Assignment – 1

⮚ Department: computing
⮚ Section: AIML B3
⮚ Subject Name & Code: Operating system
22AI102001
⮚ Year & Semester: 2nd year; 1st semester
⮚ Name: M. Dhanush Kumar Reddy
⮚ Roll Number: 23102A010177
⮚ Submission Date: 22-07-24

1. Define Software
Software is a set of instructions and data that tell a computer how
to perform tasks. It includes:
System Software: Operating systems and utilities.
Application Software: Programs for specific tasks (e.g., word
processors).
Middleware: Services and capabilities for applications.
Development Software: Tools for creating software (e.g.,
compilers, IDEs).
Software is intangible and different from hardware, which is the
physical part of a computer.

2. Define Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system.
These include:
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer that
performs instructions from software.
2. Memory: Stores data temporarily (RAM) or permanently (hard
drives, SSDs).
3. Input Devices: Tools to enter data into the computer (e.g.,
keyboard, mouse).
4. Output Devices: Tools to receive data from the computer (e.g.,
monitor, printer).
5. Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all
components.
6. Peripheral Devices: External devices connected to the computer
(e.g., USB drives, scanners).
Hardware is tangible and essential for running software.

3. Define Application Software

Application software refers to programs designed to help users
perform specific tasks or activities on a computer or mobile device.
Examples include:
1.Word Processors: For creating and editing text documents
(e.g., Microsoft Word).
2.Spreadsheets: For organizing and analysing data (e.g., Microsoft
Excel).
3.Web Browsers: For accessing and navigating the internet (e.g.,
Google Chrome).
4.Media Players: For playing audio and video files (e.g., VLC
Media Player).
5.Graphic Design Software: For creating and editing images
(e.g., Adobe Photoshop).
6.Application software is user-oriented and runs on top of system
software to provide specific functionalities.

4. Define System Software

System software refers to the software designed to manage and
control the hardware components of a computer, enabling
application software to function. It includes:
 1.Operating Systems: Manage hardware and software resources
(e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
2.Device Drivers: Allow the operating system to communicate
with hardware devices (e.g., printers, graphics cards).
3.Utilities: Perform maintenance tasks and system management
(e.g., antivirus programs, disk cleanup tools).
4.Firmware: Low-level software embedded in hardware devices to
control their functions (e.g., BIOS).
5.System software acts as an intermediary between hardware and
application software, ensuring the efficient operation of the entire
computer system.

5. Define Operating System (OS)

An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages a
computer's hardware and software resources and provides services
for application programs. Its key functions include:
1.Resource Management: Controls and allocates hardware
resources like CPU, memory, and storage.
2.User Interface: Provides a way for users to interact with the
computer (e.g., graphical user interface or command line).
3.File Management: Manages file systems and data storage,
including creating, reading, writing, and deleting files.
4.Process Management: Handles the execution of programs and
multitasking by managing processes and their states.
5.Device Management: Coordinates and controls peripheral
devices like printers, keyboards, and disk drives.
6.Examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux,
and Android.

6. Explain the architecture of the Operating System (OS)

 The architecture of an Operating System (OS) typically consists of several layers or
components that work together to manage hardware and provide services to
application software.

The architecture of an Operating System (OS) typically includes:

1. **Kernel**: Core component managing hardware resources, including process and

memory management.

2. **System Call Interface**: Bridge between user applications and the kernel for
requesting services.

3. **User Interface**: Allows user interaction, either through a graphical interface

(GUI) or command-line interface (CLI).

4. **Device Drivers**: Software for communicating with hardware devices.

5. **File System**: Manages file storage, organization, and access.

6. **Process Management**: Manages process creation, scheduling, and

multitasking.

7. **Memory Management**: Allocates and tracks memory usage for processes.

8. **Networking**: Manages network communication and data transfer.

9. **Utilities**: Provides additional tools for system maintenance and management.

7. What are the Functions of the Operating System?

The primary functions of an Operating System (OS) include:

1. Resource Management: Controls and allocates hardware

resources like CPU, memory, and storage.

2. Process Management: Handles the creation, scheduling, and

termination of processes.

3. Memory Management: Manages the allocation and deallocation of

memory to processes.

4. File Management: Organizes, stores, and manages data files and

directories.
5. Device Management: Coordinates and controls peripheral devices

through device drivers.

6. User Interface: Provides a way for users to interact with the

system, either through a graphical user interface (GUI) or

command-line interface (CLI).

7. Security and Access Control: Enforces access permissions and

protects the system from unauthorized access and threats.

8. Networking: Manages network connections and data transfer

between systems.

These functions ensure the efficient and secure operation of the

computer system and facilitate user interactions and application

execution.

8. What are the Characteristics of the Operating System?

The key characteristics of an Operating System (OS) include:

1. **Multitasking**: Ability to run multiple processes or

applications simultaneously.

2. **Multitasking**: Manages the execution of multiple processes

or applications at the same time.

3. **Memory Management**: Efficiently allocates and tracks

memory usage for different processes.

4. **Process Management**: Handles process creation, scheduling,

and termination.
 5. **Device Management**: Controls and manages hardware

devices through device drivers.

6. **File System Management**: Organizes and manages files and

directories on storage devices.

7. **User Interface**: Provides a means for user interaction, either

through a graphical user interface (GUI) or command-line interface

(CLI).

8. **Security and Protection**: Enforces access controls and

protects the system from unauthorized access and malicious

software.

9. **Networking**: Manages network connections and data

communication between systems.

10. **Reliability and Stability**: Ensures the system operates

consistently and recovers gracefully from errors or failures.

9. What are the differences between Windows OS and LINUX OS?

some key differences between Windows OS and Linux OS:

1. Source Code:

• Windows: Proprietary, closed source.

• Linux: Open-source, freely available.

2. Cost:

• Windows: Usually requires a license fee.

• Linux: Generally free.

3. User Interface:

• Windows: Consistent graphical user interface (GUI).

• Linux: Various GUIs; also supports command-line interface (CLI).

4. Software Compatibility:

• Windows: Extensive support for commercial software.

• Linux: More limited commercial software support; relies on open-

source alternatives.

5. System Administration:

• Windows: Managed via graphical tools.

• Linux: Often managed via command-line; also has GUI options.

6. Security:

• Windows: More targeted by malware; built-in security features.

• Linux: Generally more secure; less malware-targeted.

7. Customization:

• Windows: Limited customization.

• Linux: Highly customizable.

8. Support:

• Windows: Support from Microsoft and vendors.

• Linux: Community and professional support for various

distributions.