Fundamentals and Ecosystem of Operating Systems: Open‑Source vs Closed‑Source and the Role of Domestic OS
This report outlines the fundamentals of computer operating systems, compares open‑source and closed‑source models such as Linux and Windows, examines the development costs, ecosystem challenges, and the strategic importance of domestic OS in China’s new‑infrastructure and information‑security landscape.
Operating systems are fundamental system software that mediate between users and hardware, managing resources and providing execution environments for applications.
Classification of operating systems : Broadly they include PC, workstation, server, mobile (e.g., HarmonyOS), and embedded systems. This article focuses on computer operating systems.
Closed‑source OS : Represented by Microsoft Windows. Windows development is internal to Microsoft, with a long history from 16‑bit to the current 64‑bit versions, and a dominant Wintel ecosystem. It offers a user‑friendly graphical interface, extensive software and hardware compatibility, and a large market share.
Open‑source OS : Represented by Linux. The Linux kernel, released by Linus Torvalds in 1991, is freely available and collaboratively developed worldwide. Various distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Red Hat, Debian) build on the kernel with additional GUI and applications.
Linux dominates server and embedded markets: about 90 % of public‑cloud platforms, 99 % of supercomputers, and 62 % of embedded devices run Linux. Major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud) offer Linux‑based solutions.
Why domestic OS matter : In China’s “new‑infrastructure” drive, operating systems are a strategic foundation for information security and technological independence. Dependence on foreign OS (e.g., Windows) poses security risks, as illustrated by incidents like WannaCry.
Development cost : Large‑scale OS projects involve tens of millions of lines of code and billions of dollars in R&D. Windows and Linux both require substantial resources; closed‑source development can cost over $10 billion for a single distribution.
Ecosystem challenges : Compatibility with hardware and applications demands coordinated effort from OS vendors, hardware manufacturers, and software developers. Building a robust ecosystem requires a critical mass of users, developer support, and policy incentives.
Suggested path for domestic OS : Leverage open‑source kernels to reduce development time and cost, obtain policy support to build an initial user base, then iterate to improve usability and expand market share, creating a virtuous cycle of adoption.
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