Unix''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|j|u:|n|ɪ|k|s}}; trademarked as '''UNIX''') is a family of [[Computer multitasking|multitasking]], [[multiuser]] computer [[operating system]]ssystems that derive from the original [[AT&T Corporation|AT&T]] Unix, whose development started in the 1970s at the [[Bell Labs]] research center by [[Ken Thompson]], [[Dennis Ritchie]], and others.<ref name="Ritchie">{{cite journal | last = Ritchie | first = D.M. |author2=Thompson, K. | title = The UNIX Time-Sharing System | journal = Bell System Tech. J. | volume = 57 | issue = 6 | pages = 1905–1929 | date = July 1978 | url = https://archive.org/details/bstj57-6-1905 | access-date = 9 December 2012 | doi = 10.1002/j.1538-7305.1978.tb02136.x| citeseerx = 10.1.1.112.595 }}</ref>

Initially intended for use inside the [[Bell System]], AT&T [[license]]d Unix to outside parties in the late 1970s, leading to a variety of both academic and commercial Unix variants from vendors including [[University of California, Berkeley]] ([[Berkeley Software Distribution|BSD]]), [[Microsoft]] ([[Xenix]]), [[Sun Microsystems]] ([[SunOS]]/[[Solaris (operating system)|Solaris]]), [[Hewlett-Packard|HP]]/[[Hewlett Packard Enterprise|HPE]] ([[HP-UX]]), and [[IBM]] ([[AIX]]). In the early 1990s, AT&T sold its rights in Unix to [[Novell]], which then sold its Unix business to the [[Santa Cruz Operation]] (SCO) in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Novell Completes Sale of UnixWare Business to The Santa Cruz Operation {{!}} Micro Focus|url = http://www.novell.com/news/press/archive/1995/12/pr95274.html|website = www.novell.com|access-date = 20 December 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151220013149/http://www.novell.com/news/press/archive/1995/12/pr95274.html|archive-date = 20 December 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The UNIX trademark passed to [[The Open Group]], an industry consortium founded in 1996, which allows the use of the mark for certified operating systems that comply with the [[Single UNIX Specification]] (SUS). However, Novell continues to own the Unix copyrights, which the [[SCO Group, Inc. v. Novell, Inc.]] court case (2010) confirmed.

Unix systems are characterized by a [[modular design]] that is sometimes called the "[[Unix philosophy]]". According to this philosophy, the operating system should provide a set of simple tools, each of which performs a limited, well-defined function.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Art of Unix Programming |first=Eric |last=Raymond |author-link=Eric S. Raymond |date=19 September 2003 |isbn=978-0-13-142901-7 |publisher=Addison-Wesley |url=http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/taoup/html/ |access-date=9 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212183726/http://www.catb.org/~esr/writings/taoup/html/ |archive-date=12 February 2009 }}</ref> A unified [[filesystem]] (the [[Unix filesystem]]) and an [[inter-process communication]] mechanism known as "[[pipeline (Unix)|pipes]]" serve as the main means of communication,<ref name="Ritchie"/> and a [[shell (computing)|shell]] scripting and command language (the [[Unix shell]]) is used to combine the tools to perform complex workflows.

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Unix distinguishes itself from its predecessors as the first [[Software portability|portable]] operating system: almost the entire operating system is written in the [[C (programming language)|C programming language]], which allows Unix to operate on numerous platforms.<ref name="dottcl">{{cite web|url = https://www.bell-labs.com/usr/dmr/www/chist.pdf|title = The Development of the C Language|last = Ritchie|first = Dennis M.|author-link = Dennis Ritchie|date = January 1993|access-date = 20 December 2015|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150611114354/https://www.bell-labs.com/usr/dmr/www/chist.pdf|archive-date = 11 June 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref>

[[macOS]], described above, is a Unix-like system, and, beginning with [[Mac OS X Leopard]], is certified to comply with the SUS.

