COMPUTER - OPERATING SYSTEM

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An operating system is a prog ram that acts as an interface between the software and the computer
hardware.

It is an integ ration set of specialised prog rams that are used to manag e overall resources and operations
of the computer.

It is specialised software that controls and monitors the execution of all other prog rams that reside in the
computer, including application prog rams and other system software.

Objectives of Operating System

Making a computer system convenient to use in an efficient manner

T o hide the details of the hardware resources from the users

T o provide users a convenient interface to use the computer system.

T o act as an intermediary between the hardware and its users and making it easier for the users to access
and use other resources.

Manag e the resources of a computer system.

keep track of who is using which resource, g ranting resource requests, according for resource using and
mediating conflicting requests from different prog rams and users.

T he efficient and fair sharing of resources among users and prog rams

Characteristics of Operating System

Memory Manag ement -- It keeps tracks of primary memory i.e what part of it are in use by whom,
what part are not in use etc.Allocates the memory when the process or prog ram request it.

Proc essor Manag ement -- Allocate the processor(CPU) to a process. Deallocate processor when
processor is no long er required.

Devic e Manag ement -- Keep tracks of all devices.T his is also called I/O controller. Decides which
process g ets the device when and for how much time.

File Manag ement -- Allocates the resources. De-allocates the resource. Decides who g ets the
resources.

Sec urity -- By means of passwords & similar other techniques, preventing unauthorized access to
prog rams & data.

J ob ac c ounting -- Keeping track of time & resources used by various jobs and/or users.

Control over system performanc e -- Recording delays between request for a service & from the
system.

Interac tion with the operators -- T he interaction may take place via the console of the computer in
the form of instructions. Operating System acknowledg es the same, do the corresponding action and
inform the operation by a display screen.

Error-detec ting aids -- Production of dumps, traces, error messag es and other debug g ing and
error-detecting methods.

Coordination between other software and users -- Coordination and assig nment of compilers,
interpreters, assemblers and other software to the various users of the computer systems.