Define operating system.

What are the

functions and types of operating systems?
Define...
Topic: Computer Science
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paudel | Student, Grade 11 | (Level 1) Honors

Posted January 9, 2010 at 1:03 PM via web
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Define operating system. What are the functions and types of operating systems?
Define operating system.write down the function and types of operating system.

8 Answers | Add Yours

giorgiana1976 | College Teacher | (Level 3) Valedictorian

Posted January 9, 2010 at 4:13 PM (Answer #1)
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An operating system, abbreviated OS, is a product, software type, that is part of a system,
equipment or computerized equipment, which deals with management and coordination of its
activities. The computerized system may be a computer, a workstation, a server, a PC, a
notebook, a smartphone, a road navigation device or another system with "intelligence" of its
own. The operating system plays the role of host for all applications running on the equipment
(hardware).
Operating system functions

To act as interface between hardware and users, an operating system must be able perform the
following functions:
1. Enabling startup application programs. Thus, the operating system must have:
- A text editor
- A translator
- An editor of links
2. The allocation of resources needed to execute programs is done by identifying: the programs
that are running, the need for memory, peripheral devices and data protection requirements.
3. Facilities for data compression, sorting, mixing, cataloging and maintenance of libraries,
through utility programs available.
4. Plan implementation works according to certain criteria, for efficient use of central processing
unit.
5. Assisting implementation of programs through computer-user communication system, at both
hardware and software level.
Examples of operating systems:BS2000,BS3000,DOS,PC-DOS,MSDOS,LINUX,SOLARIS,MAC OS,UNIX,WINDOWS

pohnpei397 | College Teacher | (Level 3) Distinguished Educator

Posted January 9, 2010 at 1:59 PM (Answer #2)
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The operating system is the most important program that is on a computer. The operating system
basically runs the computer and allows other programs to run as well. The operating system does
all the basic things that a computer needs to do, such as recognizing inputs from the mouse or the
keyboard. It keeps track of where all the files are on the computer. It allocates resources to the
various programs that are running and it prevents unauthorized access to the computer.
The most popular operating system today is Microsoft's Windows operating system. Macintosh
computers have their own operating system, the most recent of which is called Mac OS X. There
are also open source operating systems such as Linux.

krishna-agrawala | College Teacher | (Level 3) Valedictorian

Posted January 10, 2010 at 12:18 PM (Answer #3)
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An operating system (OS) is a set of computer program that manages the hardware and software
resources of a computer. At the foundation of all system software, the OS performs basic tasks
such as controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing system requests, controlling input and
output devices, facilitating networking, and managing files. It also may provide a graphical user
interface for higher level functions. Various services performed by operating systems are
discussed below.
Process management: It deals with running multiple processes. Most operating system allow a
process to be assigned a priority which affects its allocation of CPU time. Interactive operating
systems also employ some level of feedback in which the task with which the user is working
receives higher priority. In many systems there is a background process which runs when no
other process is waiting for the CPU.
Memory management: The memory manager in an OS coordinates the memories by tracking
which one is available, which is to be allocated or deallocated and how to swap between the
main memory and secondary memories. The operating system tracks all memory used by each
process so that when a process terminates, all memory used by that process will be available for
other processes.
Disk and file systems: Operating systems have a variety of native file systems that controls the
creation, deletion, and access of files of data and programs.
Networking: Most current operating systems are capable of using the TCP/IP networking
protocols. This means that one system can appear on a network of the other and share resources
such as files, printers, and scanners. Many operating systems also support one or more vendorspecific legacy networking protocols as well.
Security: most operating systems include some level of security.
Device drivers: A device driver is a specific type of computer software developed to allow
interaction with hardware devices. Typically this constitutes an interface for communicating with
the device, through the specific computer bus or communications subsystem that the hardware is
connected to, providing commands to and/or receiving data from the device, and on the other
end, the requisite interfaces to the operating system and software applications.

versatilekamini | College Teacher | (Level 1) Valedictorian

Posted January 10, 2010 at 2:55 PM (Answer #4)
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Operating system is a platform between hardware and user which is responsible for the
management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of a computer. It
hosts the several applications that run on a computer and handles the operations of computer
hardware. There are different types of operating systems. These are as follows:
1. Real-time Operating System: It is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing
real-time applications.
2. Multi-user and Single-user Operating Systems: The operating systems of this type allow a
multiple users to access a computer system concurrently.
3. Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating Systems:When a single program is allowed to
run at a time, the system is grouped under a single-tasking system, while in case the operating
system allows the execution of multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as a multi-tasking
operating system.
4. Distributed Operating System: An operating system that manages a group of independent
computers and makes them appear to be a single computer is known as a distributed operating
system.
5. Embedded System: The operating systems designed for being used in embedded computer
systems are known as embedded operating systems.

