Before we start with network basics we need to understand operating systems.
An operating system (OS) is the software that manages computer hardware and provides services for programs. It acts as an intermediary between applications and the hardware. This tutorial introduces the core concepts of operating systems and how they relate to networking and computing.
Step 1: What is an Operating System?
An OS is system software that manages:
- Hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage)
- System processes and multitasking
- User interfaces (CLI/GUI)
- Security, permissions, and user access
Step 2: Key Functions of an OS
- Process Management: Runs and schedules tasks (apps, services).
- Memory Management: Allocates RAM to running programs efficiently.
- File System: Organizes and stores files on disks.
- Device Management: Interfaces with input/output devices (keyboards, printers, etc.).
- Networking: Provides TCP/IP stack and manages network connections.
Step 3: Types of Operating Systems
- Desktop OS: Windows, macOS, Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora).
- Server OS: Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Debian.
- Embedded OS: Used in routers, IoT, ATMs (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS).
Step 4: Popular OS Kernels
The kernel is the core of the OS, responsible for communicating with hardware:
- Monolithic Kernel: Linux, Unix
- Microkernel: MINIX, QNX
- Hybrid Kernel: Windows NT, macOS XNU
Step 5: OS and Networking
Operating systems handle:
- IP addressing and routing
- Network configuration (e.g., DHCP, DNS)
- Firewall rules and packet filtering
- Socket-level communication for applications
Step 6: Command-Line Interfaces
Examples of basic CLI commands:
# List files
ls
# Check IP address
ip a (Linux) / ipconfig (Windows)
# View running processes
top (Linux) / tasklist (Windows)
Next Steps
Explore the structure of your current OS. Learn how it handles networking, users, and permissions. Understanding operating systems is essential for development, security, and systems administration.