State of the OS's - The 5 Most Popular Operating Systems

An operating system is the software behind managing and running a computer system's hardware and resources. The OS sits between applications and hardware and makes the connections between all of your software and the physical resources that do the work. The most popular OS's include:

Apple macOS

The macOS and Apple/Mac products are beloved by their users for ease of use and continually improving user experience. Fast processing speeds, a simple desktop interface, and a wide variety of helpful resources make users excited about macOS. Many users relish the instant connection with their computers and mobile phone hardware, and enjoy great security and the lack of bugs and hackers. Apple’s macOS is a proprietary operating system, meaning that Apple conceptualized, designed, developed, and now sells their own OS bundled in their hardware. It is designed and sold by apple in such a way that it is not meant to be tampered with or tweaked by users. Apple and Macintosh computers run on the proprietary macOS and OS X system, the first of which launched 20 years ago. There latest version as per the writing of this article is Monterey (macOS 12)

Microsoft Windows

The Windows OS has been around since the 1980s and has had several versions and updates (including Windows 95, Windows Vista, Windows 7/8/10, etc.) Microsoft Windows is one of the popular operating system types and is preloaded on most new PC hardware. With each new Windows update or release, Microsoft continues to work on improving their users’ experience, hardware, and software, making Windows more accessible and easier to use. Microsoft Windows contains a control panel, a desktop and desktop assistant, disk cleanup, event viewer, and more. Many users prefer Microsoft Windows because they say it’s compatible with many other kinds of software. Many kinds of computer programs run best on Microsoft Windows because they’re developed by Microsoft.

Google's Android OS

Google's Android is based on the Linux distribution and other open source software. Android OS is the primary OS for Google mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Android has gained increasing popularity since its release as an alternative to Apple’s iOS for smartphone users and is continuing to increase in popularity with new updates and exciting features. It is also used by global smartphone manufacturers because of its open source nature.

Apple iOS

iPhones are some of the most popular mobile devices on the market particularly in North America and the European markets. Apple's iOS is the mobile operating system used exclusively for iPhones. iOS integrations have regular updates, new expansions to software, and continually are offering new features for users even if they have older devices. Many users appreciate the unique user interface with touch gestures, and the ease of use that iOS offers. This operating system also allows other Apple devices to connect, giving users easy connections to other devices or people.

Linux Operating System.

Linux is different from Windows and Apple in that it’s not a proprietary software, but rather a family of open source systems. In other words, anyone can modify and distribute it. Linux may be the least known on this list, but it’s free and available in many different open source versions. Linux is popular because of its ease of customization and offers a variety of options to those who understand how to use it. If you know how to customize and work with operating systems, Linux is an ideal choice. And if this kind of coding and back-end work is interesting to you, it may be a good idea to purchase a Linux system and get started on manipulating it. It is the basis of the Android and MacOS systems.

Learn more about developing software for these operating systems by pursuing the HURU Schools' Software Engineering Picodegree

The article was originally published by the University of You, attribution of images from Apple, Microsoft, Android, IOS and Kali Linux.

Digital Media Production Department launches PVGS Workshops

The HURU School Digital Media Department has launched its PVGS workshops that aim to introduce or up skill individuals interested or working in the Photography, Videography, Social Media Marketing and Graphic Design space. The Department under a strategic plan aimed to empower digital facing businesses and individuals particularly in Africa has launched a scholarship program that pays 90% fees for qualified participants for this rigorous online and field program. This would result in a Photography/Videography/SocialMedia/Graphic Design certificate from HURU Schools' Digital Media Production Department. If you are interested in this one week workshops please register here.

The Growth of Online Education in Africa

The world is fast paced and it is impossible to stay in just one field and not be compelled to multitask. With such dynamic changes and advancements over the years, one must upgrade themselves. But how long can one remain a student?

Thanks to new age technology, one can easily take up a profession and also pursue their education. With blended learning modules and e-learning options, classrooms have seen a drastic shift in how it operates. Students are now able to study from the comforts of their homes or even while juggling between their work schedules. Gone are the days when time-bound learning existed, and Universities around the world have entirely taken advantage of this.

Online education refers to complete virtual environment learning. Online education plays a significant role in developing the education industry overall in terms of innovation. Platforms that facilitate interactive learning are gaining popularity. Improvements in IT security and the implementation of cloud-based solutions has increased the adoption rate of the online education system. As a result, people can now enjoy a smooth learning experience on a safe and reliable online platform. Advancements in the field of artificial intelligence are expected to boost the growth rate of the online education market further.

Africa is the fastest-growing e-learning market in the world. It is because of the sheer need of the students who want higher education but face difficulties due to lack of access or unable to break away from their work schedule. Fiber optic connectivity has allowed Africa to blossom, and the increased access to the internet has allowed more students to participate, especially those students in cities.

In 2020, the world went through a very difficult time. COVID-19 broke out sending the whole world into a pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). Due to how easy and fast it was spreading, so many people worked from home and schools closed. People have had to learn how to live with the virus including the education sector.

While countries are at different points in their COVID-19 infection rates, worldwide there are currently more than 1.2 billion children in 186 countries affected by school closures due to the pandemic. With this sudden shift away from the classroom in many parts of the globe, some are wondering whether the adoption of online learning will continue to persist post-pandemic. The pandemic has no particular date for ending so schools are adapting and most have adapted really well.

Most students were able to continue with their education online. Fortunately or unfortunately the pandemic acted as a catalyst to the growth of online education not only in Africa but in the world generally.