What is Operating System - Eligibility, Courses, Fees, Syllabus, Job Profile

An operating system (OS) is the most important software that runs on a computer. It is system software that manages computer hardware and other software and acts as a bridge between hardware, software and the user. Several computer programs run simultaneously most of the time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to ensure each program runs properly. It also allows users to communicate with the computer and its peripheral devices. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

With the increasing reliance on technology across all sectors, the demand for advanced and specialised operating systems is expected to rise, highlighting the critical role these systems play in the digital age.

Operating System Course Highlights

Particulars	Details
Course Level	Certificate, UG Diploma and PG Diploma
Duration	Certificate: 1month-12months UG Diploma: 6-8 months PG Diploma: 2 years
Admission Process	Direct enrollment
Course Fee	Certificate: Up to INR 20,000 UG Diploma: INR 15,000-50,000 PG Diploma: INR 30,000-70,000
Average Salary	Certificate: INR 2-3 Lakh UG Diploma: INR 3-8 lakh PG Diploma: INR 5- 9 lakh
Top Career Prospects	Software Developer, Data Analyst, Cyber Security expert
Top Recruiters	Microsoft, Google, Apple, IBM, Red Hat, Cisco

Current Trends in the Operating System Industry

Current trends in the operating system industry are significantly influenced by technological advancements, changes in user behaviour, and the evolving needs of both consumer and enterprise markets. Key trends such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the adoption of cloud computing, the rise of edge computing, and the increasing focus on security and privacy are shaping the future of operating systems. 

• As of January 2024, Android's operating system market has a 41.61% share, followed by Windows at 29.02%, and iOS trailing closely. 
• Future operating systems are expected to offer enhanced support for AR and VR technologies. By providing optimised environments for these applications, operating systems will enable immersive experiences across various sectors, including gaming, education, and healthcare.
• The Linux ecosystem is witnessing significant developments, focusing on Linux-based hardware innovation, such as the increasing popularity of Chromebooks and Raspberry Pi devices.

Why Learn Operating Systems in 2024?

Learning operating systems in 2024 is crucial for several reasons, reflecting the evolving landscape of technology and its increasing impact on both the professional and personal spheres. 

• Operating systems are the foundation of computer science and essential for branching into software development, network security, and architecture.
• Fusing AI, ML, IoT, and cloud computing with operating systems demands skilled professionals to drive efficiency, security, and innovation.
• Mastery of operating systems is crucial for cybersecurity experts to defend against complex threats and secure digital assets.
• The expansion of IoT and edge computing elevates the importance of operating systems capable of real-time data processing on resource-constrained devices.
•  Operating systems are pivotal in our technology-driven world, empowering individuals to contribute to and thrive in the global tech economy.

Relevance of Learning Operating Systems in 2024

In 2024, learning operating systems is more relevant than ever due to the evolving technological landscape and its deep integration into every aspect of digital life. As the backbone of all computing devices, operating systems enable the functionality of software and hardware and play a critical role in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and the development of emerging technologies like AI and IoT. Understanding operating systems is fundamental for professionals aiming to excel in various tech-related fields, offering a gateway to innovation.

How to Learn and Excel in Operating Systems Strategically?

Here are a few steps to consider when you want to learn and excel in operating systems.

Fundamental Concepts of Operating Systems

Concept	Description
Process Management	Involves creating, scheduling, and terminating processes. It ensures efficient process execution, including process synchronisation and communication.
Memory Management	Manages the allocation and deallocation of memory space. Includes techniques for memory allocation, paging, segmentation, and handling of physical and virtual memory.
File System Management	Handles the creation, deletion, reading, and writing of files. It also manages directories and keeps track of information like file location and permissions.
I/O System Management	Oversees input/output operations and related devices. It includes drivers and buffers to manage data transfer between hardware and applications.
Security and Protection	Ensure system integrity by managing access control, implementing authentication measures, and protecting against unauthorised access and vulnerabilities.
Networking	(In networked operating systems) Manages networking functions such as communication protocols, data transmission, and network device control.
User Interface	Provides interfaces for user interaction with the computer, which can be graphical (GUI) or command-line-based (CLI).
Multitasking and Concurrency	Enables the execution of multiple processes simultaneously and manages allocating resources to these processes to ensure efficient operation.

