WHAT IS AN OPERATING SYSTEM ?

Learn about software that manages computer hardware and software resources, provides a user interface and controls program execution.

An operating system is the foundation of any computing system, controlling the input and output of data and ensuring that different programs and devices work together effectively. Examples of operating systems include Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android and iOS.

Meaning and types of operating system

An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It serves as an interface between the computer hardware and software.

An operating system’s main responsibility is to manage the computer’s resources, including memory, disc space, CPUs and input/output devices to ensure their effective and efficient use. The operating system also manages how programs are run and offers a user interface so that people may communicate with the machine.

There are numerous types of operating systems, such as:

Windows OS: Microsoft created the well-known operating system known as Windows. It is made to function on desktop and laptop computers, as well as tablets and cell phones.

MacOS: Apple Inc. created the MacOS operating system. It is made to only function on Apple devices, such as Macs, iPads and iPhones.

Linux OS: The cost-free open-source operating system is called Linux. It is made to function on a variety of hardware, including embedded systems, smartphones, servers and personal PCs.

Unix OS: Often found in servers and mainframe computers, Unix is a multi-user, multitasking operating system. It is renowned for its dependability, stability and security.

Android OS: Google created the Android smartphone operating system. It is made to function on tablets, smartphones and other portable electronics.

iOS: Apple Inc. created the iOS mobile operating system. It is made to work with iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad devices.

Chrome OS: Google created the lightweight operating system known as Chrome OS. It is made to function on Chromebooks and other hardware that makes use of the Chrome web browser.

Each type of operating system has its own unique features and characteristics, and the choice of operating system depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user.

How are operating systems used?

Here are a few examples of how operating systems are used in various contexts:

Personal computers

To control the hardware and software on their desktop or laptop, users probably use an operating system like Windows, Macintosh or Linux. With the help of the operating system’s graphical user interface (GUI), one may interact with their computer and use applications like word processors, web browsers and games.

Servers

In a data center or cloud computing environment, servers typically run a version of Linux or Unix to manage resources and provide services such as web hosting, database management and virtualization.

Mobile devices

When users use a smartphone or tablet, they are likely using an operating system such as Android or iOS to manage the hardware and software on their device. These operating systems provide a touch-based interface and a range of apps for communication, productivity, entertainment and more.

Embedded systems

A vast variety of embedded devices, including industrial machinery, automotive systems and medical equipment, also use operating systems. These operating systems frequently offer specialized functionality for the particular device and application and are made to be quick and effective.

Is a blockchain the same as an operating system?

No, a blockchain is not an operating system. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that is used for secure and transparent record-keeping. It is a type of database that is maintained by a network of computers, rather than a central authority.

Operating systems and applications can be used in conjunction with blockchains to increase security and transparency. One example of blockchain being used with an operating system is Microsoft’s Azure Blockchain Service, which allows developers to build and deploy blockchain applications using Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. The service integrates with Microsoft’s operating systems and other tools to provide a secure and scalable environment for blockchain development and deployment.

However, it is important to note that a blockchain does not manage computer resources or offer a user interface for interacting with a computer or device, making it ineffective as an operating system substitute.

Source

https://cointelegraph.com/news/what-is-an-operating-system

 Navigating the World of Crypto: Tips for Avoiding Scams

From "pig butchering" to phishing, 

there are myriad ways that scammers try to take advantage of crypto users.

Despite the belief of many crypto enthusiasts that centralized exchanges (CEXs) are safer, history has often shown them to be rather vulnerable to attacks.

Because these exchanges centralize the storage of users’ assets, they can be attractive targets for cybercriminals. If an exchange’s security measures are inadequate or successfully compromised, user assets may be stolen or lost.

Another risk of centralized exchanges is the potential for fraud or mismanagement by their operators. Since CEXs may have a single point of control, they may be more susceptible to insider fraud or other forms of misconduct — which can lead to the loss of funds or other negative consequences for users.

Over the last year, with the collapse of major centralized cryptocurrency platforms like FTX and Celsius, more and more users are choosing to take self-custody of their digital assets. The risky financial practices and alleged fraud committed at some of these platforms have caused many people to lose faith in them as safe places to store their cryptocurrency.

Self-custody refers to holding and managing one’s own cryptocurrency instead of entrusting it to a third party, such as an exchange. This approach offers users greater control over their assets and can potentially provide higher levels of security. However, it also comes with its own risks, particularly in the form of scams.

Types of scams and how to avoid them

To better understand the potential dangers associated with self-custody and offer guidance on how to protect oneself from scams, Cointelegraph reached out to Alice Boucher of Chainabuse, a multichain community platform for reporting fraudulent crypto transactions.

One scam aiming to take advantage of crypto users is called “pig butchering.”

“A pig butchering scam occurs when the scammer stays in constant contact to build a relationship with the victim and ‘fatten them up’ with affection over time to have them invest in fake projects,” Boucher said, adding: 

“ The scammer tries to drain as much money out of the victim as possible, often using fake investment sites showing large fake profits and using social engineering tactics, such as intimidation, to extract more money from the victim.”

Social engineering uses psychological manipulation tactics to exploit the natural tendencies of human trust and curiosity.

Cybercriminals in the cryptocurrency industry often aim to steal self-held assets by taking control of high-profile accounts. “Between May and August 2022, social media account takeovers — involving Twitter, Discord and Telegram — have wreaked havoc. Scammers post malicious NFT phishing links during those attacks, compromising high-profile social media accounts,” said Boucher

Once these attackers have gained access to a high-profile account, they typically use it to send out phishing messages or other types of malicious communications to a large number of people, attempting to trick them into giving up their private keys, login credentials or other sensitive information.

The end goal is to gain access to self-custodied assets and steal the cryptocurrency held by the individual.

Followers of these high-profile accounts may be tricked into clicking on malicious links that transfer all of the tokens out of their wallets. These scams may also be designed to have users invest on a trading platform and often result in victims losing their deposits with no way to recover them: 

“ The volume of scams, hacks, blackmails and other fraudulent activity has been growing exponentially over the last few years. Most fake platforms appear to be either Ponzi schemes or payout scams with the following characteristics: They advertise fake returns, have referral incentives that resemble pyramid schemes or impersonate existing legitimate trading platforms. ”

Scammers utilizing these phishing tactics can encourage users to sign smart contracts that drain their assets without their consent. A smart contract is a self-executing contract with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller directly written into the code.

If the contract contains errors or is designed to take advantage of people, users may end up losing their tokens. For example, if it allows its creator to take possession of tokens to sell them, users may lose cryptocurrency by signing it.

Most of the time, users don’t know they’ve lost their tokens until it is too late.

Self-custody can be a great way to take control of one’s assets, but it’s crucial to understand the risks and to take steps to protect oneself from bad actors.

To protect oneself when using a self-custody wallet, it is important to follow the best practices, such as keeping software up to date and using unique passwords. It is also crucial to use hardware wallets such as a Ledger or Trezor to store your cryptocurrency.

Hardware wallets are physical devices that store your private keys offline, meaning a hacker also needs physical access to engage in certain interactions with the blockchain, making them less susceptible to getting hacked.

Source

https://cointelegraph.com/news/navigating-the-world-of-crypto-tips-for-avoiding-scams