What is Operating System (OS)?
An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides essential services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the applications, enabling them to interact with each other.
The primary functions of an operating system include:
Process management: The OS manages processes, which are instances of programs running on the computer. It allocates system resources, such as CPU time, memory, and input/output devices, to different processes and ensures their proper execution.
Memory management: The OS handles the allocation and deallocation of memory to processes. It tracks the usage of memory by different programs and optimizes its utilization.
File system management: The OS provides a way to organize and store files on secondary storage devices, such as hard drives. It manages file creation, deletion, modification, and access permissions.
Device management: The OS controls and coordinates the use of hardware devices attached to the computer, such as printers, scanners, keyboards, and network adapters. It provides device drivers that enable communication between software and hardware.
User interface: The OS provides a user interface that allows users to interact with the computer system. It can be a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI) with windows, icons, menus, and pointers.
Different types of operating systems exist, including:
Single-user, single-tasking: These operating systems support one user and allow running only one program at a time. Examples include early versions of MS-DOS.
Single-user, multitasking: These operating systems enable a single user to run multiple programs simultaneously. Windows and macOS are examples of single-user, multitasking operating systems.
Multi-user: These operating systems support multiple users simultaneously, each running their own programs and accessing shared resources. Unix/Linux-based systems and mainframe operating systems like IBM z/OS fall into this category.
Real-time: Real-time operating systems are designed for time-critical applications, where tasks must be completed within strict time constraints. They are used in industries like aerospace, medical devices, and industrial control systems.
Operating systems form the foundation of modern computing systems, allowing users to run applications, access data, and utilize various hardware resources efficiently.
