Functions of a mobile operating system

1. User interface
The OS finds a way for the user to interact with the device.
Previously it was done using command line interface which uses text only.
Most modern devices now uses a graphical user interface to allow us to interact with it
The GUI has windows, icons, menus and pointer as a way of interaction.

2. Running of software
We know that to run a software, we need an operating system installed first and then the
software is installed on top of the OS.
Doing this allows the programs to benefit from the features of an OS such as the existing
communication and connect to hardware and file management system
Without the operating system, we cannot install programs

3. Network Communication
Most computers these days are connected to the internet or some other form of network.
The OS has its role to play in insuring that the network devices can communicate with the
computer and the right programs on that computer

4. Memory Management.
It is the control of the main memory, often known as primary memory. Any program that is
run must be present in the main memory. As a result, more than one program might be
active at the same time. So, memory management is essential.
The operating system helps in:
 Allocating and dislocating memory.
 Keeping track of who uses which area of primary memory and how much.
 Distributing memory while multiprocessing.

5. Process Management
The OS manages the CPU. When a system has multiple processes running, the operating
system determines how and when each process uses the CPU.
When a programs get opened the OS will find it on the hard drive and load the instructions
into RAM helping the memory.
It will then tell the CPU that it can start to execute the program
The Operating System:
 Processes are allocated and de-allocated via this function.
 Keeps track of the CPU's state.

6. Device Management
This process may necessitate the use of gadgets. The operating system is in charge of this. It:
 Allocates and delegates devices to various operations.
 maintains track of the gadgets
 Determines which processes are allowed to utilize which device for how long.
 Device drivers help manage connections with peripherals.

7. File Management
 On a computer, files are organized into folders. The Operating System maintains a log of file
status and location and allocates and disposes of resources.
Common features includes naming, sorting, deleting, moving and copying of files.
It looks up tables, relates file names to locations on storage drives

8. Device Security
Authentication is the way the operating system keeps systems and programs safe. The user's
ID is determined by the user ID and password.
The OS allows you to create several user accounts and it enforces rights to ensure its
security.
Special utility programs such as firewalls helps for the security of the device

9. Interrupt and error handling

Several programs can be stored in RAM at the same time but only one program at a time is
processed by the CPU
An interrupt is a signal sent by a program or process asking for attention or processor time.
The OS is constantly prioritising interruptions to ensure the most appropriate and pressing
tasks are being dealt with by the CPU

REFERENCES:
https://www.toppr.com/guides/computer-science/computer-fundamentals/operating-
system/mobile-operating-system/
https://exyte.com/blog/top-10-features-that-the-perfect-mobile-operating-system-should-
possess
https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-an-operating-system-and-its-components/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZK8ETiYrpY