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Operating Systems An operating system is the program, which task is to manage all the application programs in a computer system. This also includes managing the input and output devices, and assigning system resources. Operating systems evolved as the solution to the problems that were evident in early computer systems, and coincide with the changing computer systems. Three cycles are clear in the evolution of computers, the mainframe computers, minicomputers and microcomputers, and each of these stages influenced the development of operating systems. Today, the development of software and hardware technologies have resulted in an increased demand for more sophisticated and powerful operating systems, with each new generation able to handle and perform different and more complex tasks. The following essay examines the development of operating systems, and the technology influence on the evolution of existing operating systems.
General Motors designed the first operating system called IBM 701. It was called input / output System, and consisted of a small set of code that provided a common set of procedures to be used to access the input and output devices. It also allowed each program to access the code when finished and accepted and loaded the next program. However, there was a need to improve the sharing of programs, which led to the development of the SOS (Share Operating System), in 1959. The SOS provided buffer management and supervision for I/O devices as well as support for programming in assembly language. Around the same time as SOS was being developed, the first operating system to support programming in a high-level language was achieved.
FMS (Fortran Monitoring System) incorporated a translator for IBM's FORTRAN language, which was widely used as most programs where written in this language. In the late 1960 's IBM created the System/ 360, which was a series of software compatible computers ranging in different power of performance and price. The machines had the same architecture and instruction set, which allowed programs written for one machine to be executed on another. The operating system required to run on this family of computers has to be able to work on all models, be backward compatible and be able to run on both small and large systems.
In the mid- 1980 's, networks of personal computers had increased a great deal, requiring a new type of operating system. The OS had to be able to manage remote and local hardware and software, file sharing and protection, among other things. Two types of systems were introduced, the network operating system in which users can copy from one station to another, and the distributed operating system, in which the computer appears to be a uni-processor system, even though it is actually running programs and storing files in a remote location. One of the best known network operating system for a distributed network is the Network File System (NFS), which was originally designed by Sun Microsystems, for use on UNIX based machines. An important feature of the NFS is its ability to support different type of computers. This allowed a machine running NFS to communicate with an IBM compatible machine running MS-DOS, which was an important addition to networking computing.
In 1983, Microsoft Corporation introduced the MSX-DOS, an operating system for MSX microcomputers that can run 8 -bit Microsoft software including the languages BASIC, COBOL- 80, and FORTRAN- 80, and Multiple. Todays information systems greatly depend on the operating systems and are both technical and social in nature. Management must understand the importance of information within the organization. It is managements job to understand how information is collected, processed, and distributed. Our lives are all extremely affected by information systems and must be willing to understand and work with them. The global economy does not allow us to depend on face-to-face transactions like in the 1980 s.
Today, few managers can ignore the importance and impact of how information is handled by their organization. Information systems play a critical role in todays business organization and society (London 5). Globalization of the worlds industrial economies greatly enhances the value of information to the firm and offers new opportunities to businesses. Today, information systems provide the communication and analytic power that firms need to conduct trades and manage businesses on a global scale.
Globalization and information technology also brings new threats to domestic business firms. This is brought on by the customers ability to shop in a worldwide marketplace, obtaining the price and quality information reliably, 24 hours a day. The worldwide market place brings competition to a higher level than ever before, forcing all businesses to play a part in this global economy. In order to become a profitable player in a worldwide market firms, need powerful information and communication systems (5). Many countries are experiencing the third economic revolution. These countries include the United States, Japan, Germany and other major industrial powers.
This revolution, which is now in progress, is transforming itself into knowledge and information based service economy. In a knowledge and information based economy, information technology and systems take on great importance. For instance, information technology constitutes for more than 70 percent of the invested capital in service industries like finance, insurance, and real estate. This means that managers decisions about information technology will be the most common investment decision (7). Productivity of employees depends greatly on the quality of information systems serving them.
