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Week 2 - Part 2 (Roles of An Os) - 073832

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9 views3 pages

Week 2 - Part 2 (Roles of An Os) - 073832

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nx574n2vrv
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Here is a list of all the roles of an Operating System (OS) with very brief examples on

each:

● Resource Management:
○ Processor Management: The OS decides which process gets to use the
CPU and for how long. This is known as process scheduling.
○ Memory Management: The OS allocates memory to processes and
ensures that they do not interfere with each other.
○ Device Management: The OS manages all of the devices connected to
the computer, such as the keyboard, mouse, and printer.
○ Storage Management: The OS manages the storage of data on the
computer's hard drive, SSD, or other storage devices.

Example: When you open a new application, the OS allocates memory to it and
schedules it to run on the CPU.

● User Interface:
○ The OS provides a user interface that allows you to interact with the
computer. This can be a graphical user interface (GUI), such as Windows
or macOS, or a command-line interface (CLI), such as Linux.

Example: When you click on a file in Windows Explorer, the OS opens it in the
appropriate application.

● Security:
○ The OS protects the computer from unauthorized access and malicious
software. This includes features such as login passwords, file
permissions, and antivirus software.

Example: When you log into your computer, the OS verifies your password before
allowing you to access your files and applications.

● Utilities:
○ The OS also provides a variety of utilities that help you to manage and
maintain your computer. These can include tools for defragmenting the
hard drive, backing up files, and troubleshooting problems.
Example: The Disk Defragmenter utility in Windows defragments the hard drive, which
can improve performance.

● Networking:
○ The OS allows the computer to connect to a network and communicate
with other computers.

Example: When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, the OS configures the network adapter
and assigns an IP address to the computer.

● Multitasking:
○ The OS allows multiple programs to run at the same time.

Example: When you run multiple programs at the same time, the OS switches between
them quickly so that they all appear to be running simultaneously.

● Performance Monitoring:
○ The OS monitors the computer's performance and makes adjustments as
needed.

Example: When the computer is running hot, the OS may reduce the CPU speed or
turn off unnecessary features to save power.

● Error Detection and Recovery:


○ The OS detects and recovers from errors in the hardware and software.

Example: If a program crashes, the OS may be able to restart it or recover the data that
was being lost.

● Bootstrapping:
○ The OS boots up the computer when it is turned on.

Example: When you turn on your computer, the OS loads all of the necessary drivers
and software so that you can start using it.

● Abstraction:
○ The OS provides an abstraction layer that hides the complexity of the
hardware from the user and software applications.

Example: The user does not need to know how the computer's memory is organized or
how the CPU works in order to use a program. The OS takes care of all of these
details.

Operating systems are complex pieces of software, but they play an essential role in
our lives. By managing the computer's resources and providing a user interface,
operating systems make it possible for us to use our computers to do everything from
writing documents to playing games to browsing the internet.

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