What is an Operating System?

An operating system is a program that manages a computer’s hardware. It also provides a basis
for application programs and acts as an intermediary between the computer user and computer
hardware. The main task an operating system carries out is the allocation of resources and
services, such as the allocation of memory, devices, processors, and information. The operating
system also includes programs to manage these resources, such as a traffic controller, a
scheduler, a memory management module, I/O programs, and a file system. The operating
system simply provides an environment within which other programs can do useful work.
Why are Operating Systems Used?
Operating System is used as a communication channel between the computer hardware and the
user. It works as an intermediate between System Hardware and End-User.
Operating System handles the following responsibilities:
 It controls all the computer resources.
 It provides valuable services to user programs.
 It coordinates the execution of user programs.
 It provides resources for user programs.
 It provides an interface (virtual machine) to the user.
 It hides the complexity of software.
 It supports multiple execution modes.
 It monitors the execution of user programs to prevent errors.

Functions of an Operating System

Memory Management
The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is made up
of a large array of bytes or words where each byte or word is assigned a certain address. Main
memory is fast storage and it can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be
executed, it should be first loaded in the main memory. An operating system manages the
allocation and deallocation of memory to various processes and ensures that the other process
does not consume the memory allocated to one process. An Operating System performs the
following activities for Memory Management:
 It keeps track of primary memory, i.e., which bytes of memory are used by which user
program. The memory addresses that have already been allocated and the memory
addresses of the memory that has not yet been used.
 In multiprogramming, the OS decides the order in which processes are granted memory
access, and for how long.
 It Allocates the memory to a process when the process requests it and deallocates the
memory when the process has terminated or is performing an I/O operation.
Processor Management
In a multi-programming environment, the OS decides the order in which processes have access
to the processor, and how much processing time each process has. This function of OS is
called Process Scheduling. An Operating System performs the following activities for Processor
Management.
An operating system manages the processor’s work by allocating various jobs to it and ensuring
that each process receives enough time from the processor to function properly.
Keeps track of the status of processes. The program which performs this task is known as a
traffic controller. Allocates the CPU that is a processor to a process. De-allocates processor when
a process is no longer required.
Device Management
An OS manages device communication via its respective drivers. It performs the following
activities for device management.
 Keeps track of all devices connected to the system. Designates a program responsible for
every device known as the Input/Output controller.
 Decide which process gets access to a certain device and for how long.
 Allocates devices effectively and efficiently. Deallocates devices when they are no longer
required.
 There are various input and output devices. An OS controls the working of these input-
output devices.
 It receives the requests from these devices, performs a specific task, and communicates
back to the requesting process.
File Management
A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and usage. These
directories may contain other directories and other files. An Operating System carries out the
following file management activities. It keeps track of where information is stored, user access
settings, the status of every file, and more. These facilities are collectively known as the file
system. An OS keeps track of information regarding the creation, deletion, transfer, copy, and
storage of files in an organized way. It also maintains the integrity of the data stored in these
files, including the file directory structure, by protecting against unauthorized access.
User Interface or Command Interpreter
The user interacts with the computer system through the operating system. Hence OS acts as an
interface between the user and the computer hardware. This user interface is offered through a
set of commands or a graphical user interface (GUI). Through this interface, the user makes
interacts with the applications and the machine hardware.
Booting the Computer
The process of starting or restarting the computer is known as booting. If the computer is
switched off completely and if turned on then it is called cold booting. Warm booting is a process
of using the operating system to restart the computer.
Security
The operating system uses password protection to protect user data and similar other
techniques. it also prevents unauthorized access to programs and user data. The operating
system provides various techniques which assure the integrity and confidentiality of user data.
The following security measures are used to protect user data:
 Protection against unauthorized access through login.
 Protection against intrusion by keeping the firewall active.
 Protecting the system memory against malicious access.
 Displaying messages related to system vulnerabilities.