===Linux===

[[Linux]]<ref name="pronunciation-2">{{ cite newsgroup |newsgroup= comp.os.linux | title = Re: How to pronounce ''Linux''? |message-id= [e-mail] | date = 23 April 1992 |access-date=9 January 2007 | url=https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.os.linux/L_TTOib3_08/yOG2vLtsp1MJ}}</ref> is a family of [[free and open-source software|open-source]] [[Unix-like]] [[operating system]]ssystems based on the [[Linux kernel]],<ref>{{ cite book | last = Eckert | first = Jason W. | year = 2012 | title = Linux+ Guide to Linux Certification | edition = Third | publisher = Cengage Learning | place = Boston, Massachusetts | page = 33 | isbn = 978-1111541538 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=EHLH4S78LmsC&pg=PA33 | access-date = 14 April 2013 | quote = The shared commonality of the kernel is what defines a system's membership in the Linux family; the differing [[open-source software|OSS]] applications that can interact with the common kernel are what differentiate [[Linux distribution]]sdistributions. | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130509031220/http://books.google.com/books?id=EHLH4S78LmsC&pg=PA33 | archive-date = 9 May 2013 }}</ref> an [[kernel (operating system)|operating system kernel]] first released on 17 September 1991, by [[Linus Torvalds]].<ref>{{cite web | title = Twenty Years of Linux according to Linus Torvalds | url = httphttps://www.zdnet.com/article/twenty-years-of-linux-according-to-linus-torvalds/ | publisher = ZDNet | date = 13 April 2011 | access-date = 19 September 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160919232940/http://www.zdnet.com/article/twenty-years-of-linux-according-to-linus-torvalds/ | archive-date = 19 September 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite newsgroup | title = Free minix-like kernel sources for 386-AT | author = Linus Benedict Torvalds | date = 5 October 1991 | newsgroup = comp.os.minix | url = https://groups.google.com/group/comp.os.minix/msg/2194d253268b0a1b?pli=1 |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = What Is Linux: An Overview of the Linux Operating System | date = 11 April 2020 | url = https://medium.com/@theinfovalley097/what-is-linux-an-overview-of-the-linux-operating-system-77bc7421c7e5?sk=b80b38575284317290c86e56001e43b1 | publisher = Medium| access-date = 21 December6 2019February 2023}}</ref> Linux is typically [[package manager|packaged]] in a [[Linux distribution]].

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting [[system software]] and [[library (computer science)|libraries]], many of which are provided by the [[GNU Project]]. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the [[Free Software Foundation]] uses the name "'''GNU/Linux'''" to emphasize the importance of [[GNU]] software, [[GNU/Linux naming controversy|causing some controversy]].<ref name="linux-and-gnu">{{cite web | url = https://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html | title = Linux and the GNU System | publisher = Gnu.org | access-date = 1 September 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170319145123/http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html | archive-date = 19 March 2017 }}</ref>

Popular Linux distributions<ref>{{cite web|url=http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major |title=DistroWatch.com: Put the fun back into computing. Use Linux, BSD. |last=DistroWatch |website=distrowatch.com |access-date=30 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402195650/http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major |archive-date=2 April 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cio.com/article/3023349/linux/best-linux-distros-of-2016-something-for-everyone.html|title=Best Linux distros of 2016: Something for everyone|last=Bhartiya|first=Swapnil|newspaper=CIO|access-date=30 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231170119/http://www.cio.com/article/3023349/linux/best-linux-distros-of-2016-something-for-everyone.html|archive-date=31 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.tecmint.com/top-best-linux-distributions-2016/|title=10 Top Most PopularUsed Linux Distributions of 2016All Time|website=www.tecmint.comTecMint|access-date=3026 May December2021 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230141717/http://www.tecmint.com/top-best-linux-distributions-2016/|archiveaccess-date=306 DecemberFebruary 20162023}}</ref> include [[Debian]], [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]], and [[Ubuntu]]. Commercial distributions include [[Red Hat Enterprise Linux]] and [[SUSE Linux Enterprise Server]]. Desktop Linux distributions include a [[windowing system]] such as [[X11]] or [[Wayland (display server protocol)|Wayland]], and a [[desktop environment]] such as [[GNOME]] or [[KDE Plasma 5|KDE Plasma]]. Distributions intended for [[server (computing)|servers]] may omit [[computer graphics|graphics]] altogether, or include a [[solution stack]] such as [[LAMP (software bundle)|LAMP]]. Because Linux is freely redistributable, anyone may create a distribution for any purpose.<ref name="what">{{Cite web|title=What is Linux?|url=https://opensource.com/resources/linux|website=Opensource.com|language=en|access-date=12 May 2020}}</ref>

