The Evolution of Operating Systems: Managing and Organizing Complex Computer Functionality


Operating systems play an influential role in computer interactions. Simple computer interface interactions, such as displaying icons on a desktop, providing folders to store files, and enabling an easy-to-use start menu to navigate systems, all run on the user interface created by the operating system. The operating system loads and runs user software, such as the web browser, a favorite game, or word processors. Without an operating system, users would lose the ability to switch between programs and run multiple programs at once. The operating system allows these seamless operations to exist by ensuring the CPU, memory, and storage efficiently run processes and effectively store data on the hard drive. The operating system decides which users access the computer system and facilitates organized file management to allow users to focus on the task at hand instead of backend processes.

Background Information

Early batch processing systems emerged in the late 1940s and used punched cards to automate the processing of tasks in batches. Before batch processing systems, computer operators manually reconfigured the computer for each task. By allowing a sequential execution of multiple tasks through the submission of batches of punched cards to be processed by a computer operator in groups, computers began to evolve into becoming the independent,  interactive, user-friendly GUI-based systems we have today.

Time-Sharing Systems. Time-sharing systems emerged in the 1960s and allowed multiple users to access the same computer’s resources, such as the processor, memory, and storage, simultaneously. Before time-sharing systems, users had to submit tasks in batches and wait for them to be processed. Time-sharing systems facilitate multiple batches running at the same time.  By allowing users to effectively share resources, computer technologies began to evolve into becoming the user-friendly, shared cloud solutions we have today.

Multiprogramming and Networked Operating Systems. Multiprogramming in the 1950s paved the road for complex networked operating systems by allowing simultaneous processes to run in memory, which eventually led to network communication while users interacted with an application in real-time. Networked operating systems emerged in the 1980s and allowed for distributed computing by facilitating communication between computers over networks. Before networked operating systems, computers lacked the ability to easily communicate and share data across multiple computers. By allowing users to communicate over networks, computer technologies began to evolve into the internet networking environment we daily across industries to facilitate communication, collaboration, and the exchange of information.

Mobile Operating Systems. Mobile operating systems emerged in the 1990s and transformed computing into an integrated part of our daily lives. Before mobile operating systems, computer systems took up a lot of space and were difficult to use in different locations. By allowing users to carry their mobile operating systems throughout their day–to–day lives, computer technologies began to evolve into the interconnected system we rely on to perform daily activities across industries today.

AI-powered Operating Systems of Tomorrow

The future of  Artificial Intelligence could transform operating systems into automated, voice-activated operating systems that alter the user interface based on the desired tasks.  Artificial Intelligence holds the power to create an immersive, inclusive, interactive Operating System functionality that allows individuals with disabilities to access systems and interact with industries across the web. Accessibility severely limits networking, educational, and career opportunities when users require the explicit use of a mouse and keyboard when they could explicitly communicate over voice. In an interconnected world, individuals who require small accommodations to interact with the world in a meaningful way significantly benefit from the use of AI. In these situations, AI becomes that tool that removes limitations and encourages personal growth regardless of accessibility. AI-powered operating systems hold the key to dramatically enhance and transform assisted devices to empower individuals from all walks of life. In this beautiful world, Artificial Intelligence levels the playing field and provides one-on-one accommodations to increase workflow and standardize human and computer interactions.

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