Operating System

Chapter-1.1
Introduction to Operating System

1 Introduction to Operating Systems

Definition: An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer
hardware and software resources and provides services for computer programs. It acts as

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an intermediary between users and the computer hardware.
Basic Functions of an OS:

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• Process Management: Handling the execution of processes, including scheduling,
creation, and termination.

• Memory Management: Managing the system’s memory allocation and dealloca-

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tion.

• File System Management: Handling the creation, deletion, reading, and writing
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of files.

• Device Management: Controlling and managing hardware devices such as print-

ers, hard drives, etc.
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• Security and Access Control: Protecting system resources and data from unau-
thorized access.

Uses:
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• Multi-Tasking: Running multiple applications simultaneously.

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• Resource Allocation: Efficiently allocating hardware resources to different appli-

cations.

• User Interface: Providing a user-friendly interface for interacting with the com-
puter.

2 What is an Operating System?

An Operating System is essential software that enables the basic functioning of a com-
puter. It facilitates the execution of all other software applications and manages hardware
components. Example:

• Windows: A popular operating system for personal computers.

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 3 SIMPLE BATCH SYSTEMS

Figure 1: Diagram

• Linux: An open-source operating system used widely in servers and development

environments.

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• MacOS: The operating system used by Apple’s desktop and laptop computers.

Uses:

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• Personal Use: Running software applications like word processors, browsers, and
games.
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• Business Use: Managing enterprise applications, databases, and network services.

• Server Use: Hosting websites, databases, and other online services.

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3 Simple Batch Systems

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Definition: Simple Batch Systems were among the earliest types of operating systems.
In these systems, jobs are collected into batches and processed sequentially. Character-
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Figure 2: Diagram

istics:

• No user interaction: Jobs are executed without any input or interaction from
the user during execution.

• Job Scheduling: Jobs are queued and processed in the order they are submitted.

Example:

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 4 MULTI-PROGRAMMED BATCH SYSTEMS

• IBM 1401: One of the first machines to use a batch processing system.

Uses:

• Large-Scale Data Processing: Suitable for processing large amounts of data

without user intervention.

• Historical Context: Used in early computing when user interaction with the
system was minimal.

Popularity:

• 1960s-1970s: Batch processing systems were popular during this period when com-
puters were primarily used for large-scale computations, such as payroll processing
and scientific calculations.

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4 Multi-Programmed Batch Systems
Definition: In Multi-Programmed Batch Systems, multiple jobs are loaded into memory

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and executed concurrently. The OS switches between jobs to utilize CPU efficiently.
Key Concepts:
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• Multiprogramming: The ability of an OS to execute more than one program
simultaneously.

• CPU Utilization: The goal is to keep the CPU as busy as possible by overlapping
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I/O and CPU operations.

Example:
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• A computer system running multiple batch jobs where, while one job is waiting for
I/O operations, another job can utilize the CPU.

Uses:
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• Enhanced System Efficiency: By running multiple jobs concurrently, the system

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utilizes CPU time more effectively.

• Application in Early Computing: Used in scenarios where multiple jobs could

be processed without real-time user interaction.

Popularity:

• 1970s-1980s: Became popular as computing resources became more powerful,

allowing for more efficient use of CPU time.

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 6 PERSONAL-COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Figure 3: Diagram

5 Time-Sharing Systems

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Definition: Time-Sharing Systems allow multiple users to use the computer simultane-
ously by allocating time slices of the CPU to each user or task. Characteristics:
• Interactive: Users interact directly with the system in real-time.

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• Time Slices: The CPU time is divided into small time intervals, and each user/job
is allocated a time slice.
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Example:
• UNIX: A classic example of a time-sharing operating system.
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Uses:
• Multi-User Environments: Used in scenarios where multiple users need to in-
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teract with the system simultaneously, such as educational institutions or research

facilities.

• Interactive Applications: Ideal for applications requiring real-time user input

and interaction.
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Popularity:
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• 1970s-Present: Time-sharing systems became popular in the 1970s and continue

to be used in modern multi-user systems and servers.

6 Personal-Computer Systems
Definition: Personal-Computer Systems are designed for single-user applications, such
as desktops and laptops.
Characteristics:
• Single-User Focus: Designed primarily for individual use.

• User-Friendly Interfaces: Typically, these systems have graphical user interfaces

(GUIs) that make them easier to use.
Example:

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 7 PARALLEL SYSTEMS

• Windows 10: An operating system widely used on personal computers.

Uses:
• Home Computing: Used for personal tasks like word processing, browsing the
internet, and gaming.
• Business Computing: Employed in offices for tasks like document editing, spread-
sheets, and presentations.
• Education: Personal computers are used in educational settings for learning and
research.
Popularity:
• 1980s-Present: Personal computers became widespread in the 1980s with the
advent of affordable PCs, leading to the popularization of operating systems like
Windows and MacOS.

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7 Parallel Systems

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Definition: Parallel Systems use multiple processors to perform multiple tasks simulta-
neously. Characteristics:
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Figure 4: Diagram

• Multiprocessing: More than one CPU is used to perform operations concurrently.