Linux was originally developed for personal computers based on the [[x86|Intel x86]] architecture, but has since been [[porting|ported]] to more [[computer hardware platforms|platforms]] than any other operating system.<ref>{{cite news |author=Barry Levine |title=Linux' {{sic|22|th|nolink=yes}} Birthday Is Commemorated – Subtly – by Creator |url=http://www.cmswire.com/cms/information-management/linux-22th-birthday-is-commemorated-subtly-by-creator-022244.php |access-date=10 May 2015 |publisher=Simpler Media Group, Inc |date=26 August 2013 |quote="Originally developed for Intel x86-based PCs, Torvalds' "hobby" has now been released for more hardware platforms than any other OS in history." |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518155152/http://www.cmswire.com/cms/information-management/linux-22th-birthday-is-commemorated-subtly-by-creator-022244.php |archive-date=18 May 2015}}</ref> Because of the dominance of the Linux-based [[Android (operating system)|Android]] on [[smartphone]]s, {{as of|2023|January|lc=y}}, Linux also has the [[Usage share of operating systems|largest]] [[installed base]] of all [[general-purpose operating system]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|urlname=https://gs."statcounter.com/-os-market-share|title=Operating" System Market Share Worldwide|website=StatCounter Global Stats}}</ref><ref name="marketshare.hitslink.com">{{cite web|url=http://marketshare.hitslink.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=8&qpcustomd=1&qptimeframe=M|title=NetMarketShare:Mobile/Tablet Operating System Market Share|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006070701/http://marketshare.hitslink.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=8&qpcustomd=1&qptimeframe=M|archive-date=6 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McPherson|first=Amanda|date=13 December 2012|title=What a Year for Linux: Please Join us in Celebration|url=http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/blogs/browse/2012/12/what-year-linux-please-join-us-celebration|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417232521/http://www.linuxfoundation.org/news-media/blogs/browse/2012/12/what-year-linux-please-join-us-celebration|archive-date=17 April 2014|access-date=16 April 2014|publisher=Linux Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Trolltech-rolls-complete-Linux-smartphone-stack/ |title=Trolltech rolls "complete" Linux smartphone stack |access-date=12 January 2017 |last=Linux Devices |date=28 November 2006 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525231448/http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Trolltech-rolls-complete-Linux-smartphone-stack/ |archive-date=25 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although it is, {{as of|2023|January|lc=y}}, used by only around 2.39 percent of [[desktop computer]]s,<ref name="Netmarketshare.com">{{cite web |title=Desktop Operating System Market Share |url=https://netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx |website=Netmarketshare.com |access-date=23 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gs.statcounter.com/chart.php?bar=1&device=Desktop&device_hidden=desktop&multi-device=true&statType_hidden=os&region_hidden=ww&granularity=monthly&statType=Operating%20System&region=Worldwide&fromInt=201510&toInt=201510&fromMonthYear=2015-10&toMonthYear=2015-10&csv=1|title=os-ww-monthly-201510-201510-bar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123143719/http://gs.statcounter.com/chart.php?bar=1&device=Desktop&device_hidden=desktop&multi-device=true&statType_hidden=os&region_hidden=ww&granularity=monthly&statType=Operating%20System&region=Worldwide&fromInt=201510&toInt=201510&fromMonthYear=2015-10&toMonthYear=2015-10&csv=1|archive-date=23" November 2015|url-status=live|access-date=23 November 2015}}</ref> the [[Chromebook]], which runs the Linux kernel-based [[ChromeOS]], dominates the US [[K–12]] education market and represents nearly 20 percent of sub-$300 [[Laptop|notebook]] sales in the US.<ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.zdnet.com/article/chromebook-shipments-leap-by-67-percent/|title=Chromebook shipments leap by 67 percent|author=Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols|work=ZDNet|access-date=29 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929055809/http://www.zdnet.com/article/chromebook-shipments-leap-by-67-percent/|archive-date=29 September 2015}}</ref> Linux is the leading operating system on servers (over 96.4% of the top 1&nbsp;million web servers' operating systems are Linux),<ref>{{cite web|title=OS Market Share and Usage Trends|url=http://www.w3cook.com/os/summary/|website=W3Cook.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806093859/http://www.w3cook.com/os/summary|archive-date=6 August 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> leads other [[Big iron (computing)|big iron]]large systems such as [[mainframe computer]]s, and is the only OS used on [[TOP500]] [[supercomputer]]s (since November 2017, having gradually eliminated all competitors).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-totally-dominates-supercomputers/ |title=Linux totally dominates supercomputers |last=Vaughan-Nichols |first=Steven J. |year=2017 |publisher=ZDNet |publication-date=14 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114211600/http://www.zdnet.com/article/linux-totally-dominates-supercomputers/ |archive-date=14 November 2017 |access-date=25 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=httphttps://www.computerworld.com/s/article/91420072766282/IBM_s_newest_mainframe_is_all_Linux_ibm-s-newest-mainframe-is-all-linux.html |title=IBM's newest mainframe is all Linux |last=Thibodeau |first=Patrick |year=2009 |publisher=[[Computerworld]] |publication-date=9 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111053745/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2521639/computer-hardware/ibm-s-newest-mainframe-is-all-linux.html |archive-date=11 November 2016 |access-date=226 February 20092023}}</ref><ref name="rules_supercomputers">{{cite news | title = Linux rules supercomputers | url = https://www.forbes.com/home/enterprisetech/2005/03/15/cz_dl_0315linux.html | last = Lyons | first = Daniel | access-date = 22 February 2007 | work = Forbes | date = 15 March 2005 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070224235804/http://www.forbes.com/home/enterprisetech/2005/03/15/cz_dl_0315linux.html | archive-date = 24 February 2007 }}</ref>

