- Definition
- concept of OS
- History of OS
- Importance and function
Definition
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OS is a set of system programs which provides interface between user and outside environment as well as acts as a resource manager to increase the productivity of end user.
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manages a computer’s hardware and software resources and provides services for other programs
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acts as an intermediary between the user, application programs, and the computer's hardware.
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Main objective is to increase the productivity of end user by managing system resources like memory, CPU, file management, I/O devices
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Popular operating systems include windows, macOS, Linux and android.
Key functions / services of OS
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Process Management:
- Definition: The OS manages processes in a system, including their creation, scheduling, and termination.
- Functions:
- Process scheduling (allocating CPU time).
- Inter-process communication (IPC).
- Deadlock handling.
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Memory Management:
- Definition: The OS manages the computer’s memory, including RAM and cache.
- Functions:
- Allocation and deallocation of memory.
- Paging and segmentation.
- Memory protection and sharing.
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File System Management:
- Definition: The OS manages data storage and retrieval through a file system.
- Functions:
- File creation, deletion, and manipulation.
- Directory structure management.
- Access control and permissions.
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Device Management:
- Definition: The OS controls and coordinates the use of hardware devices.
- Functions:
- Device drivers for communication with hardware.
- Buffering and caching for efficient I/O operations.
- Handling interrupts and device requests.
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User Interface:
- Definition: The OS provides a means for users to interact with the system.
- Types:
- Command-line interface (CLI).
- Graphical user interface (GUI).
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Security and Protection:
- Definition: The OS ensures the integrity and confidentiality of data and system resources.
- Functions:
- User authentication and authorization.
- Encryption and secure access controls.
- Monitoring for malicious activities.
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Networking:
- Definition: The OS facilitates communication between computers over a network.
- Functions:
- Protocol management (TCP/IP, etc.).
- Network resource sharing.
- Remote access and connectivity.
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Error Detection and Handling:
- Definition: The OS monitors the system for errors and manages their resolution.
- Functions:
- Logging and reporting errors.
- Recovery mechanisms for process and system failures.
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Resource Allocation:
- Definition: The OS allocates system resources (CPU time, memory, I/O devices) to processes as needed.
- Functions:
- Fair resource distribution among processes.
- Avoiding resource contention and conflicts.