Operating Systems: Demystifying the Foundations of the Human-Computer Interface

Operating Systems: Demystifying the Foundations of the Human-Computer Interface:

I gave a introductory talk at Code@HBS recently on operating systems. I’ve finally made the slides available online with commentary; check ‘em out if you’re curious about how they work! Here’s the abstract:

“Operating Systems: Demystifying the Foundations of the Human-Computer Interface”

Operating systems are at the heart of all software that runs on a computer, but what exactly are they, and why do we need them? How does the app on your phone know that you’ve tapped that button? How do Internet servers process thousands of requests per second? What actually happens when a security camera gets hacked? We uncover the mysteries of the most foundational layer of software, and how it runs your phone, TV, Internet router or thermostat.