Comparison of user features of operating systems: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|none}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}

'''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.

{{As of|20232024|JanuaryJune}}, the dominant general-purpose desktop operating system is [[Microsoft Windows]] with a market share of around 7472.1491%. [[macOS]] by [[Apple Inc.]] is in second place (1514.3393%), and the varieties of [[Linux]] are collectively in third place (24.9104%).<ref name="statcounter-desktop">{{cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide/#monthly-202301-202301-bar|title=Desktop Operating System Market Share Worldwide|access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> In the [[Mobile operating system|mobile]] sector, including both smartphones and [[Tablet computer|tablets]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] is dominant with a market share of 71%, followed by Apple's [[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=6 February 2023|website=StatCounter Global Stats}}</ref> for smartphones alone, Android has 72% and iOS has 28%.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/worldwide/#monthly-202301-202301-bar|access-date=6 February 2023|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. USB stick).

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===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 systems 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 distributions. | 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 | publisher = Medium| access-date = 6 February 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>

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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=https://www.tecmint.com/linux-distributions/|title=10 Most Used Linux Distributions of All Time|website=TecMint|date=26 May 2021 |access-date=6 February 2023}}</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 (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 on [[smartphone]]s, {{as of|2023|January|lc=y}}, Linux also has the largest [[installed base]] of all [[general-purpose operating system]]s.<ref name="statcounter-os" /><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 2.9 percent of [[desktop computer]]s,<ref name="statcounter-desktop" /> 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 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=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2766282/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 |access-date=6 February 2023}}</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 systems, 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]] (such 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 = https://researcher.watson.ibm.com/researcher/view_group.php?id=6101 | title = Linux Watch (WatchPad) | access-date = 6 February 2023 | website = [[IBM Research]]}}</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"/>

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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]]