Operating system (OS)

OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS)

Definition
An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that control and supervise all the hardware
and software resources of a computer

An operating system also contains instructions that allow you to run application software. A
computer cannot function without an operating system.
User
(Runs application program)

Application software
(Sends user request to OS)

Operating system
(Receives and controls execution of
application requests)

Hardware
(Receives and does OS commands)

Figure 1: Role of an operating system

Devices under Operating System control

i. The processor
The main function of the processor is to execute tasks called processes. Processor
being a scarce resource, it’s the duty of the OS to arrange the tasks according to
priority and to stop other tasks in order to allow the processor to service others.
ii. Main memory (RAM)
Memory being a scarce resource, it’s the duty of the OS to determine which task will
remain in memory awaiting for execution and which one will be sent back to the
secondary storage to wait.
iii. Storage devices
It’s the duty of OS to manage the storage and retrieval of data on storage devices. It
utilizes the free space in the hard disk to enhance the performance of the computer
by temporary holding tasks on it that were in RAM ready for processing but have to
wait for some time.
iv. Input / Output devices and ports.
Since the I/O devices are slower than the processor, the OS has to control the flow of
data from the time of input to the time the user receives it as information. The OS
defines the I/O ports found on the computer e.g. USB port etc
v. Communication devices and ports
It’s the role of the OS to control the overall communication process between the
various tasks and computers. It’s the OS that control communication between an
external device and a communication port using a communication medium like
cables or even wireless communication

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Functions of an Operating System

1. Input / Output handling
The OS coordinate between the various Input / Output and peripheral devices such as
auxiliary storage devices making sure that data flow properly between them e.g. when
printing, its the function of the OS to find the printer and give a message if its not
found

2. Memory Management
The OS optimizes the use of random access memory (RAM). The operating system
has the responsibility to allocate, or assign, these items to an area of memory while
they are being processed and to clear these items from memory when they are no
longer required by the CPU.

3. Job scheduling
To optimize the use of the processor, the OS has the mandate to select which job will
be processed first. e.g. the OS may decide to process small jobs first.

4. Interrupt handling
What is an interrupt? It is a break from the normal sequential processing of
instruction in a program.

An external request causes the processor to stop executing the current task and do
some thing else before returning the control back to the program that was interrupted.
It’s the function of the OS to handle all the interrupt and ensure that the control of the
program is handled back to its original place before the interrupt.

5. Error handling
The OS alerting the user when there is an error and where possible makes suggestions
on how to correct the error. Therefore the OS monitor both the software and the
hardware to ensure smooth operation.

6. Resource control and allocation

The OS monitor the use and allocation of resources by giving priorities. It determines
which task uses a particular resource and at what time

The OS tries as much as possible to avoid a situation where a particular task holds a
needed resource and refuses to release it for the use of other tasks. When several tasks
do this, an undesirable situation called deadlock occurs

7. Configuring Devices

To communicate with each device in the computer, the operating system relies on
device drivers. Each device on a computer, such as the mouse, keyboard, monitor, and
printer, has its own specialized set of commands and thus requires its own device
driver, also called a driver. These devices will not function unless the correct device
driver is installed on the computer.

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8. Monitoring System Performance

Operating systems typically contain a performance monitor, which is a program that

assesses and reports information about various system resources and devices e.g. you
can monitor the CPU, disks, memory, and network usage, as well as the number of
times a file is read or written.

9. Administering Security

Before you can use a computer, it’s the operating system that administers security by
allowing each user to log on, into the computer by entering the user name and the
password into the computer.

If your entries match the user name and password kept on file, you are granted access:
otherwise, you are denied access.

10. Managing Storage Medium And Files

Operating systems also contain a type of program called a file manager, which
performs functions related to storage and file management. Some of the storage and
file management functions performed by a file manager are formatting and copying
disks; displaying a list of files on a storage medium; checking the amount of used or
free space on a storage medium; and copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting
files.

