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Chapter 1 Operating System notes

An Operating System (OS) is essential software that serves as an interface between users and computer hardware, managing tasks and resources efficiently. Key functions include job scheduling, process management, memory management, file management, device management, and security. There are various types of operating systems, including single-user, multi-tasking, multi-user, real-time, and distributed systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in user interfaces, such as Character User Interface (CUI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI).

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Chapter 1 Operating System notes

An Operating System (OS) is essential software that serves as an interface between users and computer hardware, managing tasks and resources efficiently. Key functions include job scheduling, process management, memory management, file management, device management, and security. There are various types of operating systems, including single-user, multi-tasking, multi-user, real-time, and distributed systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in user interfaces, such as Character User Interface (CUI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Uploaded by

Swapnadip Chowdhury
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Operating System (OS) - It is the main software that acts as an interface

between the user and the computer hardware. It controls and


manages the overall and internal working of a computer system.

Examples of Operating Systems Windows, Linux, Unix, macOS, Android.

Need for OS - It allows users to communicate with the computer


hardware, manages tasks and resources efficiently.

BIOS (Basic Input Output System) - A firmware that initializes and tests
hardware during the booting process before loading the operating
system.

Boot Process - Its is the sequence of events that occurs when a


computer is powered on and the operating system is loaded into
memory.

System Software - Software that includes the operating system and


utility programs that manage and maintain computer resources.

User Interface - Provides a way for users to interact with the computer,
either through a command-line interface (CUI) or graphical user
interface (GUI).

Functions of an Operating System

It manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, executes and


provides services for software applications.

 Job Scheduling - Determines the order in which tasks are executed


by the processor to optimize performance.

 Process Management - Manages the execution of processes,


ensuring each gets enough processor time and resources.

 Memory Management - Manages the allocation and deallocation of


memory space to various programs to ensure efficient use.
 File Management - Keeps track of all information regarding the
creation, deletion, transfer, and storage of files in an organized
manner.

 Device Management - Controls and coordinates the use of hardware


devices like printers, monitors, and storage devices.

 Security and Protection - Ensures the security of data and resources


from unauthorized access.

 Provision of User Interface - Facilitates the interaction between the


user and the computer system through systematic interfaces.

Types of Operating Systems

 Single-User, Single-Tasking - An operating system that allows only


one user to perform one task at a time; examples include early
versions of DOS.

 Single-User, Multi-Tasking - An operating system that allows one


user to run multiple programs simultaneously; examples include
Windows, Linux, and macOS.

 Multi-User - An operating system that allows multiple users to access


the system's resources simultaneously; examples include UNIX and
mainframe operating systems.

 Real-Time - An operating system designed to handle real-time


applications that process data as it comes in, typically without buffer
delays; examples include systems used in air traffic control and
industrial control.

 Distributed - An operating system that manages a group of


independent computers and makes them appear to be a single
computer; examples include systems used in scientific research and
data analysis.

Character User Interface (CUI) - A text-based interface where the user


types commands to interact with the computer system; examples
include DOS, Windows command prompt and Unix Shell.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - An interface that allows users to interact
with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators;
examples include Windows and macOS.

Advantages of GUI

 User-friendly
 No need to memorize commands
 Supports multitasking
 Provides visual feedback
 Uses both mouse and keyboard for navigation.

Disadvantages of GUI
 Can be resource-intensive
 May be slower for experienced users compared to command-line
interfaces.

Advantages of CUI

 Allows precise control through text commands


 Suitable for advanced users and scripting.

Disadvantages of CUI

 Requires memorization of commands


 Less user-friendly for beginners
 Limited multitasking capabilities

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