State the criteria for choosing an operating system

previously: WHAT IS A DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM?

What is an operating system

An operating system is a collection of integrated computer programs that provide recurring services to other programs or to the user of a computer.
​These services consist of disk and file management, input/output activities, storage resources, diverse support services and control of various resources.

​Ssmengg.edu.in describes an operating system as a program that acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware. it further adds "the purpose of an operating system is to provide an environment in which a user can execute programs and the primary goal of an operating system is thus to make the computer system convenient to use."

Linux Logo

Tutorial point describes an Operating System (OS) as an interface between a computer user and computer hardware. An operating system is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
Some popular Operating Systems include Linux Operating System, Windows Operating System, VMS, OS/400, AIX, z/OS, etc.

factors to consider when choosing an operating system

1. Hardware Configuration i.e. speed, capacity, memory etc.
2. Make, size and nature of the computer i.e. laptop, desktop, phone, super computer, calculator etc.
3. Application intended for the computer. i.e. if the computer is a special purpose or general purpose
4. User friendliness i.e. capable for support Graphical User Interfaces (G.U.I)
5. Documentation such as warranty that spells terms of trade, receipt/invoices, user's manual etc.
6. The initial cost and maintenance cost.
7. Reliability and security.
8. Number of processors and hardware available
9. Number of users
10. Upgradeability 

next: MATCHING COMPUTER GENERATIONS WITH THE TECHNOLOGY USED TO MANUFACTURE THEIR PROCESSORS