Factors to consider when choosing an operating system (OS)

i. Hardware configuration i.e. the memory capacity, size of the hard disk, type of processor etc
ii. Basic design of the computer is it an IBM or an apple computer etc
iii. Applications intended for the computer
iv. User friendliness or human interface i.e. is it command based, menu driven, or graphic user
interface based
v. Cost how expensive is it
vi. Availability in market Microsoft based OS are very common
vii. Reliability i.e. does it work without crashing or hanging

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TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

Operating systems can be classified according to:
i. Number of users
ii. Number of tasks handled concurrently
iii. Human computer interface (HCI)

Classification according to number of users handled concurrently

a) A single user
Allows only one user to run one program at a time. Suppose, for example, you are
typing a memorandum in a word processing program and decide to browse the Web
for more information. If you are working with a single user operating system, you
must quit/exit the word processing program before you can run the Web browser.
Example of single user OS is MS DOS

b) A multi-user operating system

Enables two or more users to run a program simultaneously. Networks,
minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers allow hundreds to thousands of
users to be connected at the same time, and thus are multi-user.

Classification according to number of tasks handled concurrently

a) Single tasking operating system
These operating systems allow processing of only one user program in main
memory at a time. This means that the user can only run one interactive program at a
time. The user must exit from one program before loading another example of this
OS is MS DOS

b) Multi tasking operating system

Allows a single user to work on two or more applications that reside in memory at
the same time. If you are working with a multitasking operating system, you do not
have to quit the word processing program to run a Web browser; that is, both
programs can run concurrently. Examples include windows 7, XP, 2000, Linux etc

Popular Operating Systems In The Market Today

i. DOS
ii. Windows CE
iii. UNIX
iv. Linux
v. NetWare
vi. Windows 95
vii. Windows 97
viii. Windows 98
ix. Windows 2000
x. Windows XP
xi. Windows Vista
xii. Windows 7

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Classification according to interface

The term human computer interface refers to the method of interaction between the computer
and the users and determines how easily the user can operate the computer

There are three main types of human computer interface (HCI)

a) Command line
The user interacts with the computer by typing a command at the prompt found on a
command line. The computer reads the instruction from the command line and
executes them example include MS DOS

b) Menu driven interface

This type of interfaces provide the user with a list of options or a menu to choose
from using the keyboard or pointing devices

c) Graphical user interface (GUI)

The interface represent commands as small pictures on the screen called icons. The
icons can be selected to issue a command using the keyboard or pointing devices.
It’s the most user friendly and it includes OS such as windows 95/98/2000/XP/Vista,
Linux etc

How operating system Organizes information

The OS organizes information in three-tier hierarchy
i.Files
A file is a collection of related data given a unique name for ease of access, manipulation
and storage on a backup storage

Every file has the following details

a. A unique name and an optional extension
The name and the extension are separated by a period (.) e.g. Lettter1.doc
b. The size, date and time the file was created or modified

Types of files
 System file – contain information that is critical for the operation of the
computer example include config.sys, io.sys etc
 Application file – hold programs and are executable e.g. win98.exe
 Data file – contain user specified data e.g. sgccat1.doc

Table 1: file description table

Extension File type Description
.doc Data Microsoft word document file
.txt Data A plain text file created using note pad or DOS editor
.tif Data A graphical file created using application such as adobe
Photoshop
.exe Application The file that launches a particular application e.g.
file Winword.exe, PM.70.exe etc
.bat System file File containing series of commands loaded during boot up
.sys System file System file that perform fundamental operations in a computer

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ii.Directories / folders
It's a named storage area where the user can store related files to enable easy access

Subfolders
A large folder may be divided into smaller units called subfolder. Therefore a subfolder or a
subdirectory is a folder/directory within another folder/directory

iii.Storage media / drives

When saving a file or creating a folder, one must identify a storage location, which is available and
has sufficient storage space e.g. Floppy disk, compact disk, hard disk etc

File/folder management using the operating system / manipulating files/folders

i. Creating a Files/Folders
This involves making a new file/folder
Procedure
a) Using My computer icon right click to display the Explorer window.
b) From the folder tree on the left pane, select the location in which you want to
create a new folder.
c) From the File menu, click new then click on folder
 A new folder with a temporary name New folder appears
in the explorer window
d) Type a new name for the folder to replace the temporary name then press or click
the icon once.
ii. Renaming Files/Folders
Refers to changing files from their original name to some other new names.
Procedure
a) Right click on the folder
b) From the menu that appears choose rename
c) Type in the new name
d) Then press or click the icon once.

iii. Sorting files/folders

Refers to organizing files and folders in a particular way.
Procedure
a) Open a folder or storage location then
b) Click view, point Arrange icons by
c) Choose the method of sort either by name, size, type or date modified

iv. Copying Files and folders

Enables the computer user to duplicate files and folders to another location.
Procedure
a) Using My computer icon right click.
b) From the drop down list click on Explorer.
c) From the explorer window on the edit menu, click copy
d) Select the drive or folder where you want the item to be copied.
e) From the edit menu click Paste. Information or item is pasted to a new location

