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Operating System Notes

An Operating System (OS) is system software that serves as an interface between users and hardware, managing resources and providing essential services. It is classified into types such as PC OS, Network OS, and Embedded OS, each with distinct features and purposes. Key roles of an OS include process, memory, file, device, and security management, along with providing a user interface.

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4 views4 pages

Operating System Notes

An Operating System (OS) is system software that serves as an interface between users and hardware, managing resources and providing essential services. It is classified into types such as PC OS, Network OS, and Embedded OS, each with distinct features and purposes. Key roles of an OS include process, memory, file, device, and security management, along with providing a user interface.

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syedabdulbasit.contact
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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📘 OPERATING SYSTEM (OS) – DETAILED

NOTES
✅ 1. What is an Operating System (OS)?
An Operating System (OS) is a system software that acts as an interface between the user and the
hardware. It manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides essential services for running
application programs.

🔹 Key Roles of OS:

 Acts as a bridge between user and hardware


 Controls and coordinates hardware and software
 Provides a user interface (GUI or CLI)
 Ensures security, multitasking, file management, and error handling

✅ 2. How Does an OS Manage Hardware?


The OS is responsible for efficiently managing hardware resources such as CPU, memory, input/output
devices, and storage.

🔹 a. CPU Management (Process Management)

 Schedules and controls execution of processes


 Allocates CPU time using schedulers and dispatchers
 Handles multitasking and multiprocessing

🔹 b. Memory Management

 Allocates memory to processes


 Keeps track of memory usage
 Uses virtual memory to extend RAM capabilities
 Prevents memory leaks and overlapping

🔹 c. Input/Output (I/O) Management

 Manages input from devices like keyboard, mouse, sensors


 Controls output to monitors, printers, etc.
 Uses device drivers to communicate with I/O devices

🔹 d. File Management

 Organizes files into directories


 Controls read/write access to files
 Manages file storage, naming, permissions, etc.
🔹 e. Device Management

 Detects and manages hardware devices


 Allocates and deallocates devices
 Uses I/O queues and device drivers

✅ 3. Types of Operating Systems


Operating Systems are classified based on their purpose and application.

🔹 A. PC Operating System (Personal Computer OS)

These are general-purpose operating systems used on desktops and laptops for personal and business tasks.

✅ Examples:

 Windows
 Linux
 macOS

✅ Features:

 Graphical User Interface (GUI)


 Multitasking and multiuser support
 Application compatibility (MS Office, browsers, games)

🔹 B. Network Operating System (NOS)

NOS is designed to manage and support networks. It allows multiple computers to communicate, share
files, and use networked devices.

✅ Features:

 Centralized user and resource management


 File and printer sharing
 Network security and backup tools

✅ Examples:

 Windows Server
 Unix
 Linux (Red Hat, Ubuntu Server)

🔹 C. Embedded Operating System

An embedded OS is used in embedded systems—computing devices that perform specific tasks within a
larger system.
✅ Features:

 Lightweight and fast


 Real-time operation
 Optimized for performance and memory

✅ Examples:

 Android (for smartphones)


 RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems)
 VxWorks
 iOS (for Apple devices)

✅ Devices:

 Smart TVs, washing machines, ATM machines, routers

✅ 4. Difference Between Windows, Linux, and macOS


Feature Windows Linux macOS
Developer Microsoft Community (Open Source) Apple Inc.
Source Code Closed Source Open Source Closed Source
CLI-based (with GUI in
User Interface Graphical (GUI) + CLI GUI-based (very user-friendly)
some distros)
More vulnerable to Highly secure due to user
Security Highly secure, UNIX-based
malware control
Customization Limited Highly customizable Limited
Cost Paid (License required) Free (Most distributions) Comes with Apple devices
Software Extensive (Games, Large library (dev tools, Designed for multimedia and
Support Office tools) servers) design
Personal, Business, Developers, Servers, Creative work, Multimedia,
Usage
Gaming Education Apple ecosystem
Can slow down over
Performance Lightweight, fast Optimized for Apple hardware
time
Example
Windows 10, 11 Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian macOS Ventura, Monterey
Versions

✅ 5. Summary of Operating System Roles


OS Role Description
Process Management Handles execution and scheduling of processes
Memory Management Allocates RAM, manages virtual memory
File Management Manages data storage, file naming, permissions
Device Management Controls hardware communication via drivers
Security Management Provides authentication, access control, and protection
User Interface Offers GUI or CLI for user interaction
✅ Conclusion
The Operating System is the backbone of every computing device, from personal laptops to large-scale
servers and embedded smart devices. Whether it’s Windows, Linux, or macOS, the right OS depends on
the needs, hardware, and software requirements of the user.

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