sangibala | College Teacher | (Level 1) Salutatorian

Posted June 21, 2010 at 3:07 PM (Answer #5)
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Operating System is a software program that acts as an interface between the user and the
computer. It is a software package which allows the computer to function.
Functions:
1. Program creation
2. Program execution

3. Access to Input/Output devices

4. Controlled access to files
5. System access
6. Error detection and response
7. Interpreting the commands
8. Managing peripherals
9. Memory management
10. Processor management
11. Information management
12. Process communication
13. Netoworking
Types of Operating System

DOS (Disk Operating System)

UNIX

LINUX

Windows

Windows NT

of an operating system.

e of operating systems can differ. Structures of operating systems tend

ing on the arrangement of files, how hardware and applications are
ntrolled and how the user interacts with the system. When it comes to
dows, Linux, and other operating systems, their performance depends
as different operating systems were built with different concepts and uses

e simplest structure. It was written with the aim of providing more

ess space. It is not separated into modules. Though MS-DOS does have
the interface of MS-DOS and the levels of functionality are not clearly
DOS follows a layered approach. MS-DOS operating systems are
umber of layers; build one on top of the other. The bottom layer, layer 0,
are and the highest layer is known as the user interface. Layers are
dularity so that each utilizes services and operations of only the

systems has limited structuring. It has two separate parts as System

e Kernel. The UNIX operating system consists of everything below the
e and above the physical layer (hardware). It provides a large number of
e level like file system, CPU scheduling, memory management and other

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erating systems implement kernel modules. This is structured using

approaches. Each core component is separate and talks to each other
rfaces. Each core component is loadable as and when needed within the
t is similar to the layered architecture but with more flexibility.

s are structured by taking the layered approach to the most logical

ual machines treat hardware's and the kernel of the operating system as
ardware. Virtual machines provide interfaces matching the underlying
ating systems generates the vision of multiple processes, all executing
processor with its very own virtual memory. It is structured in a manner
es of the physical computer are shared to make the virtual machine.
g creates the idea that users have their own processor. A normal user
rminal serves as the virtual machine operator's console.

e basic structures of operating systems. One can identify ways in which

nd differ according to the purpose it was built to serve. The architectures
ological advances, outdating techniques frequently.

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Basic Computer Tutorial Contents Page

Operating System Functions
What is an Operating System

The operating system is the core software component of your computer. It performs many
functions and is, in very basic terms, an interface between your computer and the outside
world. In the section about hardware, a computer is described as consisting of several
component parts including your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other parts. The operating
system provides an interface to these parts using what is referred to as "drivers". This is why
sometimes when you install a new printer or other piece of hardware, your system will ask
you to install more software called a driver.
What does a driver do?

A driver is a specially written program which understands the operation of the device it
interfaces to, such as a printer, video card, sound card or CD ROM drive. It translates
commands from the operating system or user into commands understood by the the
component computer part it interfaces with. It also translates responses from the component
computer part back to responses that can be understood by the operating system, application
program, or user. The below diagram gives a graphical depiction of the interfaces between the
operating system and the computer component.

Other Operating System Functions

The operating system provides for several other functions including:

System tools (programs) used to monitor computer performance, debug

problems, or maintain parts of the system.

A set of libraries or functions which programs may use to perform specific

tasks especially relating to interfacing with computer system components.

The operating system makes these interfacing functions along with its other functions operate
smoothly and these functions are mostly transparent to the user.
Operating System Concerns

As mentioned previously, an operating system is a computer program. Operating systems are

written by human programmers who make mistakes. Therefore there can be errors in the code
even though there may be some testing before the product is released. Some companies have
better software quality control and testing than others so you may notice varying levels of quality
from operating system to operating system. Errors in operating systems cause three main types of
problems:

System crashes and instabilities - These can happen due to a software bug
typically in the operating system, although computer programs being run on
the operating system can make the system more unstable or may even crash
the system by themselves. This varies depending on the type of operating
system. A system crash is the act of a system freezing and becoming
unresponsive which would cause the user to need to reboot.

Security flaws - Some software errors leave a door open for the system to be
broken into by unauthorized intruders. As these flaws are discovered,
unauthorized intruders may try to use these to gain illegal access to your
system. Patching these flaws often will help keep your computer system
secure. How this is done will be explained later.

Sometimes errors in the operating system will cause the computer not to
work correctly with some peripheral devices such as printers.

