TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM: UNIX:

Advantages

Full multitasking with protected memory. Multiple users can run multiple programs each at the same time without interfering with each other or crashing the system. Very efficient virtual memory, so many programs can run with a modest amount of physical memory. Access controls and security. All users must be authenticated by a valid account and password to use the system at all. All files are owned by particular accounts. The owner can decide whether others have read or write access to his files. A rich set of small commands and utilities that do specific tasks well -- not cluttered up with lots of special options. Unix is a well-stocked toolbox, not a giant do-it-all Swiss Army Knife. Ability to string commands and utilities together in unlimited ways to accomplish more complicated tasks -- not limited to preconfigured combinations or menus, as in personal computer systems. A powerfully unified file system. Everything is a file: data, programs, and all physical devices. Entire file system appears as a single large tree of nested directories, regardless of how many different physical devices (disks) are included. A lean kernel that does the basics for you but doesn't get in the way when you try to do the unusual. Available on a wide variety of machines - the most truly portable operating system. Optimized for program development, and thus for the unusual circumstances that are the rule in research.

Disadvantages

The traditional command line shell interface is user hostile -- designed for the programmer, not the casual user. Commands often have cryptic names and give very little response to tell the user what they are doing. Much use of special keyboard characters - little typos have unexpected results. To use Unix well, you need to understand some of the main design features. Its power comes from knowing how to make commands and programs interact with each other, not just from treating each as a fixed black box. Richness of utilities (over 400 standard ones) often overwhelms novices. Documentation is short on examples and tutorials to help you figure out how to use the many tools provided to accomplish various kinds of tasks.

Main Features of UNIX

Multi-user -more than one user can use the machine at a time supported via terminals (serial or network connection) Multi-tasking -more than one program can be run at a time Hierarchical directory structure-to support the organization and maintenance of files Portability-only the kernel ( <10%) written in assembler tools for program development a wide range of support tools (debuggers, compilers)

LINUX:
Advantages
Stability If you have used other operating systems, once you have made the switch to Linux, you will notice that Linux has an edge over Windows here. I can remember rebooting Windows many times over the years, because an application crashed, and I couldn't continue working. Linux can crash also, but it is much harder to do. If an application crashes in Linux, it will usually not harm the kernel or other processes. Free Software Most software can be obtained without cost for Linux. For example, one thing that has kept people from Linux is the lack of office software. That has changed with Open Office, and now you can edit documents and presentations from the popular Microsoft software. The conversion isn't 100% perfect, but it has worked remarkably well in allowing me to correspond and use documents that people send me via e-mail or the web. Runs on old hardware If you have an old 386 or 486 laying around collecting dust, you can use this to run Linux. I remember running Linux just fine on a Pentium 100 with a 1 GB disk drive, and 16 MB of memory. One use of an old machine like that could be a file server. Just go to your computer store, buy a large hard disk (as long as your old stuff can support it), and you can make a great storage server. With all the digital pictures and movies around today, this could be a great use for Linux. Look into using Samba, a server application for Linux that allows you to make your machine share the disk as a Windows share. Security Linux has the advantage of the code being in the public domain. This can be a doubleedged sword; while you can look at the code, and developers can fix holes rapidly, it also means hackers can find bad code. I have been very impressed with the security of Linux, and the programs that run on it. I think having the code out in the open, and the ability to fix things yourself if necessary is a big plus. Who likes to work blind? With some distributions, on installation the computer will ask you what levels of security you would like for your system. You can be very trusting, or you can be paranoid. Linux gives you this flexiblity.

Disadvantages
Learning curve I won't lie to you; Linux is going to take some time to learn. I know that our society likes to be instantly gratified. Learning Linux is definitely worth your time, but to really master it, you will need to spend some good time in front of your machine tinkering with things. Don't expect to be an expert after reading something like "Linux for Dummies". If you are contemplating this for your company, you will need to budget some money for training and learning time.

Equivalent programs while I gave the example before of an office suite of programs that is working well, there are still applications that do not exist in Linux. Thankfully, this list has become much narrower in recent months. You will want to think carefully when you switch to Linux about what programs you currently use, and if they have Linux support for them. It may not make sense for you to switch if you are going to spend tons of time converting databases and application data. More technical ability needed you will want to make sure that you train someone in Linux really well. Alternately, you could hire someone who has experience with Linux. A good Linux administrator needs to be on hand as you start to migrate your systems over. This is a disadvantage financially, at least in the beginning. You may find over time, however, that you only need a temporary administrator to handle the routine tasks. Not all hardware compatible some of the latest and greatest hardware that is being produced is not compatible with Linux. At least, not yet. The people that contribute program code and drivers to the Linux kernel are great at including support fairly quickly. Until that time, not everything you buy for hardware in your system may work. I've had to rely on third-party drivers and other means to make hardware like a new Ethernet card work. Eventually, the support will be built in. One thing you can do is before your purchase, ask if the hardware vendor has support for Linux. Some manufacturers do write their own Linux drivers and distribute them with your purchase, making it very easy to integrate with your existing system.