Linux also runs on [[embedded system]]ssystems, i.e. devices whose operating system is typically built into the [[firmware]] and is highly tailored to the system. This includes [[router (computing)|routers]], [[automation]] controls, [[smart home technology]] (likesuch as [[Google Nest]]),<ref name="fosscompliance">{{cite web| title=Nest Learning Thermostat open source compliance | url=https://nest.com/legal/compliance/ | publisher=Nest.com | access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812095104/https://nest.com/legal/compliance/ |archive-date=12 August 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> televisions (Samsung and LG [[Smart TV]]s use [[Tizen]] and [[WebOS]], respectively),<ref name="Linux Smart TVs">{{cite web | title = Linux continues advance in smart TV market | url = http://linuxgizmos.com/linux-continues-advance-in-smart-tv-market/ | website = linuxgizmos.com | author = Eric Brown | date = 29 March 2019 | access-date = 15 May 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Sony Open Source Code Distribution Service | url = http://products.sel.sony.com/opensource/ | publisher = Sony Electronics | access-date = 8 October 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111004171109/http://products.sel.sony.com/opensource/ | archive-date = 4 October 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Sharp Liquid Crystal Television Instruction Manual | url = http://files.sharpusa.com/Downloads/ForHome/HomeEntertainment/LCDTVs/Manuals/Archive/tel_man_LC32_37_42HT3U.pdf | publisher = Sharp Electronics | access-date = 8 October 2011 | page = 24 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120111111044/http://files.sharpusa.com/Downloads/ForHome/HomeEntertainment/LCDTVs/Manuals/Archive/tel_man_LC32_37_42HT3U.pdf | archive-date = 11 January 2012 }}</ref> [[automobiles]] (for example, Tesla, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Toyota all rely on Linux),<ref name="Linux cars">{{cite web|title=It's a Linux-powered car world|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/its-a-linux-powered-car-world/|website=ZDNet|author=Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols|date=4 January 2019|access-date=15 May 2020}}</ref> [[digital video recorder]]s, [[video game console]]s, and [[smartwatch]]es.<ref name="LinuxDevices">{{cite web | url = httphttps://researcher.watson.ibm.com/researcher/view_group.php?id=6101 | title = Linux Watch (WatchPad) | access-date = 186 JuneFebruary 20152023 | lastwebsite = [[IBM Research]] | date = October 2001 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150618153004/http://researcher.watson.ibm.com/researcher/view_group.php?id=6101 | archive-date = 18 June 2015 }}</ref> The [[Falcon 9]]'s and the [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Dragon 2]]'s [[avionics]] use a customized version of Linux.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/google-amp/article/from-earth-to-orbit-with-linux-and-spacex/|title=From Earth to orbit with Linux and SpaceX &#124; ZDNet|website=www.zdnet.com[[ZDNet]]}}</ref>

Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free and open-source software collaboration. The [[source code]] may be used, modified and distributed commercially or non-commercially by anyone under the terms of its respective licenses, such as the [[GNU General Public License]].<ref name="what"/>

90% of all cloud infrastructure is powered by Linux including supercomputers and cloud providers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=90% of the Public Cloud Runs on Linux|url=https://mobile.developer.com/daily_news/90-of-the-public-cloud-runs-on-linux.html|access-date=18 October 2020|website=mobile.developer.com|date=25 October 2017}}</ref> 74% of smartphones in the world are Linux-based.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/worldwide|title=Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide|website=StatCounter Global Stats|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201011012110/https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/worldwide|archive-date= 11 October 2020|url-status= live}}</ref>

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===FreeBSD===

[[FreeBSD]] is a [[free and open-source]] [[Unix-like]] [[operating system]] descended from the [[Berkeley Software Distribution]] (BSD), which was based on [[Research Unix]]. The first version of FreeBSD was released in 1993. In 2005, FreeBSD was the most popular [[open-source software|open-source]] BSD operating system, accounting for more than three-quarters of all installed [[BSD licenses|simply, permissively licensed]] BSD systems.

FreeBSD has similarities with [[Linux]], with two major differences in scope and licensing:. First, FreeBSD maintains a complete system, i.e. the project delivers a [[kernel (computeroperating sciencesystem)|kernel]], [[device driver]]s, [[Userland (computing)|userland]] utilities, and [[documentation]], as opposed to Linux only delivering a kernel and drivers, and relying on third-parties for system software;and. Second, FreeBSD [[source code]] is generally released under a [[permissive software license|permissive]] [[FreeBSD License|BSD license]], as opposed to the [[copyleft]] [[GPL]] used by Linux.

The FreeBSD project includes a [[computer security|security]] team overseeing all software shipped in the base distribution. A wide range of additional third-party [[application software|applications]] may be installed using the pkg [[package manager|package management system]] or [[FreeBSD Ports]], or by [[compiler|compiling]] source code.