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v. Moving files/folders
Refers to moving files and folders to another location.
Procedure
a) Using My computer icon right click
b) From the drop down list click on Explorer.
c) From the explorer window on the edit menu, click cut
d) Select the drive or folder where you want the item to be copied.
e) From the edit menu click Paste.

vi. Deleting files/folders

Refers to removing the files and folders completely from the storage location. The information is
transferred into a special folder called recycle bin which can be restored if necessary
Procedure
Warning!
a) One should not attempt to delete system and application files from the hard disk.
b) Items deleted from removable storage are not held in the recycle bin and are completely
lost.

To delete a file or folder proceed as follows:

a) Using My computer icon right click
b) Click on Explorer
c) From the folder tree on the left pane, select the item that is to be deleted.
d) On the File menu
e) A message appears on the screen asking whether you actually want to delete the
item.
f) Confirm by clicking Yes

Restoring deleted files and folders from the recycle bin to its original location proceed as follows
a) Double click the recycle bin Icon.
b) Select the deleted item (or items) to be restored.
c) Click on file and then restore

vii. Searching Files/folders

Refers to looking for a certain file or folder.
Procedure
a) From the start menu, click Find/Search.
b) From the dialogue box Type the name of the file and the location to look in
respectively.
c) Click Find Now button.

Functions of a file
i. Storage of data
ii. Organization of information

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Information/properties that the OS can display about a file or a folder

i. The type of file
ii. The size of the file/folder
iii. The storage location of the file/folder
iv. Date the file/folder was created
v. The last date the file or folder was modified
vi. The last date the file or folder was accessed
vii. The attributes either hidden or read only

Disk Management Using Operating System

Windows operating system provides the users with tools that help them to manage storage devices
and media. This enhances proper and orderly way of data storage to avoid data loss.

Warning!
Do not attempt these operations on disks without the guidance of the teacher. It is preferable to use
the floppy disk rather than the hard disk to perform these operations because some of them can easily
lead to loss of data and information stored on the hard disk.

i. Formatting Disk
Is process of preparing a new disk for use by creating sectors and tracks on the surface of
disk
Procedure
a) Put a new unformatted disk into the floppy drive, USB port for the flash disk etc
b) Double click my computer icon
c) Right click the icon labeled 3 ¼ floppy (A:) or the removable disk then select format
d) Select the disk capacity e.g. 1.44MB for floppy, format type i.e. either quick erase or
full
e) Give the diskettes/flash disk an internal name (label).
f) Click Start to begin formatting.
g) Once the process is over, click close

ii. Disk Defragmentation

Refers to arranging of scattered folders and files on a storage media for easy access of files
and folders.

Procedure to Defragment a 3 ½ floppy disk

a) Double click My computer icon to display the storage devices installed on computer.
b) Right click a drive icon 3 ½ floppy disk (A:).
c) From the shortcut menu, click properties, and then click on tools tab
d) From the dialog box displayed, click Defragment now button
e) From the dialog box displayed, click Defragment. A progress status bar is displayed.
f) Wait for the process to complete then close the defragmenter.

iii. Disk Compression

This tool help in consolidating files and folders in smaller storage areas hence creating
more space on the storage device

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iv. Disk Partitioning

The process of dividing a large physical disk into two or more partitions called logical
drives. Each partition is treated as a separate drive installed on its own partition.
Reasons for partitioning
a) To install more than one Operating System
b) For the purpose of backup
Read on the procedure for disk partitioning

v. Backing up Data
The tool enables the user to create copies of data and programs on separate storage areas to
avoid losing of data and programs incase the storage device fails.
Procedure to Backing up Data
a) Click the start button, point to programs, Accessories, system tools then click on
Backup
b) A welcome to Microsoft Backup dialog box appears, click OK to close it.
c) In the Microsoft Backup dialog box, select the files and/or folders you want to
backup by placing checkmarks next to their names. When all the files in a folder are
selected, it will appear gray.
d) Follow the on screen instructions to accomplish the operation
vi. Scanning Storage Device
This tool helps the user to check up and repair minor storage problems e.g. lost storage or
damaged surface.

vii. Scanning for Virus

Refers to checking your system for virus and removing them

Examples of antiviruses
 Norton anti-virus
 Escan
 MacAfee
 Avira.
 Avast
 Kaspersky
 Nod 32