Main Features of LINUX

Linux has evolved to have the following features as an outstanding operating system which is strong in security and networking. Multitasking: Several programs can run at the same time. Multiuser: Several users can logon to the same machine at the same time There is no need to have separate user licenses. Multiplatform: Linux runs on many different CPUs, that means it supports multiprocessor machine. Multithreading: Linux has native kernel support for multiple independent threads of control within a single process memory space. Crash proof: Linux has memory protection between processes, so that one program can't bring the whole system down. Demand loads executables: Linux only reads from those parts of a program that are actually used on the disk.

WINDOWS:
Advantages
1.Microsoft has made several advancements and changes that have made it a much easier to use Operating System, and although arguably it may not be the easiest Operating System, it is still Easier than Linux. 2. Because of the large amount of Microsoft Windows users, there is a much larger selection of available software programs, utilities, and games for Windows. 3. Microsoft Windows includes its own help section, has vast amount of available online documentation and help, as well as books on each of the versions of Windows.

Disadvantages
1.Microsoft Windows can run between $50.00 - $150.00 US dollars per each license copy. 2. Although Microsoft Windows has made great improvements in reliability over the last few versions of Windows, it still cannot match the reliability of Linux. 3. Although Windows does have software programs, utilities, and games for free, the majority of the programs will cost anywhere between $20.00 - $200.00+ US dollars per copy. 4. Although Microsoft has made great improvements over the years with security on their Operating System, their Operating System continues to be the most vulnerable to viruses and other attacks.

Main Features of WINDOWS

Windows Easy Transfer One of the first things you might want to do is transfer your files and settings from your old computer. You can do this using an Easy Transfer Cable, CDs or DVDs, a USB flash drive, a network folder, or an external hard disk. You can transfer almost everything from your old computer to the new one. User accounts, Files and Folders, Program Settings, Internet Settings and Favorites, E-mail settings, contacts and messages. Windows Anytime Upgrade This features of an Windows Operating System allows you to upgrade to any higher windows version available at the time of upgrade, so you can take advantage of enhanced digital entertainment and other features. Windows anytime upgrade helps you compare features in each Windows 7 edition and walks you through the upgrade process. (Windows 7 being the latest Operating system currently available for all the user worldwide). This Upgrade will cost you the amount of which edition you are upgrading to. Windows Basics If you are new to Windows or want to refresh your knowledge about areas such as security or working with digital pictures, these articles will help you to get started. Here you can learn how to help keep your computer more secure, work with digital pictures, use the mouse and keyboard, work with files and programs, use email, connect to and explore the internet and many more. A new user can even see video or animated pictures that will explain the working of the windows operating system and will show you step by step instructions in order to configure your pc according to your desires.

Searching and Organizing Most folders in Windows have a search box in the upper- right corner. To find a file in a folder, type and part of the file name in the search box. You can also use this feature when you don't know where a files is located or when you want to do an advanced search. Since its will be an indexed searching the results will be very quick will be very close to your search entries.

APPLE:
Advantages
Smoother operating system, Apple does not just make their software but it makes its hardware (the computers body) unlike most companies, which makes it run more smoothly than other devices. Also you can run multiple operating systems on a Mac such as windows so, if you choose, you can install windows XP or 7 and run whatever you want on that at the same time that you have Snow Leopard running. Disadvantages Can't run programs built for windows on the operating system native to Mac(Snow leppord) and Apple has very expensive computers

MS-DOS:
Advantages
1. DOS is very lightweight and it allows direct access to most hardware. 2. It does not have the overhead of a multitasking operating system.

Disadvantages
1. It is 16-bit and limited to 640k of RAM (this can be overcome with a DOS extender) 2.It runs in real mode, so a buggy or malicious program can cause corruption. 3. Its a Single User OS (One User can Work at a time) 4. Its a Single Tasking OS (One application can run at a time) 5. It does not support Graphics 6. It does not support Networking 7. We can only make 2GB of Maximum partition as it supports only FAT 16

Main Features of MS-DOS

1. Single user. 2. Single tasking 3. Not supports networking 4. Supports only character line interface (CLI). 5. Simplicity and transparency.