0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2 views

How Operating Systems Works

Uploaded by

Laiba Anwaar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2 views

How Operating Systems Works

Uploaded by

Laiba Anwaar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

HOW OPERATING

SYSTEMS WORK
A Comprehensive Guide for
Computer Science Undergraduate
Students
Introduction
 Operating systems (OS) are essential
software powering every modern
computing device.
 Understanding operating systems
provides foundational knowledge for
managing resources, process control,
memory management, file systems, and
security.
What is an Operating System?
 An OS is system software that manages
hardware and software resources,
providing services for applications.
 Acts as an intermediary between users
and hardware, facilitating seamless
interaction.
 Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux,
Android.
Core Functions of an Operating
System
 1. Process Management
 2. Memory Management
 3. File System Management
 4. Device Management
 5. User Interface
 6. Security and Protection
Process Management
 Involves creating, scheduling, and
terminating processes.
 Key Concepts:
 - Scheduling: Decides order of process
execution.
 - Multitasking: Allows concurrent process
execution.
 - Context Switching: Enables efficient
process transitions.
 - Process States: Ready, running, or waiting
states.
Memory Management
 Controls and coordinates the computer’s
RAM.
 Key Concepts:
 - Virtual Memory: Expands usable
memory via disk swapping.
 - Paging and Segmentation: Organize
memory allocation.
 - Memory Protection: Ensures stability
across processes.
File System Management
 Enables data storage and retrieval in a
structured format.
 Key Concepts:
 - File Types and Access Methods.
 - Permissions: Control data accessibility.
 - Directory Structure: Organizes files
efficiently.
Device Management
 Handles communication between
hardware devices and the OS.
 Key Concepts:
 - Device Drivers: Facilitate hardware-
software communication.
 - I/O Scheduling and Interrupts: Manage
and optimize device usage.
User Interface
 The interface allows users to interact with
the OS.
 Two main types:
 - GUI: Graphical interface with icons and
menus.
 - CLI: Command-line interface for textual
commands.
Security and Protection
 Protects resources and data from
unauthorized access.
 Key Concepts:
 - Authentication and Authorization:
Verifies user identity.
 - Encryption and Firewalls: Secure data
transmission.
Types of Operating
Systems
 1. Batch OS
 2. Time-Sharing OS
 3. Distributed OS
 4. Real-Time OS (RTOS)
 5. Embedded OS

 Each type is designed for specific


operational requirements.
How an Operating System
Works in Practice
 1. Booting: Loading OS into memory and
initializing hardware.
 2. User Login: Grants access to resources.
 3. Running Applications: Allocates
resources to programs.
 4. File Management: Organizes data
storage.
 5. System Shutdown: Releases resources
gracefully.
Conclusion
 Operating systems are crucial for efficient
hardware and software management.
 Understanding OS functions is
foundational for advanced topics like
systems programming and cybersecurity.
Compiled by:
 Engr. Asim Aziz
 Lecturer SST/ CS
 UMT, Lahore

You might also like