Top Online Operating System Courses

Course Name	Provider	Duration (Approx)
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) & Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)	Red Hat	Flexible
Linux System Administration with IBM Power Systems	Coursera	14 Hours
Intro to Operating Systems 4: Persistence	Coursera	10 Hours
Securing Linux Systems	Coursera	13 Hours

Minimum Eligibility for Enrolling in Online Operating System Courses

The basic eligibility requirements to pursue Operating System courses are:

• Certificate: Students must have passed class 10 or above. Candidates must have basic knowledge of computers.
• UG Diploma: Students must have passed class 12 or above. Candidates must have basic knowledge of computers.
• PG Diploma: Students must have passed a bachelor’s degree with computers as a subject

Who Should Go For Online Operating System Courses?

Individuals who may benefit from online operating system courses include

• Computer Science Students
• Software Developers
• IT Professionals
• System Administrators
• Network Engineers
• Cybersecurity Specialists,
• Data Scientists (who require knowledge of OS for computational resources),
• Embedded Systems Engineers,
• Tech Enthusiasts seeking to understand the backbone of computing devices
• Career Changers aiming to enter the tech field.

Syllabus for Online Operating System Courses

Module	Description
Introduction to OS	Basics of operating systems, history, and evolution
Processes and Threads	Process management, scheduling, synchronisation, inter-process communication
Memory Management	Virtual memory, paging, segmentation, memory allocation
File Systems	File system interface and implementation, directory structure, storage management
I/O Systems	I/O hardware, device management, drivers
Security and Protection	Security principles, authentication, encryption, access control
Advanced Topics	Distributed systems, virtualisation, cloud OS, real-time OS
Practical Assignments	Hands-on exercises using popular operating systems like Linux, Windows

Tools To Look Out in an Operating System Course

Getting hands-on experience with tools and environments that facilitate learning and applying concepts is crucial in an operating system course. Key tools to look out for include

• Virtualisation software (e.g., VMware, VirtualBox) for practising with different operating systems.
• Development environments (e.g., Visual Studio Code, Eclipse) for coding and script writing.
• Command line interfaces (CLI) like Bash for Linux/Unix and PowerShell for Windows.
• Networking tools for understanding OS networking capabilities.
• Security tools for learning about OS security features.
• Performance monitoring tools to learn about resource management and optimisation.

Top Operating System Colleges in India

Institution	Location(s)
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)	Mumbai, Delhi, Kanpur, Madras, Kharagpur, Roorkee, Guwahati, Hyderabad, etc.
National Institutes of Technology (NITs)	Trichy, Warangal, Surathkal, etc.
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS)	Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad
Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs)	Hyderabad, Allahabad, Bangalore, Jabalpur, etc.
Delhi Technological University (DTU)	Delhi
Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University	Varanasi
Anna University	Chennai
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)	Vellore, Chennai
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT)	Manipal

Which is More Suitable For You - Online Operating System Courses vs Offline Operating System Courses?

Choosing between online and offline operating system courses depends on your learning style, schedule flexibility, resource access, and personal or professional commitments. Here's a comparison to help determine which might be more suitable for you.

Aspect	Online Courses	Offline Courses
Flexibility	High flexibility with self-paced learning.	Fixed schedules and locations.
Accessibility	Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.	Requires physical presence at the course location.
Interaction	Limited direct interaction with instructors and peers.	Direct, immediate interaction with instructors and peers.
Networking Opportunities	Less frequent but possible through forums and virtual meetups.	Easier to build relationships through direct contact and group activities.
Cost	Often more affordable, with many free options available.	Generally more expensive due to the costs of facilities, materials, and staff.
Structure	Requires self-discipline and motivation to keep up.	A structured environment with a routine can enhance focus and commitment.
Technical Requirements	Need a reliable internet connection and specific software/hardware in some cases.	Access to lab facilities and equipment for hands-on learning.
Learning Environment	Virtual, requiring self-motivation and discipline.	Physical, offering a routine and potentially more engaging learning experience.
Course Variety	Wide range of courses available from global institutions.	Limited by geographical location and institution offerings.
Practical Experience	It may include simulations but lacks hands-on experience with physical equipment.	Direct access to physical lab facilities and equipment for practical experience.

