Operating Systems

AICT004-4-2 and Version VC1

Introduction to Operating Systems

 Topic & Structure of the lesson

• Introduction

• Basic functions of operating systems

• Classifications of operating systems

• Single user systems

• Multitasking systems

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 Learning Outcomes

• At the end of this lecture YOU should be able to:

- distinguish between different types of operating

systems and their functions

- describe classifications of operating systems

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 Key Terms you must be able to use

If you have mastered this topic, you should be able to use

the following terms correctly in your assignments and
exams:

• System Programs – manage the operations of a computer

• Multitasking Systems - run more than one process at a
time
• Single-user Systems – supports one user at a time

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 Introduction

• A computer system consists of :

- users, application programs, operating

systems and hardware

• An operating system is the layer of software that

manages all parts of the hardware and presents an
interface that is easier to understand

• An operating system shields programmers from

hardware complexity

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 Introduction (cont.)

• An operating system can be defined as :

- a program that acts as an intermediary

between a computer user and the computer
hardware

- a resource allocator

- a resource manager

- a control program

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 Introduction (cont.)

• An operating system runs in kernel or supervisor

mode to protect users from tampering with hardware

• An operating system is regarded as the one

program running at all times; also called the kernel

• System calls or extended instructions are used for

communication between the operating system and
the application programs

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 Introduction (cont.)

What happens when you boot up your computer:

1. an initial program runs; also called the

bootstrap program
2. the bootstrap program initializes all
aspects of the system eg. CPU, memory
content, device controllers
3. the bootstrap program then locates the
operating system
4. The bootstrap program then loads the
operating system in memory – the
operating system kernel

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 Introduction (cont.)

Components of a computer system

Games Microsoft Word USB Accounting Application
Software Programs
Compilers Editors Command
Interpreters System
Operating System Programs

Machine Language

Microprogramming Hardware

Physical Devices

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 Basic Functions of an Operating System

• Accepts commands from the user

• Provides desired services to the user and user programs

• Act as a system manager / resource manager

- controls hardware and software
- act as an interface between user and system

• Manages resources of the computer effectively

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 Services of an Operating System

A. Services provided to users and programs:

Program Execution – loads a program in memory, runs

and terminates the execution either normally or
abnormally

Input-Output Operations – control input-output devices

File System Manipulation – allow reading, writing,

deletion, creating of files

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 Services of an Operating System (cont.)

Communication – manage shared memory or

message passing for the exchange of
information between processes

Error Detection – take measures to correct errors

to ensure a consistent state

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 Services of an Operating System (cont.)

B. Services to ensure efficient operation of the operating

system:

Resource allocation – CPU scheduling routines for

memory, input output devices, file storage to decide the
best method to utilize the CPU

Accounting – which users are using what kind and how

much resources. Usage statistics for performance
improvement

Protection – user, process and data protection

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 Classifications of Operating Systems

• Multitasking Operating System

- the operating system allows simultaneous
execution of multiple programs
using a single processor
- gives each process a certain amount of
processor time to proceed
- keeps and manages programs kept in memory
simultaneously
- maintains and determines the order of execution
- assigns priority to processes

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 Classifications of Operating Systems

• Time Sharing Operating System

- the operating system enables multiple
simultaneous users
- facilitates, monitors and controls memory, CPU
and other resources being shared by users
- programs are executed bit by bit

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 Classifications of Operating Systems (cont.)

• Real Time Operating System

- designed to respond within a certain period of
time

• Multiprogramming Operating System

- allow for more than one active user program to
be stored in main memory simultaneously

• Multiprocessing Operating System

- has more than one independent processing
unit

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 Classifications of Operating Systems (cont.)

• Single User Operating System

- allows one user at a time to use the
computer

• Multi User Operating System

- allows for more then one user to use the
computer simultaneously

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 Classifications of Operating Systems (cont.)

• Batch Operating System

- only does one thing at a time
- users submit jobs to a central place and jobs are
collected in batches
- batches are place on input queues where it will
be run
- good for processing large numbers of repetitive
jobs

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 Quick Review Questions

1) Provide examples of operating systems

2) State and explain one function of an operating system

3) Take one example from question (1) and indicate the

classification of the chosen operating system

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 Follow Up Assignment

• What is an operating system?

• Explain the difference between multiprocessing,

multiprogramming and multi-user operating systems

• Provide an example for the following :

- batch operating systems
- real time operating systems

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 Summary of Main Teaching Points

• An operating system is a system software which functions

as a manager.

• An operating system acts as an interface between the user

programs and the computer system.

• There are many types of classifications of operating

systems; multi-user, single-user, real-time, batch,
multiprogramming, multiprocessing.

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 Question and Answer Session

Q&A

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 Next Session

User Interfaces

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