An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer user and computer hardware. An operating system is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. Show
Some popular Operating Systems include Linux Operating System, Windows Operating System, VMS, OS/400, AIX, z/OS, etc. DefinitionAn operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs. Following are some of important functions of an operating System.
Memory ManagementMemory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is a large array of words or bytes where each word or byte has its own address. Main memory provides a fast storage that can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it must in the main memory. An Operating System does the following activities for memory management −
Processor ManagementIn multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which process gets the processor when and for how much time. This function is called process scheduling. An Operating System does the following activities for processor management −
Device ManagementAn Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does the following activities for device management −
File ManagementA file system is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain files and other directions. An Operating System does the following activities for file management −
Other Important ActivitiesFollowing are some of the important activities that an Operating System performs −
An Operating System (OS) is a software that acts as an interface between computer hardware components and the user. Every computer system must have at least one operating system to run other programs. Applications like Browsers, MS Office, Notepad Games, etc., need some environment to run and perform its tasks. The OS helps you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer’s language. It is not possible for the user to use any computer or mobile device without having an operating system. Introduction to Operating System
History Of OS
Examples of Operating System with Market ShareMarket Share of Operating SystemsFollowing are the Operating System examples with the latest Market Share
Following are the popular types of OS (Operating System):
Batch Operating SystemSome computer processes are very lengthy and time-consuming. To speed the same process, a job with a similar type of needs are batched together and run as a group. The user of a batch operating system never directly interacts with the computer. In this type of OS, every user prepares his or her job on an offline device like a punch card and submit it to the computer operator. Multi-Tasking/Time-sharing Operating systemsTime-sharing operating system enables people located at a different terminal(shell) to use a single computer system at the same time. The processor time (CPU) which is shared among multiple users is termed as time sharing. Real time OSA real time operating system time interval to process and respond to inputs is very small. Examples: Military Software Systems, Space Software Systems are the Real time OS example. Distributed Operating SystemDistributed systems use many processors located in different machines to provide very fast computation to its users. Network Operating SystemNetwork Operating System runs on a server. It provides the capability to serve to manage data, user, groups, security, application, and other networking functions. Mobile OSMobile operating systems are those OS which is especially that are designed to power smartphones, tablets, and wearables devices. Some most famous mobile operating systems are Android and iOS, but others include BlackBerry, Web, and watchOS.
Functions of Operating SystemSome typical operating system functions may include managing memory, files, processes, I/O system & devices, security, etc. Below are the main functions of Operating System: Functions of Operating SystemIn an operating system software performs each of the function:
Here is a list important features of OS:
Advantage of Operating System
Disadvantages of Operating System
What is Kernel in Operating System?The kernel is the central component of a computer operating systems. The only job performed by the kernel is to the manage the communication between the software and the hardware. A Kernel is at the nucleus of a computer. It makes the communication between the hardware and software possible. While the Kernel is the innermost part of an operating system, a shell is the outermost one. Introduction to KernelFeatures of Kernel
Types of KernelThere are many types of kernels that exists, but among them, the two most popular kernels are: 1. MonolithicA monolithic kernel is a single code or block of the program. It provides all the required services offered by the operating system. It is a simplistic design which creates a distinct communication layer between the hardware and software. 2. MicrokernelsMicrokernel manages all system resources. In this type of kernel, services are implemented in different address space. The user services are stored in user address space, and kernel services are stored under kernel address space. So, it helps to reduce the size of both the kernel and operating system. Difference between Firmware and Operating SystemBelow are the Key Differences between Firmware and Operating System:
Difference between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Operating SystemBelow are the Key Differences between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Operating System:
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