1st Individual Assignment

Name: ANGOUALA VINA VANISCA

Reg Number: 23701/2024
Module Name: Operating System & System
teacher: Dr. Djuma SUMBIRI

question
o Discuss what is an Operating System.
o Use a diagram to show an OS coordinates other computer parts.
o Explain 5 functions of an OS in the computer system.
o Describe 8 examples of an OS.
Per each, distinguish 7 roles of an OS in the computer system.
o Using a diagram, describe 3 components of an OS.
o Earliest computers had no operating system. Operating Systems are
divided into categories, which define their characteristics.
o Describe these 6 characteristics.
o Discuss the following terms: Multi-threading systems, threads, Preemptive
system, Shared time system, Multi-processor
systems, Embedded systems, Real time systems,

answer

1. What is an Operating System?

An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware

and software resources and provides services for computer programs. It acts as
an intermediary between users and the hardware, ensuring efficient execution of
programs and resource allocation.
2. Diagram of an OS Coordinating Computer Parts.
 +------------------------------------------------+
| User Applications |
+------------------------------------------------+
| ↑
| |
+------------------------------------------------+
| Operating System (OS) |
| - Process Management |
| - Memory Management |
| - File System Management |
| - Device Management |
| - Security & User Interface |
+------------------------------------------------+
| | | | |
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
+------------+ +------------+ +------------+ +------------+ +------------+
| CPU | | Memory | | Storage | | I/O Devices | | Network |
+------------+ +------------+ +------------+ +------------+ +------------+

3. Five Functions of an OS in the Computer System

1. Process Management – Controls execution of programs, allocates
CPU time, and manages multitasking.
2. Memory Management – Allocates and deallocates RAM, manages
virtual memory, and ensures optimal resource usage.
3. File System Management – Manages file storage, retrieval, security,
and organization.
4. Device Management – Controls peripheral devices (printers,
keyboards, etc.) through drivers and input/output operations.
5. Security & User Management – Ensures system security with
authentication, access control, and data protection.

4. Ten Examples of an OS and Their Roles in a Computer System

Operating
7 Roles in a Computer System
System
GUI-based user interaction, multitasking, memory management, security,
Windows OS
device control, file management, networking

Open-source customization, process control, memory handling, networking,

Linux OS
file system, command-line operations, security

Unix-based stability, advanced security, optimized for Apple hardware,

macOS
seamless multitasking, cloud integration, GUI
 Operating
7 Roles in a Computer System
System

Mobile optimization, app sandboxing, security, touchscreen control, power

Android OS
management, connectivity, updates

Secure mobile OS, app permissions, power efficiency, Apple hardware

iOS
control, seamless UI, cloud services, performance optimization

Multi-user system, security enforcement, process execution, file

Unix OS
management, command-line operations, memory allocation, networking

Cloud-based system, fast booting, security, web app management, memory

Chrome OS
efficiency, automatic updates, lightweight performance

High-performance networking, advanced security, Unix-based structure,

FreeBSD stable multitasking, compatibility with Linux software, resource
management, file systems

Scalable performance, multi-threading, security features, process

Solaris OS
scheduling, virtual storage, networking, legacy system compatibility

Immediate response time, low latency, system stability, hardware

RTOS (Real-
synchronization, priority-based task execution, embedded system support,
Time OS)
deterministic response

5 Diagram of 3 Components of an OS
 +---------------------------------------+

| User Interface (Shell) |

+----------------------------------

+---------------------------------------+

| Kernel (Core of the OS) |

| - Manages CPU Scheduling |

| - Handles Memory & File Management |

| - Controls Device Communication |

+---------------------------------------+

+---------------------------------------+

| Hardware (CPU, RAM, Disk) |

+---------------------------------------+

Three Components of an Os

1. User Interface (Shell) – Allows interaction with the OS through GUI or CLI.

2. Kernel – The core of the OS that manages resources like CPU, memory, and devices.

3. Hardware – Physical components such as CPU, RAM, and disk storage, controlled by the
OS.

6. Six Characteristics of an os

1. Batch Processing – The OS processes batches of jobs without direct user intervention.

2. Multiprogramming – Multiple programs execute simultaneously to improve efficiency.

3. Time-Sharing – CPU time is divided among users or tasks to allow interactive use.
4. Real-Time Processing – The OS processes tasks within strict time constraints for real-time
applications.

5. Distributed Systems – The OS manages multiple computers connected in a network to

share resources.

6. Embedded Systems – The OS is designed for specific hardware, such as ATMs or smart
appliances.

7. Discussion of Key OS Concepts

• Multi-threading Systems

A multi-threading system allows a process to be divided into multiple threads that execute
independently but share resources like memory. This improves efficiency and responsiveness
in applications.

Threads

A thread is a lightweight process that runs within a program. Multiple threads share the same
process resources but can execute independently.

Preemptive System

A preemptive OS allocates CPU time dynamically, interrupting running processes when

higher-priority tasks need execution. This ensures fair resource distribution.

Shared Time System

Also known as time-sharing, this system allows multiple users or processes to share CPU
time efficiently by switching between tasks rapidly.
Multi-processor Systems

These systems use two or more CPUs to execute multiple processes in parallel, increasing
system performance and reliability.

Embedded Systems

These are OSs designed for specialized devices like smart appliances, medical devices, and
automotive systems. They are optimized for performance and reliability within their specific
functions.

Real-Time Systems

Real-time OSs (RTOS) process tasks within strict time constraints. They are used in
applications where timing is critical, such as industrial automation and medical equipment.