An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages and controls the computer hardware and provides an environment for the execution of applications.
- It
acts as an intermediary between
the user and the hardware, facilitating convenient and efficient use of
the computer system.
- Operating
systems vary in internal structure and organization.
The primary functions/ types of management of an operating system
include:/Various Components of OS
1.
Process management: The
OS manages the execution of processes or programs. It allocates system
resources, such as CPU time, memory, and I/O devices, to different processes,
and ensures their proper execution and synchronization.
2.
Memory management: The
OS manages the computer’s memory resources, including allocating and
deallocating memory space to processes, implementing virtual memory techniques,
and handling memory fragmentation to optimize memory usage.
3.
File system management: The
OS provides a hierarchical structure for organizing and storing files on
storage devices. It handles file creation, deletion, and manipulation, as well
as maintaining file security and access controls.
4.
Device management: The
OS manages I/O devices such as keyboards, monitors, printers, and disk drives.
It provides drivers to communicate with these devices, handles input and output
operations, and manages device access and sharing among processes.
5.
User interface: The
OS provides a user-friendly interface for users to interact with the computer
system. This can include command-line interfaces, graphical user interfaces
(GUI), or other forms of user interaction.
6.
Security and protection: The
OS implement security measures to protect the system and its resources from
unauthorized access, viruses, and other threats. It enforces user
authentication, access control policies, and data encryption to ensure data
privacy and system integrity.
7.
Networking and communication: Many
modern operating systems support networking capabilities, allowing computers to
connect and communicate over networks. The OS manages network protocols,
handles data transmission, and facilitates network resource sharing.
8.
Error handling and fault tolerance: The
OS detects and handles errors, exceptions, and system failures. It provides
mechanisms for error recovery, fault tolerance, and system stability.
Commonly known operating systems are:
1.
Windows: Microsoft’s popular operating system for PCs and laptops.
2.
macOS: Apple’s operating system for Macintosh computers.
3.
Linux: A free and open-source operating system known for its
customization and stability.
4.
Android: Google’s mobile operating system for smartphones and
tablets.