Much of FreeBSD's [[codebase]] has become an integral part of other operating systems such as [[Darwin (operating system)|Darwin]] (the basis for [[macOS]], [[iOS]], [[iPadOS]], [[watchOS]], and [[tvOS]]), [[TrueNAS]] (an open-source [[network-attached storage|NAS]]/[[storage area network|SAN]] operating system), and the system software for the [[PlayStation 3]]<ref name="not-all-of-freebsd-ps3">{{cite mailing list|title = FreeBSD Handbook and PS3|url = https://lists.freebsd.org/pipermail/freebsd-doc/2013-December/022959.html|date = 17 December 2013|access-date = 22 January 2016|last = Rosenberg|first = Alex|mailing-list = freebsd-doc}}</ref> and [[PlayStation 4]] game consoles.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://doc.dl.playstation.net/doc/ps4-oss/ | title=Open Source Software used in PlayStation®4 | publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment | access-date=4 January 2019 }}</ref>

==Google ChromeOS==

'''ChromeOS''' (formerly '''Chrome OS''',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://9to5google.com/2022/03/15/google-prepares-chromeos-rebrand-to-drop-the-space/ |title=Google prepares &#039;'ChromeOS&#039;' rebrand to drop the space |last=Bradshaw |first=Kyle |date=15 March 2022 |website=9to5Google |publisher=[[9to5Mac]] |access-date=21 March 2022 |quote=Google changes approximately 1,000 instances of “Chrome OS” in the code – from text visible to Chromebook owners to internal comments only seen by developers – to “ChromeOS.”}}</ref> sometimes styled as '''chromeOS''') is a [[Gentoo Linux]]-based [[operating system]] designed by Google. It is derived from the [[free software]] [[ChromiumOS]] and uses the [[Google Chrome]] web browser as its principal [[user interface]]. However, ChromeOS is [[proprietary software]].

Google announced the project in July 2009, conceiving it as an operating system in which both applications and user data reside in the [[Cloud computing|cloud]]: hence ChromeOS primarily runs [[web application]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.chromium.org/chromium-os/chromiumos-design-docs/chromium-os-kernel|title = Kernel Design|website = The Chromium Projects}}</ref> Source code and a public demo came that November. The first ChromeOS laptop, known as a [[Chromebook]], arrived in May 2011. Initial Chromebook shipments from [[Samsung Electronics|Samsung]] and [[Acer Inc.|Acer]] occurred in July 2011.

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ChromeOS has an integrated media player and [[file manager]]. It supports [[Google Chrome App|Chrome Apps]], which resemble native applications, as well as [[Remote computer|remote access]] to the desktop. Reception was initially skeptical, with some observers arguing that a browser running on any operating system was functionally equivalent{{Citation needed|reason=unverified claim|date=October 2020}}. As more ChromeOS machines have entered the market, the operating system is now seldom evaluated apart from the hardware that runs it.

[[Android (operating system)|Android]] applications started to become available for the operating system in 2014, and in 2016, access to Android apps in [[Google Play]]'s entirety was introduced on supported ChromeOS devices. Support for a Linux terminal and applications, known as Project Crostini,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromiumos/docs/+/master/containers_and_vms.md|title=Chromium OS Docs – Running Custom Containers Under Chrome OS|website=chromium.googlesource.com}}</ref> was released to the stable channel in ChromeOS 69. This was made possible via a lightweight Linux kernel that runs containers inside a [[virtual machine]].

ChromeOS is only available pre-installed on hardware from Google manufacturing partners, but there are unofficial methods that allow it to be installed in other equipment.<ref>{{Cite web|title = 5 Best Chrome OS unofficial forks for your regular computer| url = https://quickfever.com/chrome-os-for-pc/|website = quickfever.com|access-date = 20 December 2018}}</ref> Its [[Open-source software|open-source]] upstream, [[ChromiumOS]], can be [[compiled]] from downloaded [[source code]]. Early on, Google provided design goals for ChromeOS, but has not otherwise released a technical description.

==See also==

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* [[Hypervisor]]

* [[Interruptible operating system]]

* [[List of important publications in computer science#Operating systems|List of important publications in operating systems]]

* [[List of operating systems]]

* [[List of pioneers in computer science]]

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{{Reflist}}

==Nav boxes==

{{Operating system}}

{{Systems science}}