Lecture 6, 7

Components of OS

1. . Kernel

The kernel is the heart of the operating system, responsible for managing communication
between hardware and software. It provides low-level services required by the OS and
applications.
Functions:

• Resource Management: Allocates CPU, memory, and I/O devices to processes.

• System Calls: Provides an interface for applications to request OS services.

• Interrupt Handling: Manages hardware or software signals to handle events

efficiently.

2. Process Management

This component handles the execution of processes (programs in execution).

Functions:

• Process Creation and Termination: Manages process lifecycle (new, ready,

running, waiting, terminated).

• CPU Scheduling: Allocates CPU time to processes for multitasking.

• Synchronization: Ensures processes work correctly when accessing shared

resources.

• Deadlock Handling: Detects, avoids, or resolves situations where processes are

stuck waiting for each other.

3. Memory Management

Manages the allocation and deallocation of memory to processes.

Functions:

• Memory Allocation: Assigns memory blocks to processes as needed.

• Virtual Memory: Extends available memory by using disk storage to simulate

additional RAM.
 • Paging and Segmentation: Divides memory into manageable units for efficient use.

• Protection: Ensures that one process cannot access another's memory without
permission.

4. File System Management

Controls the creation, storage, retrieval, and organization of files.

Functions:

• File Operations: Provides basic operations like create, read, write, delete, and
rename.

• Directory Management: Organizes files hierarchically for easy access.

• Access Control: Manages user permissions for file security.

• Storage Allocation: Allocates and tracks disk space for files and directories.

5. Device Management

Handles communication between the OS and hardware devices.

Functions:

• Device Drivers: Software modules that translate OS commands into hardware-

specific instructions.

• I/O Scheduling: Manages input and output operations to optimize device usage.

• Buffering and Caching: Temporarily stores data to reduce the performance gap
between devices and the CPU.

6. User Interface

Provides a way for users to interact with the system.

Types:

• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Text-based interaction using commands.

o Example: Linux terminal, DOS prompt.

 • Graphical User Interface (GUI): Visual interaction using icons, windows, and
menus.

o Example: Windows, macOS.

• Touch and Voice Interfaces: Used in modern systems like smartphones.

7. Security and Protection

Ensures the system and its resources are secure from unauthorized access and malicious
activities.
Functions:

• Authentication: Verifies user identity using passwords, biometrics, etc.

• Access Control: Restricts user actions based on roles and permissions.

• Encryption: Secures data storage and transmission.

• Firewalls and Antivirus: Prevents unauthorized network access and protects

against malware.

8. Networking

Facilitates communication and resource sharing between systems over a network.

Functions:

• Protocol Support: Implements communication protocols like TCP/IP, UDP.

• File and Resource Sharing: Enables distributed systems to share files and devices.

• Remote Access: Allows users to access systems from different locations.

9. System Utilities

Provides tools and programs for system maintenance and performance monitoring.
Examples:

• Disk Cleanup: Removes unnecessary files to free up space.

• Task Manager: Monitors processes and resource usage.

• Backup Tools: Creates copies of data for recovery.

 • Diagnostic Tools: Analyzes hardware or software problems.

10. Bootloader

The bootloader is a small program that initializes the operating system during startup.
Functions:

• Hardware Initialization: Prepares the hardware for OS operation.

• Kernel Loading: Loads the OS kernel into memory.

• Boot Menu: Provides options for selecting the OS (in dual-boot systems).

Each of these components works together to ensure the operating system functions
efficiently, providing a bridge between the user, applications, and hardware.

Lecture 7

OS Services
The operating system (OS) provides various services to make computer usage easier,
efficient, and secure. These services are essential for managing hardware and software
resources, ensuring smooth operation of applications, and enabling user interaction.
Below are the key services offered by an OS:

1. Process Management Services

• Program Execution: The OS loads programs into memory, executes them, and
handles termination.

• Scheduling: Decides the order of execution for processes based on priorities.

• Inter-Process Communication (IPC): Enables processes to exchange data and

synchronize their actions.

• Process Synchronization: Prevents conflicts when processes access shared

resources.

• Deadlock Handling: Detects and resolves or avoids deadlocks among processes.

2. Memory Management Services

• Memory Allocation and Deallocation: Allocates memory to programs and reclaims

it when no longer needed.

• Virtual Memory Management: Allows programs to use more memory than

physically available by using disk space.

• Protection and Sharing: Prevents unauthorized access to memory and allows

controlled sharing among processes.

3. File System Services

• File Creation and Deletion: Enables users and applications to create, delete, and
modify files.

• Directory Management: Organizes files into directories for better management and
access.

• File Access and Security: Provides permissions and access control to protect data.

• File Backup and Recovery: Ensures data safety through backup tools and recovery
mechanisms.

4. Device Management Services

• Device Driver Interface: Provides a standard way for software to communicate with
hardware.

• I/O Operations: Facilitates input and output operations, including buffering and
spooling.

• Device Allocation and Deallocation: Assigns devices to processes and releases

them after use.

5. User Interface Services

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Offers a visual interface with icons, windows, and
menus.
 • Command-Line Interface (CLI): Allows text-based interaction using typed
commands.

• Touch and Voice Support: Enhances interaction for modern devices like
smartphones and IoT systems.

6. Security and Protection Services

• Authentication: Ensures that only authorized users can access the system.

• Access Control: Manages user permissions to restrict actions based on roles.

• Encryption Services: Secures data transmission and storage against unauthorized

access.

• Protection Mechanisms: Shields system resources from malicious programs or

accidental misuse.

7. Networking Services

• Resource Sharing: Enables sharing of files, printers, and other resources over a
network.

• Remote Access: Provides remote login and access to system resources.

• Protocol Implementation: Supports networking protocols like TCP/IP for internet

communication.

• Data Transmission: Handles secure and reliable data transfer between systems.

8. Error Detection and Handling Services

• Error Monitoring: Detects hardware, software, or resource-related errors.

• Recovery Mechanisms: Takes corrective actions to prevent system crashes or data

loss.

• Logging: Maintains logs for error analysis and debugging.

9. Resource Allocation Services

 • CPU Time Allocation: Shares CPU resources among processes efficiently.

• Memory Allocation: Distributes memory based on process needs and availability.

• Device Allocation: Manages access to devices like printers and disk drives.

10. System Performance Monitoring Services

• Performance Tracking: Monitors CPU, memory, and I/O usage for optimization.

• Task Management: Allows users to monitor and control running processes.

• Diagnostic Tools: Provides tools for identifying system issues.

11. Program Development Services

• Compilers and Debuggers: Offers tools to write, debug, and execute programs.

• Libraries and APIs: Provides pre-written code and interfaces for application
development.

12. Communication Services

• Message Passing: Facilitates communication between processes or systems.

• Shared Memory: Allows processes to share a common memory space for faster
interaction.

13. Backup and Recovery Services

• Data Backup: Helps safeguard data by creating copies on external storage.

• Recovery Tools: Assists in restoring lost or corrupted data.

These services collectively ensure that the OS meets user and application requirements,
making computing environments productive and user-friendly.