1. internet browser
2. IM chatbot
3. Instant Messenger
4. compiler
5. operating system
There really isn't any series of steps involved in the creation of any of these types of programs. In fact, in most cases the only things they have in common is function.
As an example, creating a compiler requires far more then just knowledge of the C++/C language, but also a intimate understanding of assembly, and/or Machine code(as ideally, that is what is written as output). It also requires an intimate knowledge of file handling, string parsing, expression evaluation, tokenizing, etc...
This is why you can't find any specific information as to the creation of these programs, they are, as with any program, built with a group of smaller components. Once you gain an intermediate understanding of the types of data structures and algortihms required for the development of such tools, you can set foot into creating one. How does one develop such an understanding? Creating other programs. For example, one could gain the skills necessary for creating a compiler by creating a Expression Evaluation library, as well as a dissassembler. These two separate programs, once created, will give you [some] of the combined knowledge to effectively create a compiler of some sort (not necessarily C/C++, don't we have enough of those? I mean, as a learning experience it makes sense, but otherwise....)
For the other items, the same type of stuff applies- one would need to learn any algorithms involved. With Operating System, of course, comprising the behemoth, as one would require intimate knowledge of any and all hardware that the OS is intended to run on, the ability to write a compiler to create the executables that can run on your platform, in addition to the drivers that it uses.
I believe I can think of a good book off-hand for Operating Systems, one called "Operating Systems: Design and Implementation"
Their are countless numbers of networking related books, but a good low-level TCP/IP book I find myself browsing is "TCP/IP foundations" by Sybex publishing.
Also, on a unrelated note, an unsaid first step to almost every post of this nature is to search google. If the hits you find are unhelpful or onconclusive, then you make a post. Although there is of course no harm in bending this rule, it sets yourself up, since if another member finds that the information you wanted was the first hit on google, it makes you look lazy, or requiring attention, or something along those lines... search for "how to write operating Systems" not in quotes, and the first hit seems relevant.
working on a forum right now, but having trouble with the login
I'm working on dating girls, but I'm having trouble with the "asking them" part... 
ahh, see theres the problem, I don't bother asking. I just go up and say "me like u. You come to movie tonight." See, no question. Of course, some actually Misunderstand and think I was asking them, they make friends with duct tape.
"This is a good movie, isn't it, dear."
"mmmf mmuff meef meffff fffff mffff"
"I'm not taking the tape off, because you'll scream. And that's bad. because we were meant to be together."
"muffff muuuu mfffome"
"So what kind of music do you like?"
"mufff"
"Muff... never heard of them"
