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What is an Operating System

An Operating System (OS) serves as an intermediary between users and computer hardware, managing resources, running applications, and ensuring efficient operation. It encompasses various components including hardware, application programs, and user interfaces, and provides essential functions such as resource management, process management, and security. Different types of OS exist, including single-user, multi-user, real-time, and embedded systems, each designed to meet specific user needs and operational requirements.

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2 views

What is an Operating System

An Operating System (OS) serves as an intermediary between users and computer hardware, managing resources, running applications, and ensuring efficient operation. It encompasses various components including hardware, application programs, and user interfaces, and provides essential functions such as resource management, process management, and security. Different types of OS exist, including single-user, multi-user, real-time, and embedded systems, each designed to meet specific user needs and operational requirements.

Uploaded by

bushrafayyaz252
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is an Operating System (OS)?

An Operating System (OS) is a program that acts as a bridge between the user and the computer
hardware. It manages hardware, runs applications, and ensures the computer functions smoothly.

Goals of an Operating System:

1. Make computing easier – Helps users interact with the computer.


2. Improve efficiency – Manages hardware to run tasks faster.
3. Allow multiple applications to run – Handles different programs at the same time.

Main Components of a Computer System:

1. Hardware – Physical parts like CPU, memory, and input/output devices.


2. Operating System – Manages the hardware and software.
3. Application Programs – Programs like browsers, games, and word processors.
4. Users – People, machines, or other systems using the computer.

Functions of an Operating System:

1. Resource Management – Allocates CPU, memory, and devices efficiently.


2. Process Management – Runs multiple programs by scheduling tasks.
3. Memory Management – Controls data storage and memory usage.
4. File System Management – Organizes and manages files and directories.
5. Security & Protection – Protects data from unauthorized access and threats.

Types of Operating Systems:

1. Single-User OS – Designed for personal computers (Windows, macOS).


2. Multi-User OS – Supports multiple users at the same time (Linux, UNIX).
3. Real-Time OS – Used in systems requiring quick response times (Airplane controls,
Robots).
4. Embedded OS – Runs on specialized devices like ATMs, smart TVs, and cars.

How an OS Works:

1. Booting Up – When a computer starts, it loads the OS from storage to memory.


2. Interrupt Handling – The OS responds to external events (keyboard input, mouse
clicks).
3. Multitasking – Runs multiple programs at the same time.
4. File Storage – Manages how files are stored and accessed.

Why is an OS Important?

 It allows users to interact with the computer easily.


 It helps in running multiple programs without issues.
 It ensures security, efficiency, and smooth operation of the system.

Operating System Services in Simple Terms

An Operating System (OS) provides various services to help users and ensure the computer
works efficiently. These services can be grouped into two main categories:

1. Services for Users

User Interface (UI)

 This is how users interact with the computer.


 Types:
o Command-Line Interface (CLI): Text-based, users type commands (e.g., MS-DOS, Linux
terminal).
o Graphical User Interface (GUI): Visual, users click icons (e.g., Windows, macOS).
o Batch Processing: Commands are executed automatically from a script.

Program Execution

 The OS loads programs into memory and runs them.


 It also handles program termination, whether it completes successfully or crashes.

I/O Operations

 Programs often need input (keyboard, mouse) and output (screen, printer).
 The OS manages communication between programs and hardware.

File System Management

 The OS helps in creating, deleting, reading, writing, and organizing files.


 It also controls access (permissions) to protect files from unauthorized users.

Communication

 Processes (running programs) may need to talk to each other.


 This can be:
o Within the same computer (shared memory or message passing).
o Between different computers (network communication like the internet).

Error Detection

 The OS continuously checks for errors in:


o Hardware (CPU, memory, devices)
o Software (bugs, crashes)
 It then takes action to fix or prevent further issues.

2. Services for System Efficiency

Resource Allocation

 The OS decides how to share resources (CPU, memory, disk space) among programs.
 Example: Running multiple apps at once without slowing down the system.

Accounting

 Tracks resource usage (e.g., how much memory or CPU a program uses).
 Useful for performance monitoring and billing in cloud computing.

Protection & Security

 Ensures users and programs access only allowed data.


 Protects against hacking and unauthorized access using passwords, encryption, and firewalls.

User Interfaces in More Detail

CLI (Command-Line Interface)

 Users type commands to interact with the OS.


 Examples: Windows Command Prompt, Linux Terminal.
 Shell: A program that processes CLI commands.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

 Uses windows, icons, and buttons for interaction.


 Examples: Windows, macOS, Android.
 Easier for beginners compared to CLI.

System Calls

 A way for programs to request services from the OS.


 Examples:
o Open/close a file
o Read/write data
o Start/end a process
o Allocate memory
 APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are often used instead of system calls because they
are easier to use and work across different operating systems.

Types of System Calls

1. Process Control: Start, stop, manage processes.


2. File Management: Open, read, write, close files.
3. Device Management: Control hardware devices (printers, USB).
4. Information Maintenance: Get system info (date, time, memory usage).
5. Communication: Send and receive messages between programs or computers.

System Programs

These programs help manage the system and include:

 File tools (copy, delete, rename)


 System info tools (task manager, system monitor)
 Development tools (compilers, debuggers)
 Communication tools (email, internet browsing)

Operating System Design

1. Simple Structure

 Example: MS-DOS
 No clear separation between different parts.
 Fast but harder to maintain and expand.

2. Layered Structure

 The OS is divided into layers.


 Example: UNIX
 Lower layers handle hardware, higher layers handle user tasks.

3. Microkernel

 Moves many OS functions to user space.


 Example: macOS, Windows NT
 More secure and reliable but slightly slower.

4. Modular Approach
 OS is built from independent modules.
 Easier to update and modify.

Virtual Machines (VM)

 A VM creates a fake computer inside a real one.


 Lets you run multiple operating systems on the same hardware.
 Example: Running Windows inside a Mac using software like VMware or VirtualBox.

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