What operating system design trends should you follow?

1 Modular and Microkernel Architecture

One of the main challenges of operating system design is to balance performance, reliability, security, and portability. A traditional monolithic kernel, which contains all the core functions and drivers of the system, may offer high performance and efficiency, but it also increases the complexity, size, and vulnerability of the system. A modular kernel, which separates the core functions from the optional ones, and a microkernel, which minimizes the core functions and delegates most of the services to user-level processes, may offer more flexibility, scalability, and security, but they also introduce more overhead and communication costs. A hybrid approach, which combines elements of both architectures, may be a viable solution to achieve the best of both worlds.

2 Distributed and Cloud Computing

Another trend that influences operating system design is the emergence and growth of distributed and cloud computing. Distributed computing involves the coordination and communication of multiple computers or devices that work together to achieve a common goal. Cloud computing involves the delivery of computing resources and services over the internet, on demand, and with scalability and elasticity. Both paradigms require operating systems that can handle concurrency, synchronization, fault tolerance, load balancing, security, and interoperability. Operating systems that support distributed and cloud computing may also need to adapt to different types of hardware, such as clusters, grids, or edge devices.

3 Virtualization and Containerization

Virtualization and containerization are technologies that enable the creation and management of multiple isolated and independent environments on a single physical machine. Virtualization involves the emulation of hardware and software components, such as CPU, memory, disk, network, or operating system, using a hypervisor or a virtual machine monitor. Containerization involves the packaging of applications and their dependencies, such as libraries, frameworks, or configuration files, using a lightweight runtime environment that shares the same operating system kernel. Both technologies offer benefits such as resource utilization, portability, scalability, security, and isolation. Operating systems that support virtualization and containerization may need to provide mechanisms for resource allocation, scheduling, communication, and protection.

4 Security and Privacy

Security and privacy are essential and critical aspects of operating system design, especially in the context of increasing cyberattacks, data breaches, and privacy violations. Operating systems are responsible for enforcing the security policies and mechanisms that protect the system from unauthorized access, modification, or damage. Operating systems are also responsible for respecting the privacy rights and preferences of the users and ensuring that their personal data is not collected, stored, or shared without their consent or knowledge. Operating systems that prioritize security and privacy may need to implement features such as encryption, authentication, authorization, auditing, sandboxing, firewalling, or anonymization.

5 User Experience and Accessibility

User experience and accessibility are also important and relevant factors of operating system design, especially in the context of diverse and inclusive user needs, preferences, and expectations. Operating systems are responsible for providing the user interface and the user interaction that enable the users to access and use the system functions and features. Operating systems are also responsible for providing the user accessibility and the user assistance that enable the users to overcome any barriers or difficulties that may arise due to their physical, cognitive, or situational characteristics. Operating systems that enhance user experience and accessibility may need to implement features such as customization, personalization, localization, feedback, guidance, or adaptation.