Qualification:
Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ)
Unit:
F160: Fundamentals of Application Development
Certificate:
Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129)
1.2 - Operating Systems
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Network Operating System
Open Operating System
Proprietary Operating System
An operating system is software that manages the resources of a computer system, such as memory, users and files. It also provides a user interface so that humans can interact with the device's hardware.
An operating system allows application software to be opened and run.
Network Operating System (NOS)
A network operating system (NOS) is software that manages network resources and allows computers to communicate over a network.
Characteristics of a Network Operating System
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Allows for the centralised management of users, data and security across multiple devices on a network.
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Enables resources such as files, applications and printers to be shared over the network.
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Manages user authentication and permissions control.
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Oversees remote access and system monitoring tools.
The main type of device that uses a NOS is a server. Other devices, such as desktops or laptops, connect to the server to access shared resources. Windows Server is an example of a popular NOS.
Advantages of a Network Operating System
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Administrators can manage users, files and security on a network from one central location.
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Resources such as files, printer access and applications can be shared across the network.
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Access levels can be controlled and user authentication helps protect data.
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An NOS is scalable - more devices and users can be added as needed.
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Central servers managed by a NOS make it easier to back up and restore important files.
Disadvantages of a Network Operating System
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Purchasing a NOS and maintaining the servers it runs on can be expensive.
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Setup and management is complex and may require skilled administrators.
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If the main server running the NOS fails, connected computers may lose access to resources.
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Heavy traffic or poor configuration could slow the network down.
Who uses a Network Operating System?
Application developers can use a NOS to build, test and manage apps that work across networks, such as web applications, multiplayer games or cloud tools.
This type of operating system is also used by organisations that need to manage multiple devices, users and resources efficiently across a network, such as a small business or a school.
Open Operating System
An open operating system is open-source, meaning its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify and distribute.
Source code is the original set of instructions written by a programmer using a high-level language such as Python, Java or C++.
Characteristics of an Open Operating System
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Users have access to the source code and can see how the OS works.
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The source code can be modified to suit the specific needs of the user.
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Development and maintenance may be led by an online community.
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An open OS is usually free with no licensing costs for most versions.
Linux is an example of an open operating system. Android is technically an open-source OS, but most commercial Android devices (like Google Pixel phones) include proprietary components (like Google Docs or Gmail), which makes the full system not completely open source.
Advantages of an Open Operating System
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It is usually free to use, modify and distribute the source code.
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Because the source code can be seen and modified, this type of OS is flexible and customisable.
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There may be updates from an online community maintaining and improving the software.
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Promotes experimentation to learn how systems work and try new ideas.
Disadvantages of an Open Operating System
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Programming knowledge and skills are required to modify the source code.
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There may be security risks if someone edits the source code and redistributes it with malicious code.
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There will be less official support compared to a proprietary operating system.
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Some proprietary applications (like Microsoft Access for databases) will only work on a proprietary OS (like Windows).
Who uses an Open Operating System?
App developers would use an open OS when the device their application will be used on is not tied to a specific proprietary system (like Windows or MacOS).
For example, a charity making a free educational app for developing countries would choose an open OS so it can run on low-cost, older smartphones. It can be customised and tested on a range of devices.
Applications for specific single-purpose systems would also use an open OS, such as an information terminal in a museum. Linux could be used to develop a simple user interface and remove unnecessary features.
Proprietary Operating System
A proprietary operating system is software that is owned by a company or individual and the source code is not accessible for users to view, modify or distribute. Users must typically buy a licence or agree to the terms of use.
Characteristics of a Proprietary Operating System
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The source code is hidden from the user and cannot be legally modified.
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A paid licence or subscription is usually required to use the software.
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It may be maintained and updated by the developer(s) who own it.
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Only the developer controls updates and the features that are added or fixed.
Examples include Microsoft Windows (e.g. Windows 11), macOS (for Apple desktops and MacBooks), iOS (for iPhones) and iPadOS for iPads).
Advantages of a Proprietary Operating System
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There is an expectation that it is user-friendly and has been well tested.
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There may be official support and regular updates for improvements and bug removal.
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A proprietary OS has a high compatibility with proprietary software such as Microsoft Office or Adobe editing apps.
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The OS is expected to be stable and secure, with access restricted to system files.
Disadvantages of a Proprietary Operating System
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A paid licence to use the OS is often required, which may be expensive.
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There is limited customisation for users as the source code cannot be seen or modified.
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Users rely on the vendor (developer) for updates and bug fixes.
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Some proprietary OS are designed to only work on specific hardware (such as iOS only working on iPhones).
Who uses a Proprietary Operating System?
App developers will need to use a proprietary OS if they are developing applications for a device that requires a specific proprietary OS, for example if they are creating a game for iPhones, they will need to use iOS.
A company designing a finance application on desktops with Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel must use a proprietary OS like Windows so that it can be integrated with these other types of proprietary applications.
Questo's Questions
1.2 - Operating Systems:
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1. What is an operating system? [2]
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2. For each of the three types of operating systems, create a poster, information sheet or factfile which includes the following information:
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Characteristics
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Example of how it could be used
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[10 per OS]