An operating system acts as an intermediary
between the user of a computer and computer
hardware. In short its an interface between
computer hardware and user.
The purpose of an operating system is to provide an environment in which a user can execute
programs conveniently and efficiently.
An operating system is software that manages computer hardware and software. The hardware
must provide appropriate mechanisms to ensure the correct operation of the computer system
and to prevent user programs from interfering with the proper operation of the system.
The operating system (OS) is a program that runs at all times on a computer. All other programs,
including application programs, run on top of the operating system.
It does assignment of resources like memory, processors and input / output devices to different
processes that need the resources. The assignment of resources has to be fair and secure.
Functionalities of Operating System
Resource Management: When multiple processes run on the system and need different
resources like memory, input/output devices, the OS works as Resource Manager, Its
responsibility is to provide hardware to the user. It decreases the load in the system.
Process Management: It includes various tasks like scheduling and synchronization of
processes. Process scheduling is done with the help of CPU Scheduling algorithms . Process
Synchronization is mainly required because processes need to communicate with each other.
When processes communicate different problems arise like two processes can update the same
memory location in incorrect order.
Storage Management: The file system mechanism used for the management of the secondary
storage like Hard Disk. NIFS, CIFS, CFS, NFS, etc. are some file systems that are used by
operating systems to manage the storage. All the data is stored in various tracks of Hard disks
that are all managed by the storage manager.
Memory Management: Refers to the management of primary memory, mainly allocation and de-
allocation of memory to processes. The operating system has to keep track of how much
memory has been used and by which process. It has to decide which process needs memory
space and how much.
Security/Privacy Management: Privacy is also provided by the Operating system using
passwords so that unauthorized applications can't access programs or data. For example,
Windows uses Kerberos authentication to prevent unauthorized access to data. - craft this for
my college exam
An operating system (OS) is essential system software that acts as an intermediary between the
user and the computer hardware, providing a convenient and efficient environment for executing
programs [1] [2] [3] [4] . It manages computer resources and ensures that all hardware and
software function together seamlessly.
Purpose of an Operating System
Interface: The OS serves as a bridge between users and hardware, allowing users to
interact with the computer without needing to understand complex hardware details [1] [3] [5]
[4] .
Program Execution: It provides an environment where users can run applications
conveniently and efficiently [3] [5] .
Resource Allocation: The OS assigns resources such as memory, CPU, and input/output
devices to various processes, ensuring fair and secure distribution [1] [2] [3] .
Key Functionalities of an Operating System
1. Resource Management
The OS manages system resources (CPU, memory, I/O devices) among multiple processes,
ensuring efficient and fair allocation [1] [2] [3] .
It acts as a resource manager, reducing system load and preventing conflicts between
processes [1] [3] .
2. Process Management
Process Scheduling: Decides which process runs at any given time using CPU scheduling
algorithms, enabling multitasking [1] [6] [7] .
Process Synchronization: Ensures that processes communicate and share resources
safely, preventing issues like race conditions [1] [6] [7] .
Process Creation and Termination: Handles starting and stopping of processes as
needed [6] [7] .
3. Memory Management
Allocates and deallocates primary memory (RAM) to processes, keeping track of memory
usage and ensuring that each process has enough memory to run [1] [8] [9] .
Uses techniques like virtual memory to extend available memory and improve efficiency [1]
[8] .
4. Storage (File) Management
Organizes and manages files on secondary storage devices (e.g., hard disks) [1] [8] .
Controls access to files, maintains file hierarchies, and provides backup and recovery
mechanisms [1] [8] .
Supports various file systems (e.g., NFS, CIFS, NTFS) for different storage needs.
5. Device Management
Manages communication between hardware devices and the system using device drivers [1]
[8] .
Schedules device access and handles errors to ensure smooth operation [1] [8] .
6. Security and Privacy Management
Protects data and programs from unauthorized access using mechanisms like passwords
and authentication protocols (e.g., Kerberos in Windows) [8] [9] .
Ensures that only authorized users and applications can access system resources [8] [9] .
7. User Interface
Provides interfaces (Graphical User Interface or Command Line Interface) for users to
interact with the system and applications [1] [5] .
8. Error Detection and Handling
Continuously monitors the system to detect and respond to errors, preventing system
failures and maintaining stability [8] [9] .
Summary Table of OS Functions
Function Description
Resource Management Allocates CPU, memory, and I/O devices fairly and efficiently
Process Management Schedules, synchronizes, creates, and terminates processes
Memory Management Allocates/deallocates RAM, tracks usage, manages virtual memory
Storage/File Management Organizes files, controls access, manages storage devices
Device Management Handles device drivers, schedules access, manages errors
Security/Privacy Protects data using passwords, authentication, and access control
User Interface Provides GUI/CLI for user interaction
Error Handling Detects and handles hardware/software errors
Conclusion
In summary, the operating system is the backbone of any computer system. It manages
hardware and software resources, provides essential services for running applications, and
ensures security, efficiency, and user convenience [1] [2] [3] [4] [10] . Without an OS, users would not
be able to interact with computers or run programs effectively.
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