Control Over System Performance

Operating systems play a pivotal role in controlling and optimizing system performance. They act
as intermediaries between hardware and software, ensuring that computing resources are
efficiently utilized. One fundamental aspect is resource allocation, where the OS allocates CPU
time, memory, and I/O devices to different processes, striving to provide fair and optimal
resource utilization. Process scheduling, a critical function, helps decide which processes or
threads should run when preventing any single task from monopolizing the CPU and enabling
effective multitasking.
Job Accounting
The operating system Keeps track of time and resources used by various tasks and users, this
information can be used to track resource usage for a particular user or group of users. In a
multitasking OS where multiple programs run simultaneously, the OS determines which
applications should run in which order and how time should be allocated to each application.
Error-Detecting Aids
The operating system constantly monitors the system to detect errors and avoid malfunctioning
computer systems. From time to time, the operating system checks the system for any external
threat or malicious software activity. It also checks the hardware for any type of damage. This
process displays several alerts to the user so that the appropriate action can be taken against
any damage caused to the system.
Coordination Between Other Software and Users
Operating systems also coordinate and assign interpreters, compilers, assemblers, and other
software to the various users of the computer systems. In simpler terms, think of the operating
system as the traffic cop of your computer. It directs and manages how different software
programs can share your computer’s resources without causing chaos. It ensures that when you
want to use a program, it runs smoothly without crashing or causing problems for others. So, it’s
like the friendly officer ensuring a smooth flow of traffic on a busy road, making sure everyone
gets where they need to go without any accidents or jams.
Performs Basic Computer Tasks
The management of various peripheral devices such as the mouse, keyboard, and printer is
carried out by the operating system. Today most operating systems are plug-and-play. These
operating systems automatically recognize and configure the devices with no user interference.
Network Management
  Network Communication: Think of them as traffic cops for your internet traffic.
Operating systems help computers talk to each other and the internet. They manage how
data is packaged and sent over the network, making sure it arrives safely and in the right
order.
 Settings and Monitoring: Think of them as the settings and security guard for your
internet connection. They also let you set up your network connections, like Wi-Fi or
Ethernet, and keep an eye on how your network is doing. They make sure your computer
is using the network efficiently and securely, like adjusting the speed of your internet or
protecting your computer from online threats.

Services Provided by an Operating System

The Operating System provides certain services to the users which can be listed in the following
manner:
 User Interface: Almost all operating systems have a user interface (UI). This interface
can take several forms. One is a command-line interface(CLI), which uses text commands
and a method for entering them (say, a keyboard for typing in commands in a specific
format with specific options). Another is a batch interface, in which commands and
directives to control those commands are entered into files, and those files are executed.
Most commonly, a graphical user interface (GUI) is used. the interface is a window system
with a pointing device to direct I/O, choose from menus, and make selections and a
keyboard to enter text.
 Program Execution: The Operating System is responsible for the execution of all types
of programs whether it be user programs or system programs. The Operating System
utilizes various resources available for the efficient running of all types of functionalities.
 Handling Input/Output Operations: The Operating System is responsible for handling
all sorts of inputs, i.e., from the keyboard, mouse, desktop, etc. The Operating System
does all interfacing most appropriately regarding all kinds of Inputs and Outputs.
For example, there is a difference between all types of peripheral devices such as mice or
keyboards, the Operating System is responsible for handling data between them.
 Manipulation of File System: The Operating System is responsible for making decisions
regarding the storage of all types of data or files, i.e., floppy disk/hard disk/pen drive, etc.
The Operating System decides how the data should be manipulated and stored.
 Resource Allocation: The Operating System ensures the proper use of all the resources
available by deciding which resource to be used by whom for how much time. All the
decisions are taken by the Operating System.
 Accounting: The Operating System tracks an account of all the functionalities taking
place in the computer system at a time. All the details such as the types of errors that
occurred are recorded by the Operating System.
 Information and Resource Protection: The Operating System is responsible for using
all the information and resources available on the machine in the most protected way. The
Operating System must foil an attempt from any external resource to hamper any sort of
data or information.
  Communication: The operating system implements communication between one process
to another process to exchange information. Such communication may occur between
processes that are executing on the same computer or between processes that are
executing on different computer systems tied together by a computer network.
 System Services: The operating system provides various system services, such as
printing, time and date management, and event logging.
 Error Detection: The operating system needs to be detecting and correcting errors
constantly. Errors may occur in the CPU and memory hardware ( for eg. a memory error or
a power failure), in I/O devices (such as a parity error on disk, a connection failure on a
network, or a lack of paper in the printer), and in the user program ( an arithmetic
overflow, an attempt to access an illegal memory location or a too-great use of CPU time).
For each type of error, the operating system should take the appropriate action to ensure
correct and consistent computing.
All these services are ensured by the Operating System for the convenience of the users to make
the programming task easier. All different kinds of Operating Systems more or less provide the
same services.

Characteristics of Operating System

 Virtualization: Operating systems can provide Virtualization capabilities, allowing

multiple operating systems or instances of an operating system to run on a single physical
machine. This can improve resource utilization and provide isolation between different
operating systems or applications.
 Networking: Operating systems provide networking capabilities, allowing the computer
system to connect to other systems and devices over a network. This can include features
such as network protocols, network interfaces, and network security.
 Scheduling: Operating systems provide scheduling algorithms that determine the order
in which tasks are executed on the system. These algorithms prioritize tasks based on
their resource requirements and other factors to optimize system performance.
 Interprocess Communication: Operating systems provide mechanisms for applications
to communicate with each other, allowing them to share data and coordinate their
activities.
 Performance Monitoring: Operating systems provide tools for monitoring system
performance, including CPU usage, memory usage, disk usage, and network activity. This
can help identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system performance.
 Backup and Recovery: Operating systems provide backup and recovery mechanisms to
protect data in the event of system failure or data loss.
 Debugging: Operating systems provide debugging tools that allow developers to identify
and fix software bugs and other issues in the system.