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Operating System

An Operating System (OS) is software that serves as an interface between computer hardware and users, managing resources and enabling application programs to run efficiently. Its main functions include process, memory, file, and device management, along with user interface and security features. Operating systems can be categorized into types such as batch, time-sharing, distributed, real-time, network, and mobile OS, each tailored for specific applications and environments.

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4 views2 pages

Operating System

An Operating System (OS) is software that serves as an interface between computer hardware and users, managing resources and enabling application programs to run efficiently. Its main functions include process, memory, file, and device management, along with user interface and security features. Operating systems can be categorized into types such as batch, time-sharing, distributed, real-time, network, and mobile OS, each tailored for specific applications and environments.

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turayabdulais42
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© © All Rights Reserved
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💡 Definition of an Operating System (OS)

An Operating System (OS) is a software program that acts as an interface between computer
hardware and the user. It manages the computer’s hardware resources and provides common
services so that application programs can run efficiently.

Main Functions of an Operating System


1. Process Management:
o Creates, schedules, and terminates processes (programs that are running).
o Handles process synchronization and communication.
2. Memory Management:
o Keeps track of each byte in the computer’s memory.
o Allocates and deallocates memory space as needed.
3. File Management:
o Creates, deletes, reads, writes, and organizes files and directories on storage
devices.
4. Device Management:
o Controls and monitors device drivers and input/output devices like printers, disks,
keyboards.
5. User Interface:
o Provides a means for the user to interact with the system (Graphical User
Interface or Command-Line Interface).
6. Security and Access Control:
o Protects the system and data by controlling user permissions and authentication.
7. Error Detection and Handling:
o Detects and responds to errors (hardware and software) to ensure smooth
operation.

🖥️Types of Operating Systems


Operating systems can be classified into different types:

1. Batch Operating Systems:


o Jobs with similar requirements are grouped and processed together without user
interaction.
o Example: Early computer systems like IBM mainframes.
2. Time-Sharing Operating Systems:
o Multiple users can access the computer simultaneously.
o CPU time is shared among all active users.
o Example: UNIX, Linux.
3. Distributed Operating Systems:
o Manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear as one
system.
o Example: Distributed computing in cloud platforms.
4. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS):
o Designed to process data and events as they occur with strict timing constraints.
o Example: Operating systems in medical equipment, industrial robots.
5. Network Operating Systems:
o Designed to manage data and users across a computer network.
o Example: Windows Server, Novell NetWare.
6. Mobile Operating Systems:
o Designed for smartphones and tablets.
o Example: Android, iOS.

✅ Summary:

An operating system is the core software that manages hardware and software resources. Its key
roles include process, memory, file, and device management, along with providing a user
interface and security. Different types of OS are optimized for different kinds of machines and
workloads.

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