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Operating Systems

An operating system manages activities and resources of a computer system. There are several types of operating systems including single-user, multi-user, multitasking, multiprocessing, real-time, and batch processing systems. The operating system is responsible for managing the processor, memory, input/output devices, application execution, security authorizations, and file management. It allocates resources and schedules tasks to ensure smooth operation of the computer system.

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35 views2 pages

Operating Systems

An operating system manages activities and resources of a computer system. There are several types of operating systems including single-user, multi-user, multitasking, multiprocessing, real-time, and batch processing systems. The operating system is responsible for managing the processor, memory, input/output devices, application execution, security authorizations, and file management. It allocates resources and schedules tasks to ensure smooth operation of the computer system.

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abednigo titus
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OPERATING SYSTEMS

An operating system is a software component of a computer system that is responsible for the
management of various activities of the computer and the sharing of computer resources.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

1. Single user operating system – They are operating systems which can be used by only one
user at a time. Single user operating systems can either be single tasking or multitasking.
Single tasking-One task at a time.
2. Multi user operating system - The operating systems of this type allow a multiple users to
access a computer system concurrently.

3. Multitasking/ Multi-programming - operating system allowing the execution of multiple


tasks at one time is classified as a multi-tasking operating system. Multi-tasking can be of two
types namely, pre-emptive or co-operative. In pre-emptive multitasking, the operating system
slices the CPU time and dedicates one slot to each of the programs. Unix-like operating
systems such as Solar-is and Linux support pre-emptive multitasking. Cooperative
multitasking is achieved by relying on each process to give time to the other processes in a
defined manner. MS Windows prior to Windows 95 used to support cooperative multitasking.
1 instruction per micro second..
4. Multi Processing – The execution of several instructions in parallel fashion on a single
computer system. The computer usually has several CPU’s (processors) to be able to multi-
process. Difference between Multitasking and multi processing is that Multitasking runs jobs
concurrently while Multi Processing runs jobs simultaneously. The main advantage of MP
is speed – because more than one CPU is available.

5. Real –Time Operating System - They are used to control machinery, scientific
instruments and industrial systems. It aims at executing real-time applications. A very
important part of an RTOS is managing the resources of the computer so that a particular
operation executes in precisely the same amount of time every time it occurs. Examples,
online booking systems.

6. Batch Processing - It is a system of collecting all the different inputs or programs together
and putting them in to a computer in one set or “batch”. The programs are processed as a
single unit. Batch processing is used when a particular job needs to be done in one go, rather
than doing parts of the job now and again. Examples preparing company payroll and utility
bills.

Roles of the operating system


The operating system has various roles:

Management of the processor (Resources): the operating system is responsible for managing
allocation of the processor between the different programmes using a scheduling algorithm. The
type of scheduler is totally dependent on the operating system, according to the desired objective.

1
Management of the random access memory: the operating system is responsible for managing the
memory space allocated to each application and, where relevant, to each user. If there is insufficient
physical memory, the operating system can create a memory zone on the hard drive, known as
"virtual memory". The virtual memory lets you run applications requiring more memory than there is
available RAM on the system. However, this memory is a great deal slower.

Management of input/output (Hardware): the operating system allows unification and control of
access of programmes to material resources via drivers (also known as peripheral administrators or
input/output administrators).

Management of execution of applications: the operating system is responsible for smooth


execution of applications by allocating the resources required for them to operate. This means an
application that is not responding correctly can be "killed".

Management of authorizations (Security): the operating system is responsible for security relating
to execution of programmes by guaranteeing that the resources are used only by programmes and
users with the relevant authorizations.

File management: the operating system manages reading and writing in the file system and the user
and application file access authorizations.

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