Case Study: Operating System

Introduction
An operating system (OS) is a program that acts as an intermediary between a
computer user and the computer hardware. The primary goals of an OS are to:

1. Execute user programs and make solving user problems easier.

1.
2.

Make the computer system convenient to use.

3.
4.

Use the computer hardware in an efficient manner.

5.

Operating System Architecture

1.

Convenience:

2.

1.

Provides a user-friendly interface to interact with hardware and

2.
3.

Simplifies the operation of computers for users.

4.

3.
Good Performance and Efficiency:

4.

1.

Ensures smooth operation by managing tasks such as memory

2.

5.

Ability to Evolve:

6.

1.

Designed to support future enhancements and functionalities without

2.

7.

Resource Allocation:

8.

1.

Manages system resources (CPU, memory, and I/O devices).

2.
3.

Resolves conflicts and ensures fair and efficient resource usage.

4.

9.

Control Program:

10.

1.
 Monitors the execution of all programs.

2.
3.

Prevents errors and ensures proper use of the computer system.

4.

Components of an OS
1. Kernel

The kernel is the core of the operating system that runs continuously. It:

Directly interacts with hardware to manage system resources.




Provides low-level abstractions for hardware to software.

Responsibilities:

Managing device drivers (interfaces between hardware and OS).




Handling system files essential for OS functionality.

2. Shell

The shell acts as a command interpreter, facilitating user interaction with the OS. It:

Processes user commands (e.g., through a terminal or GUI).

Translates commands for the kernel to execute.

Example:

A user typing ls in Linux to list files in a directory is processed by the shell.

Objectives of the Kernel

Facilitate communication between user-level applications and hardware.




Manage disk, memory, and tasks.

OS Modes: User Mode & Kernel Mode

The OS operates in two modes:

1.

User Mode: Limited access to hardware.

2.
3.

Kernel Mode: Full access to hardware resources.

4.

Operating System Services

Providing user interfaces: Offers graphical and command-line interfaces.

Enabling I/O handling: Manages input/output operations efficiently.




Interprocess communication: Allows processes to exchange data.




Detecting errors: Identifies and resolves errors.




Allocation of resources: Allocates CPU, memory, and I/O devices.




Monitoring: Tracks system performance and usage.




System calls: Provides a mechanism for programs to request OS services.




Protection and security: Ensures authorized access to resources.

What Operating Systems Do

Resource Allocation:

2.

Manages all resources and resolves conflicting requests.

3.

Control Program:

4.

Prevents errors and improper use of the computer.

Types of Kernels


Exo Kernel: Minimalist kernel providing direct hardware access.




Nano Kernel: Simplified kernel for minimal hardware control.

Bootstrap Program

Loaded during power-up or reboot.




Typically stored in ROM or EPROM (firmware).




Initializes the system and loads the kernel.


Computer System Organization
Characteristics

1.

Concurrent execution:

2.

CPU and I/O devices execute tasks simultaneously.

3.

Device Controllers:

4.

Hardware interfaces for managing specific devices.

5.

Local Buffers:

6.

Temporary storage for data during transfers.

7.

Interrupt Handling:

8.

o
 Device controllers signal the CPU upon task completion using
interrupts.

Functions of Interrupts

Interrupts transfer control to an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR).




ISRs manage events, saving the CPU’s state and ensuring smooth resumption.




Examples: Error handling, system calls, or specific user requests.

Spooling
Spooling (Simultaneous Peripheral Operations On-Line) is the process of temporarily
storing data for I/O devices in a buffer for later processing.

Types of Operating Systems

Executes tasks sequentially, one after another.




Example: Early computers.

2. Batch Processing
 

Groups tasks into batches for sequential execution.




Example: Payroll systems.

3. Multiprogramming

Executes multiple programs simultaneously by efficiently switching between




Example: Running a text editor and a browser simultaneously.

4. Time-Sharing (Multitasking)

Provides real-time interaction by allotting small time slices to tasks.




Example: UNIX.

5. Multiprocessing

Uses multiple CPUs for simultaneous task execution.




Example: Modern multi-core processors.


6. Distributed Systems

Distributes tasks across networked computers.




Example: Cloud computing.

7. Real-Time OS

Processes data within a guaranteed time frame.




Examples: Air traffic control systems.

8. Embedded OS

Designed for embedded systems with specific tasks.




Examples: Smartwatches, IoT devices.

Conclusion
Operating systems are critical for the efficient and secure operation of computer
systems. By managing hardware and software resources, they provide a foundation
for modern computing. The evolution of OS types and architectures continues to
enhance functionality, scalability, and user convenience.