A mainframe operating system is a software infrastructure that allows a mainframe computer to run programs and process complex tasks. It differs from a simple operating system in that it runs on a mainframe computer, which acts as a server for a network. Mainframes were the only computers in the 1950s and were designed to run a single program. The operating system evolved to enable multiple programs to run simultaneously and introduced concepts such as multitasking and remote data transfer.
A mainframe operating system is a networked software infrastructure that allows a mainframe computer to run programs, connect linked machines, and process complex numerical and data-driven tasks. All computers use some sort of core operating system (OS), which is what allows them to organize files and execute commands. The biggest difference between a simple operating system for a computer and a mainframe operating system is where each is located. Simply put, a mainframe system runs on a mainframe computer, which is usually thought of as some sort of “headquarters” or server for a computer network. Most major networks and infrastructures have a mainframe, which is where data is backed up and where systems are largely organized. In the early days of computing, all computers were mainframes and most were very cumbersome to use and operate. Things have come a long way, but there is still an important role for these larger operating systems when it comes to supporting all the machinations of the modern technology landscape.
Operating system basics
Just as the keyboard and mouse are the interface between the computer and the user, the operating system is the interface between the computer and the running software. The operating system acts like a traffic cop pushing and pulling data to and from memory, registers, input and output devices, and the processor. The easiest way to think of a mainframe operating system is simply like an operating system on a mainframe computer, a powerful device used primarily by governments and businesses to process large amounts of information and support large numbers of users.
Origins and development
In the 1950s, before desktop computers and long before laptops, all computing was done on mainframe computers. These computers could take up an entire room and most weren’t powerful, at least not by modern standards. They typically did less work than one of today’s laptops. In fact, early computers were designed to do a single job or run a single program.
As computer programs became more complicated and computer hardware became less expensive as a result, it became more effective to build computers that could run more than one type of program at the same time. To enable this, computer engineers had to develop a way for the computer to adapt to a new and different program. The mainframe operating system developed accordingly.
Early examples
One of the system’s earliest functions was reading punch cards, which were basically very ancient versions of readable floppy disks and CDs. On those early computers, not only was there no mouse, there was no keyboard either. All input into the computer came from cards with holes punched in specific patterns. The location of the holes determined which data was transmitted and transferred. The operating system read each card and translated it into binary data that the computer understood and could use to perform certain specific functions.
This old computer input method is a good example of what an operating system does. If a computer program is looking for a series of numbers, for example, it doesn’t matter where those numbers came from. The binary data can come from punch cards, a keyboard, Internet script, or speech recognition software. The operating system takes the number from the input device and passes it to the program, which then uses it as needed.
Modern utility
It was through these early days of operating system functionality that aspects of modern computing were first introduced. Concepts such as batch processing, multitasking, buffering and spooling, all of which are key to how computers work today, were first introduced in 1950s mainframe operating systems, albeit obviously in much simpler forms. Engineers built on these early ideas to enable everything from remote data transfer to smartphone Internet connectivity.
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