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Operating Systems

Definitions
An operating system (OS) is software,
 consisting of programs and data,
 manages computer hardware resources,
 and provides common services for execution of various application software.

An OS is a collection of system software that coordinates between the hardware, provides a platform for software to
run on and provides the user with an interface for command inputs.

Examples
DOS, Linux, Unix, Windows, MAC, OS/2, Minix, and many more

OS Placement

Types of OS
Real-time
A real-time operating system is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing real-time applications.
Multi-user vs. Single-user
 A multi-user operating system allows multiple users to access a computer system concurrently.
 Single-user operating systems, as opposed to a multi-user operating system, are usable by a single user at a
time.
Multi-tasking vs. Single-tasking
 When only a single program is allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped under a single-tasking system.
However, when the operating system allows the execution of multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as a
multi-tasking operating system.
Distributed:
 A distributed operating system manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear to be a
single computer.
 The development of networked computers that could be linked and communicate with each other, gave rise
to distributed computing.
Embedded
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 Embedded operating systems are designed to be used in embedded computer systems.

 They are designed to operate on small machines like PDAs with less autonomy.
 They are able to operate with a limited number of resources.
 They are very compact and extremely efficient by design.
 Windows CE and Minix 3 are some examples of embedded operating systems.

Functions
Process Management – Managing the programs that are running.
Memory Management – Managing and rationing the memory between processes and data.
Storage Management – Managing the permanent Storage of data on disks or other media
I/O Management – Managing the input and output
Device / Resource Management – Managing devices and resources and allowing the users to share the resources
Security and Protection – Securing the system against possible unauthorized access to data or any other entity.
Protecting the parts of the system against damage.
Booting the System and getting it ready to work.
Data communications – Providing interface to connect to other computers or allowing others to connect

Operating System Services

Program Development –
 variety of services and utilities such a Editors and debuggers.
 They are usually referred to as application program development tools.
Program Execution –
 involves a number of steps, such as loading Instruction and data in the main memory, initialization of I/O
devices and files, and other resources to be allocated. OS handles the scheduling.
Access to I/O devices –
 Each I/O device has its own set of Instructions and control signals. O.S. hides these details to provide a
common interface to the user/programmer.

Operating System Services

 Controlled access to files- nature of I/O device (disk drive, tape drive) and structure of the data stored in the
files in the storage medium. In the case of multiple users accessing the processor concurrently, proper
protection mechanisms have to be used.

System access-
 For shared or public systems, the O.S. controls access to the system as a whole and to specific system
resources. Access system provides protection of resources, and data from unauthorized users, and resolves
resource conflicts

Error detection and response

 Variety of errors may occur in computer system. Responses may range from program termination, retrial of
the same operation, or reporting error to the application.

Accounting
 collecting usage statistics, CPU usages, monitor performance, etc.