Operating System Types

There are many types of operating systems. The most common is the Microsoft suite of operating
systems. They include from most recent to the oldest:

Windows XP Professional Edition - A version used by many businesses on

workstations. It has the ability to become a member of a corporate domain.

Windows XP Home Edition - A lower cost version of Windows XP which is for

home use only and should not be used at a business.

Windows 2000 - A better version of the Windows NT operating system which

works well both at home and as a workstation at a business. It includes
technologies which allow hardware to be automatically detected and other
enhancements over Windows NT.

Windows ME - A upgraded version from windows 98 but it has been

historically plagued with programming errors which may be frustrating for
home users.

Windows 98 - This was produced in two main versions. The first Windows 98
version was plagued with programming errors but the Windows 98 Second
Edition which came out later was much better with many errors resolved.

Windows NT - A version of Windows made specifically for businesses offering

better control over workstation capabilities to help network administrators.

Windows 95 - The first version of Windows after the older Windows 3.x
versions offering a better interface and better library functions for programs.

There are other worthwhile types of operating systems not made by Microsoft. The greatest
problem with these operating systems lies in the fact that not as many application programs are
written for them. However if you can get the type of application programs you are looking for,
one of the systems listed below may be a good choice.

Unix - A system that has been around for many years and it is very stable. It
is primary used to be a server rather than a workstation and should not be
used by anyone who does not understand the system. It can be difficult to
learn. Unix must normally run an a computer made by the same company
that produces the software.

Linux - Linux is similar to Unix in operation but it is free. It also should not be
used by anyone who does not understand the system and can be difficult to
learn.

Apple MacIntosh - Most recent versions are based on Unix but it has a good
graphical interface so it is both stable (does not crash often or have as many
software problems as other systems may have) and easy to learn. One
drawback to this system is that it can only be run on Apple produced
hardware.
Basic Computer Tutorial Contents Page

There are Many Functions those are Performed by the Operating System But the Main
Goal of Operating System is to Provide the Interface between the user and the hardware
Means Provides the Interface for Working on the System by the user. The various
Functions those are Performed by the Operating System are as Explained below:-

Operating System as a Resource Manager

Operating System Also Known as the Resource Manager Means Operating

System will Manages all the Resources those are Attached to the System means all the
Resource like Memory and Processor and all the Input output Devices those are
Attached to the System are Known as the Resources of the Computer System and the

Operating system will Manage all the Resources of the System. The Operating System
will identify at which Time the CPU will perform which Operation and in which Time
the Memory is used by which Programs. And which Input Device will respond to which
Request of the user means When the Input and Output Devices are used by the which
Programs. So this will manage all the Resources those are attached to the Computer
System.
Storage Management
Operating System also Controls the all the Storage Operations means how
the data or files will be Stored into the computers and how the Files will be
Accessed by the users etc. All the Operations those are Responsible for Storing and
Accessing the Files is determined by the Operating System Operating System also
Allows us Creation of Files, Creation of Directories and Reading and Writing the data of
Files and Directories and also Copy the contents of the Files and the Directories from
One Place to Another Place.

1)
Process Management : The Operating System also Treats the
Process Management means all the Processes those are given by the user or
the Process those are System s own Process are Handled by the Operating
System . The Operating System will Create the Priorities foe the user and also Start or
Stops the Execution of the Process and Also Makes the Child Process after dividing the
Large Processes into the Small Processes.

2)
Memory Management: Operating System also Manages the Memory of the
Computer System means Provide the Memory to the Process and Also Deallocate the
Memory from the Process. And also defines that if a Process gets completed then this
will deallocate the Memory from the Processes.

3)
Extended Machine : Operating System also behaves like an Extended
Machine means Operating system also Provides us Sharing of Files between Multiple
Users, also Provides Some Graphical Environments and also Provides Various

Languages for Communications and also Provides Many Complex Operations like using
Many Hardwares and Softwares.

4)
Mastermind: Operating System also performs Many Functions and for
those Reasons we can say that Operating System is a Mastermind. It provides Booting
without an Operating System and Provides Facility to increase the Logical Memory of
the Computer System by using the Physical Memory of the Computer System and also
provides various Types of Formats Like NTFS and FAT File Systems.

Operating System also controls the Errors those have been Occurred into the Program
and Also Provides Recovery of the System when the System gets Damaged Means When
due to Some Hardware Failure , if System Doesnt Works properly then this Recover the
System and also Correct the System and also Provides us the Backup Facility. And
Operating System also breaks the large program into the Smaller Programs those are
also called as the threads. And execute those threads one by one.