Operating Systems: Comprehensive Notes

Basic Computer Components

• Hardware: Physical components with definite shape (mouse, keyboard, display, hard
disk, etc.)

• Firmware: Booting instructions stored in ROM

• Software: Set of instructions for the computer to perform activities

Booting Process

1. Power up → CPU activates BIOS

2. POST (Power On Self-Test) runs using CMOS memory

3. System reads MBR (Master Boot Record) from boot drive

4. Operating System loads from boot drive to RAM

5. OS takes control and displays a user interface

Software Classification

• System Software

o Operating System

o Utility Software

o Language Translators (Assembler, Compiler, Interpreter)

• Application Software

o Word Processing

o Spreadsheets

o Database

o Computer Games

o Web Browsers

Operating System Importance

• Facilitates interaction between user and hardware

• Provides instructions for installing and managing application software

• Acts as the sole software managing the entire computer system

Types of Operating Systems

1. By Licensing

o Proprietary OS: Requires payment (Windows, macOS)

o Free and Open Source OS: Free to use (Ubuntu, Android, Hanthana Linux)

2. By Functionality

o Single User OS: Serves one person at a time (MS-DOS)

o Multi-User OS: Allows multiple simultaneous users (Linux, Windows Server)

o Multi-Tasking OS: Runs multiple processes simultaneously (Windows 7/8,

o Real-Time OS: Provides output without observable delays (Used in ATMs,

Popular Operating Systems

1. Microsoft Windows

o Proprietary software requiring license payment

o Versions: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

o Also available: Windows Mobile, Windows Server

o Proprietary software requiring license payment

o Only installable on Apple computers

3. Ubuntu

o Based on Linux

o Free and open source

o Available at ubuntu.com

4. Android

o Developed by Google for mobile devices

o Free and open source

5. Hanthana Linux

o Based on Linux

o Free and open source

Services of Operating Systems

1. Hardware Management

a) Process Management

• Manages running programs or parts of programs

• Allocates resources (CPU time, memory, I/O devices)

• Orders processes according to priority

• Allocates RAM for processes

• Ensures memory is freed after process completion

• Manages both primary (RAM) and secondary memory

c) Device Management

• Controls peripheral devices using device controllers

• Uses device drivers for software components

• Manages plug-and-play functionality

d) File Management

• Creates, deletes, renames, and organizes files and folders

• Handles file properties, operations, access, and systems

• File access methods: Sequential Access, Random Access

• Common file systems: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, ext4, ReiserFS

e) Security Management

• Protects against malware and unauthorized access

• May require third-party software for complete protection

f) Network Management

• Supports wired and wireless connectivity

• Enables remote access to computers

• Facilitates data communication in networks

a) Command Line Interface (CLI)

• Uses text commands with specific syntax

• Requires knowledge of command structure

• Was common in early operating systems

b) Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Uses WIMP components:

o Windows

o Icons

o Menus

o Pointer

• Allows mouse/finger navigation

• More user-friendly than CLI

Utility Programs in Operating Systems

• Backup Software: Copies files and creates backups

• Disk Scanner: Checks for errors in hard drives

• Disk Defragmentation: Reorganizes clusters for efficiency

• Task Manager: Displays process information

• Anti-Virus Software: Protects against malicious software

• Clipboard: Temporary storage for cut/copy operations

• Data Synchronization: Maintains data consistency

• Disk Partitioning: Divides drives into logical sections

• Screensavers: Displays patterns when computer is inactive

• System Profilers: Provides system information

• Network Utilities: Configures network settings

Disk Management

Disk Partitioning

• Divides a physical drive into multiple logical drives

• Reasons for partitioning:

o Organizing different types of data

o Installing multiple operating systems

o Meeting OS requirements

• Windows names partitions as C:, D:, E:, etc.

• Linux identifies partitions as directories

Disk Formatting

• Prepares storage devices for data storage

• Uses specific file formats based on the OS

• Deletes all existing data on the drive

• Reorganizes fragmented files for better efficiency

• Addresses issues when files are stored in separate locations

• Linux-based systems rarely need defragmentation due to different file storage

File Systems

• Files consist of filename and extension (e.g., document.docx)

• Extensions identify file types (.exe, .docx, .xlsx, .pptx)

• File properties include type, size, date/time saved

File and Folder Management

Common Operations

1. Creating folders: Select drive → New folder → Name folder

2. Copy and paste: Select file → Copy (Ctrl+C) → Select destination → Paste (Ctrl+V)

3. Cut and paste: Select file → Cut (Ctrl+X) → Select destination → Paste (Ctrl+V)

4. Renaming: Select file → Rename → Enter new name

5. Deleting: Select file → Delete → Confirm deletion

6. Restoring: Open Recycle Bin → Select file → Restore

Key Points Summary

• Operating System is essential for operating a computer

• All application software runs on the Operating System

• The user interface facilitates interaction between computer and user

• GUI is more convenient than CLI for most users

• Operating System manages all computer resources

• Hard disk partitioning and formatting precede OS installation

• Files and folders provide organization for data storage