For the purpose of this discussion (What is an operating system?): 

• Resource manager (Memory, processes) 
• Scheduling tasks 
• User access 
• Security: Hiding and revealing information 
• System services for programs 
• UI, GUI, and API 

 

Implementing an Operating System: What to take into consideration.  

• Simultaneous users 
• Number crunching 
• Processing power (CPU vs GPU) 
• Tasks  

 

Usage: Shell vs GUI 

 

The Shell: 

• Pass arguments to commands, incredibly specific. 
• Scripting with various languages for automation or task scheduling.  
• Quickly move throughout a system or network, managing files and directories 

 

The GUI: 

• Processing user input in a more elaborate fashion 
• More intuitive and usable  
• Simplifies complex tasks 

 

Chris; 

1. Favorite OS'ses's 
   1. Fedora – Modern, cutting edge software. Newest packages. Awesome package manager. Red Hat derivative. Better implementation of DEs in my experience.  
   2. Debian – Stable. Uses apt package manager. Easier to get newer packages. Longer periods between upgrades but offers Testing and Unstable branches for bleeding edge packages.  
   3. Windows 10 – :D  

    

2. Favorite Virtualization Platform 
   1. KVM – Tiny footprint. GPU passthrough makes utilizing virtual OS almost as good as bare metal. Scripting friendly: Bash, Python, Ruby, and even Go! 
   2. VMware Workstation  
   3. Hyper-V Server 

 

 

Mike; 

1. Favorite OS's 
   1. Windows Server 2016 
   2. Windows 10 (besides privacy settings and dependencies 
   3. Windows 7 – The long-lived business OS GOAT 
2. Favorite Virtualization Platform 
   1. ESXi with vCenter (Standard is too watered down for my liking) 
   2. Hyper-V: With Server 2016, shielded VM's, and more features for Linux, being free on Server and Windows 10, it's the best bang for your buck in a Windows environment. 
   3. VMWare Fusion for Mac 

 

 

Phil; 

1. Favorite OS Desktop: 

          - Windows 7, 10 (Firewall up!) 

          - Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Antergos 

2. Favorite OS Server: 

        - RHEL/CentOS 

1. Networking OS: 

-Cisco IOS 

-JunOS 

4. Virtualization platform: 

        - VMWare Workstation 

        - Hyper-V