• Increased Throughput: Parallel systems can handle more tasks at the same time,
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increasing system throughput.

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Example:
• Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP): All processors share a common memory
and operate independently.
Uses:
• High-Performance Computing: Used in scientific simulations, data analysis,
and other tasks requiring significant computational power.
• Server Systems: Employed in servers to handle multiple requests concurrently,
enhancing performance.
Popularity:
• 1990s-Present: Parallel processing systems gained popularity with the increas-
ing demand for high-performance computing in fields like scientific research and
enterprise applications.

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 9 REAL-TIME SYSTEMS

8 Distributed Systems
Definition: Distributed Systems consist of multiple computers that work together to
achieve a common goal. These systems share resources and communicate via a network.
Characteristics:

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Figure 5: Diagram

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• Resource Sharing: Resources like files, data, and processing power are shared
across the network.

• Scalability: Systems can easily scale by adding more machines to the network.
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• Fault Tolerance: If one system fails, others can continue to operate.
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Example:
• Apache Hadoop: A distributed system used for processing large data sets across
clusters of computers.
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Uses:
• Big Data Processing: Distributed systems are used to analyze and process large
volumes of data across multiple machines.
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• Cloud Computing: Many cloud services rely on distributed systems to deliver

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scalable and reliable services to users.

Popularity:
• 2000s-Present: Distributed systems have become essential for handling large-scale
computing tasks in areas such as big data, cloud computing, and content delivery
networks (CDNs).

9 Real-Time Systems
Definition: Real-Time Systems are designed to process data and provide output within a
strict time constraint. These systems are often used in critical applications where timing
is crucial. Characteristics:
• Deterministic Response: The system provides a predictable response time to
input stimuli.

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 9 REAL-TIME SYSTEMS

Figure 6: Diagram

• High Reliability: These systems are often used in life-critical applications where
failure is not an option.
Example:
• Air Traffic Control Systems: Systems that require real-time processing to man-

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age and monitor air traffic safely.
Uses:

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• Medical Devices: Real-time systems are used in devices like pacemakers, where
immediate and reliable responses are essential.

• Industrial Automation: Used in controlling machinery and processes where tim-

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ing is critical.
Popularity:
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• 1980s-Present: Real-time systems have been widely adopted in industries such as

healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing, where precise timing is critical.
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Important Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is an Operating System, and what are its main functions?
Answer: An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hard-
e

ware and software resources and provides services for computer programs. Its main
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functions include:
• Process Management: Scheduling, creating, and terminating processes.

• Memory Management: Allocating and deallocating memory.

• File System Management: Managing files and directories.

• Device Management: Controlling hardware devices.

• Security and Access Control: Protecting resources from unauthorized access.

Question 2: Explain the concept of virtual memory. Why is it important?
Answer: Virtual memory is a memory management technique that creates an illusion
of a very large memory for the user by using both the physical memory (RAM) and disk
space. It allows the system to execute processes that may not be completely in the main
memory. Virtual memory is important because:

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 9 REAL-TIME SYSTEMS

• It allows the execution of large applications.

• It isolates processes to ensure security and stability.

• It improves system performance by managing memory efficiently.

Question 3: Describe the differences between Simple Batch Systems and Time-
Sharing Systems.
Answer:

• Simple Batch Systems: Jobs are processed in batches with no user interaction
during execution. Examples include early IBM systems.

• Time-Sharing Systems: Multiple users can interact with the system simultane-
ously, with the CPU time shared among them. Examples include UNIX.

Question 4: What are the advantages of Distributed Systems?

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Answer: Distributed Systems offer several advantages:

• Scalability: Systems can be easily scaled by adding more machines.

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• Resource Sharing: Resources such as data and processing power are shared across
the network.
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• Fault Tolerance: If one system fails, others can continue to operate, ensuring
reliability.
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Question 5: Define Real-Time Systems and provide examples of their applications.
Answer: Real-Time Systems are designed to process data and provide output within
a strict time constraint. They are used in critical applications where timing is crucial.
Examples include:
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• Air Traffic Control Systems

• Medical Devices (e.g., pacemakers)

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• Industrial Automation
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Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question 1: Which of the following is a function of an Operating System?

1. File Management

2. Web Browsing

3. Email Management

4. Image Editing

Question 2: What does the term ’Multiprogramming’ refer to?

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 9 REAL-TIME SYSTEMS

1. Running multiple programs simultaneously.

2. Running a single program multiple times.

3. Executing instructions of a program one after another.

4. None of the above.

simultaneously.
Question 3: Which system is designed to allow multiple users to interact with a
computer at the same time?

1. Simple Batch System

2. Time-Sharing System

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3. Real-Time System

4. Parallel System

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Question 4: What is the main advantage of using Distributed Systems?
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1. Reduced costs

2. Increased scalability and fault tolerance

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3. Enhanced user experience

4. Simplicity in design
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Question 5: Which of the following is NOT an example of a Real-Time System?

1. Air Traffic Control System

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2. Pacemaker
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3. Web Browser

4. Industrial Automation System

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