Management decisions about information technology are critically important to the survival of a firm. Consider also that the growing power of information technology makes possible new services of great economic value. Consider that credit cards, overnight package delivery, and worldwide reservation systems are examples of services that are based on new information technologies. Information systems have many uses.
They not only help you track inventory but also help you make decisions on where to open another store and assist in forecasting how much money it will cost to maintain it (7). There are six major types of information systems. The first is the Executive Support Systems (ESS). This strategic level system allows senior managers to tackle and address five-year trends, operating plans, budget forecasting, profit planning, and work force planning. The second is Management Information Systems (MIS).
This is a management system and is directed at middle managers in assisting them make decisions on sales management, inventory control, annual budgeting, and capital investment analysis. Another management level system is the Decision Support System (DSS) and is directed at middle managers. This system is directed for the managers that are crippled by their, Paralysis of Analysis. The fourth and fifth, are knowledge level systems called Knowledge Work Systems (KWS) and Office Automation Systems (OAS) directed at knowledge and data workers. The KWS is a system that assists highly educated professional and technical staff. This system is used as engineering, graphics, and managerial workstations.
The OAS is used for word processing, image storage, and electronic calendars. This system is directed toward clerical workers. The last system is an operational level system called Transaction Processing Systems (TPS) directed towards operational personnel and supervisors. This system has many uses.
The TPS is used for order tracking, order processing, machine control, plant scheduling, material movement control, securities trading, cash management, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, compensation, Training and development, and employee recordkeeping. There are many examples of how information systems not only benefit the investor but also the customer (19). For example, UPS competes globally with information technology. UPS delivers over three billion packages a day to more than 185 countries. None of this would be possible without an accurate information system. UPS has invested 1 to 1. 8 billion dollars on information technology alone from 1992 to 1996.
This technology has helped UPS boost customer service while keeping costs low and streamlining its overall operations. UPS does this by using a hand-held computer called a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD). UPS drivers automatically capture customers signatures along with pickup, delivery, and timecard information on these computers. These computers are then placed into an adapter attached to each UPS truck. The adapters then transmit to the main UPS computer network through cellular access.
From the main computer network any information can be accessed (Wilson). Through Total Track, its automated package tracking system, UPS can monitor packages throughout the delivery process. Throughout the process, packages are scanned at each stop using bar codes. The information is then fed into a central computer.
This allows the customers to search for any package using a package tracking software supplied by UPS. Presently anyone can find out the status of his or her package by accessing the UPS website. It is easy to see how information systems have helped UPS succeed (Wilson). Another example on the critical role of information systems is Baxter Internationals stockiness inventory and ordering system. This information system locks in customers and satisfaction. Participating hospitals become unwilling to switch to another supplier because of the systems convenience and low cost.
Baxter Healthcare International Inc. supplies nearly two-thirds of all products used by United States hospitals. It uses an information system originally developed by American Hospital Supply Corporation. Buying this system has made Baxter a full line supplier for all hospital needs (Removing the Warehouse). Baxter has gone one-step further by giving all the buyers a computer to connect directly to their main network.
Customers no longer have to call to place an order; all that is required is to use the on-site computer to view and order from the catalog. The system generates shipping, billing, invoicing, and inventory information. In addition, the on site computers provide customers with an estimated time of delivery. Because Baxter has over 80 distribution centers in the U. S. , customers often receive orders within hours of placing the order (Removing the Warehouse). The system used by Baxter is similar to the just-in-time delivery systems developed in Japan and now being used in the American automobile industry.
Baxter has even gone one-step further by eliminating the need for delivery personnel to drop off their carts at the loading dock, which is then placed in a hospital storeroom. Instead, they deliver orders directly to the hospital corridors, dropping them at nursing stations, operating rooms, and stock closets. This essentially has created a stockiness inventory since Baxter serves as the hospitals warehouse. A stockiness inventory greatly reduces the hospitals need for storage space and personnel. It also lowers holding and handling costs significantly. This...
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Research essay sample on Input And Output Operating Systems
