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An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that manages computer resources and provides a user-friendly interface. Its main functions include process, memory, file management, security, and command interpretation. Operating systems can be classified by user interaction, task handling, processing, and time-sharing, with examples including UNIX and various application and utility programs.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
4 views5 pages

Untitled Document

An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that manages computer resources and provides a user-friendly interface. Its main functions include process, memory, file management, security, and command interpretation. Operating systems can be classified by user interaction, task handling, processing, and time-sharing, with examples including UNIX and various application and utility programs.
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Operating Systems:

Introduction
Definition: An operating system (OS) is an integrated set of programs
that controls the resources (CPU, memory, I/O devices, etc.) of a
computer system. It provides users with an interface or virtual
machine that is more convenient to use than the bare machine.
Need for OS:
Makes the computer system convenient to use.
Manages the resources of a computer system efficiently.
Logical Architecture:
The OS acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the user,
hiding the details of the hardware from the programmer and providing
a convenient interface for using the system.

Functions of an Operating System


Process Management:
Manages processes (jobs) submitted to the system to minimize idle
time of processors (CPUs, I/O processors, etc.).
Mechanisms include multiprogramming, multitasking, and
multiprocessing.
Memory Management:
Keeps track of memory usage, allocates memory to processes, and
deallocates it when no longer needed.
Techniques include uniprogramming, multiprogramming, and virtual
memory.
File Management:
Manages file-related activities such as structuring, accessing, naming,
sharing, and protecting files.
Supports file access methods like sequential and random access.
Security:
Protects system resources and information against destruction and
unauthorized access.
Includes user authentication, access control, and cryptography.
Command Interpretation:
Provides a set of commands (system calls) for users to interact with
the system.
Supports both command-line interfaces (CLI) and graphical user
interfaces (GUI).

Classification of Operating Systems


Based on User Interaction:
Single-user OS: Supports one user at a time (e.g., MS-DOS).
Multi-user OS: Supports multiple users simultaneously (e.g., UNIX,
Linux).
Based on Task Handling:
Single-tasking OS: Executes one task at a time (e.g., MS-DOS).
Multi-tasking OS: Executes multiple tasks concurrently (e.g.,
Windows, Linux).
Based on Processing:
Uniprogramming: Only one job is processed at a time.
Multiprogramming: Interleaved execution of multiple jobs.
Multiprocessing: Uses multiple CPUs to execute processes concurrently
(tightly-coupled or loosely-coupled systems).
Based on Time Sharing:
Time-sharing OS: Allows multiple users to interact with the system
simultaneously (e.g., UNIX).

System Programs
Definition: System programs are software that provide a convenient
environment for program development and execution. They include:
Translating Programs: Compilers, assemblers, and interpreters that
convert source code into machine code.
Library Programs: Pre-written functions and operations frequently
used by applications.
Utility Programs: Assist with system maintenance tasks like disk
formatting, data compression, and antivirus protection.

Application Programs
Definition: Application programs are software designed to perform
specific tasks for users. Examples include:
Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word)
Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
Graphics packages (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)
Personal assistance packages (e.g., Microsoft Outlook)

Utilities
Definition: Utilities are software tools that assist users in managing
and maintaining the computer system. Examples include:
Disk formatting tools
Data backup and recovery tools
Antivirus software
File compression tools

The Unix Operating System


Introduction: UNIX is a multi-user, time-sharing OS developed in the
early 1970s at Bell Laboratories by Ken Thompson and Dennis Ritchie.
It is written in C, making it highly portable.
Structure:
Kernel: Core of the OS, manages hardware resources.
Shell: Command interpreter that provides an interface for users to
interact with the system.
Utilities: Programs that perform routine tasks.
Features:
Multi-user and multi-tasking capabilities.
Used on a wide range of devices, from notebooks to supercomputers.
Prevalent on RISC workstations (e.g., Sun Microsystems, HP, IBM).

Basic Unix Commands


File Management:
ls: List files and directories.
cp: Copy files or directories.
mv: Move or rename files.
rm: Remove files or directories.
Directory Management:
cd: Change directory.
mkdir: Create a new directory.
rmdir: Remove an empty directory.
Process Management:
ps: Display active processes.
kill: Terminate a process.
Text Processing:
cat: Display file content.
grep: Search for patterns in files.
vi: Text editor.
System Information:
who: Display logged-in users.
date: Display the current date and time.

Booting
Definition: Booting is the process of starting a computer and loading
the operating system into memory.
Steps:
Power-On Self-Test (POST): The system checks hardware
components.
BIOS/UEFI: The Basic Input/Output System or Unified Extensible
Firmware Interface initializes hardware and loads the bootloader.
Bootloader: Loads the OS kernel into memory.
Kernel Initialization: The OS kernel takes control and initializes
system processes.
Types of Booting:
Cold Boot: Starting the computer from a powered-off state.
Warm Boot: Restarting the computer without turning off the power.

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