Careers in Operating Systems in India

Careers in operating systems in India span various industries, including technology, finance, telecommunications, and government sectors. Professionals with expertise in operating systems are vital for developing, managing, and securing the IT infrastructure of organisations.

Future Growth Prospects in Operating Systems

• Future operating systems will seamlessly integrate with cloud services, enhancing storage, computing, and application accessibility.
• Operating systems will become more lightweight and efficient, designed for IoT devices and edge computing to process data closer to its source.
• Enhanced encryption, secure booting, and authentication methods will be central to OS development to combat sophisticated cyber threats.
• OS will offer optimised AI and ML workload support, including better algorithms and data processing resource management.
• The trend towards universal apps and operating systems that run seamlessly across various devices and platforms will continue to grow.
• Operating systems will focus on intuitive interfaces and improved accessibility features for a wider range of users.
• Features that reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable computing practices will be increasingly incorporated into OS designs.
• Operating systems will be developed as quantum computing evolves to manage quantum processors and facilitate quantum-classical integration.
• Enhanced management of virtual machines and containers will allow for scalable, flexible, and isolated application execution.

Top Job Titles in Operating Systems

Job Profile	Job Description	Annual Salary in INR
Software Developer	Responsible for software program design, development, and update.	5 lakh
Data Analyst	Analyses data to inform business decisions, identify trends, and improve outcomes.	4 to 5 lakh
Cyber Security Specialist	Identifies potential security threats to systems/software and develops solutions to mitigate these risks.	6 to 9 lakh
System Administrator	Manages and maintains an organisation's computer systems and networks, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.	3 to 7 lakh
Network Engineer	Design, implement and manage the networking infrastructure of an organisation to ensure secure and efficient connectivity.	4 to 8 lakh
DevOps Engineer	work to improve collaboration between development and operations teams by automating infrastructure workflows and monitoring application performance.	6 to 12 lakh
Database Administrator (DBA)	Oversees databases' performance, integrity, and security, configuring the operating system for optimal operation.	5 to 10 lakh
Embedded Systems Engineer	Develops software for embedded devices and systems, often requiring deep integration with the operating system to control hardware components.	4 to 10 lakh
Cloud Engineer	Manages and operates cloud computing environments, including deploying and maintaining cloud services and infrastructure.	5 to 12 lakh
IT Support Specialist	Provides technical support and troubleshooting services to users experiencing operating systems and related software issues.	3 to 6 lakh

Source: Ambition Box

Top Recruiters for Operating System Specialist

• Microsoft
• Google
• Apple
• Amazon
• IBM
• Oracle
• Red Hat
• VMware
• Cisco Systems
• Intel
• Dell Technologies
• HP Inc.
• Samsung Electronics
• Canonical
• NVIDIA

Check out Online Courses and Certifications on Operating System Here!

In 2024, operating systems will continue to be foundational to computing, driving innovation and efficiency in both personal and enterprise technology landscapes. Their evolution enables more secure, user-friendly, and interconnected devices, offering developers and users expansive possibilities. The choice of an operating system can significantly impact software development, system administration, and everyday usage, ensuring a dynamic and adaptive tech environment. Mastery of operating systems remains crucial, promising a rewarding career path in IT and software development.

Following are the most popular Operating Systems Colleges in India. Learn more about these Operating Systems colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.

Following are the most popular Operating Systems courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Operating Systems.

Following are the most popular Operating Systems UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Operating Systems PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Operating Systems Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Following are the top exams for Operating Systems. Students interested in pursuing a career on Operating Systems, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.