OPERATING SYSTEM

1. OPERATING SYSTEM
1. DEFINITION: An operating system (OS) is software that manages
computer hardware and software resources, providing services for
computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between users and the
computer hardware. Examples include Windows, mac-OS, and Linux.
2. OS INTERFACES
 GUI: GUI, or Graphical User Interface, is a visual way for users to
interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and
visual indicators. It simplifies the interaction between users and
computers by using graphical elements such as windows,
buttons, and menus.
 CLI: CLI, or Command Line Interface, is a text-based interface for
interacting with a computer system through typed commands. It
allows users to execute tasks by entering specific commands
rather than relying on graphical elements.
3. TASKS OF OPERATING SYSTEM:
 Process Management: Manages the creation, scheduling and
termination of processes.
 Memory Management: Controls the allocation and deallocation
of memory to various programs.
 File System Management: Manages files on storage devices,
including reading, writing and organizing files.
 Device Management: Handles communication and control of
input/output devices.
 Security and Access Control: Protects system resources and
data from unauthorized access.
 User Interface: Provides a way for users to interact with the
computer, either via GUI or CLI interfaces.
 Network Management: Manages network connections and data
transmission between devices.
 Error Detection and Handling: Detects and responds to errors
in hardware and software.

Abdul Basit
Lecturer KIPS College Wah
4. Commonly Used Operating Systems:
 DOS: DOS (Disk Operating System) is a single-user, single-
tasking operating system that provides a command-line
interface for managing files and running programs on early
personal computers. It was widely used in the 1980s and early
1990s, with MS-DOS being the most popular version developed
by Microsoft. DOS supports basic file operations, memory
management, and peripheral device control.
 Windows: Windows is a widely used operating system
developed by Microsoft, featuring a graphical user interface (GUI)
that allows users to interact with their computers through visual
elements like windows, icons, and menus. It supports
multitasking, advanced hardware management, and a broad
range of software applications. Since its initial release in 1985,
Windows has evolved through various versions, becoming a
dominant OS for personal and professional use worldwide.
 MAC OS:
macOS is an operating system developed by Apple Inc. for its
line of Macintosh computers, known for its sleek graphical user
interface and strong emphasis on aesthetics and usability. It is
built on a Unix-based foundation, providing robust performance,
security, and stability, along with seamless integration with other
Apple products and services. macOS supports a wide range of
applications for both personal and professional use, making it
popular among creative professionals.
 UNIX: Unix is a powerful, multiuser, multitasking operating
system originally developed in the 1960s and 1970s at AT&T's
Bell Labs. Known for its portability, flexibility, and robustness,
Unix has influenced many other operating systems and is widely
used in both servers and workstations. Its core design principles,
such as the use of plain text for data storage and a hierarchical
file system, have made it a foundational model for modern OS
development.

Abdul Basit
Lecturer KIPS College Wah
 ANDROID: Android is an open-source mobile operating system
developed by Google, designed primarily for touchscreen
devices like smartphones and tablets. Based on the Linux kernel,
Android supports a vast ecosystem of applications available
through the Google Play Store, offering extensive customization
and functionality. It has become the world's most widely used
mobile OS, powering billions of devices globally.

Abdul Basit
Lecturer KIPS College Wah