11.3.1.3 describe the purpose and main functions of operating systems
Operating systems
Operating system - a system program that controls and organises the general operation of the computer and provide user interface.
It manages input to and output from the processing unit, run applications and etc.
The OS acts as a bridge between the application software and the computer hardware. Do users need application software to carry out tasks? the software needs the operating system to communicate with the hardware.
The OS controls the operation of the processor and memory, by managing the resources so that each application is allocated enough processor time and power, memory, and hard drive space to complete its job. In this, the OS is like a referee, ensuring everyone plays a fair game.
The OS controls any peripherals, like printers, scanners, and barcode readers that are attached to the computer. It will use specialized drivers to ensure that the right instructions are passed in a way that the device can operate.
The OS controls security - logins and sometimes basic firewalls and anti-virus facilities are run through the OS.
The OS provides a foundation for all application software to run, allowing software developers to write for an operating system rather than a computer design, as was the case in the early years of computer development. This is because each OS has a standardized API (application program interface).
The main functions of the operating system:
Provides an interface for computer interaction: The operating system provides a user interface for interaction with the computer. This can be a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command-line interface (CLI).
Controls of inputs and outputs (Handling I/O operations): The operating system controls the input and output operations of the computer. It manages the flow of data between the computer and its peripherals, such as printers, scanners, keyboards, and mice.
Manages of hardware and peripherals: The operating system manages the hardware and peripherals of the computer. It handles device drivers and other low-level hardware operations.
Manages file system: The operating system manages the computer's file system. It controls the creation, deletion, and modification of files and directories.
Manages resources allocation: The operating system manages the allocation of resources, such as CPU time, memory, and disk space. It ensures that each running program gets a fair share of resources.
Manages memory: The operating system manages the memory of the computer. It controls the allocation and deallocation of memory to running programs and ensures that they do not interfere with each other.
Manages processor for multitasking: The operating system manages the processor for multitasking. It allows multiple programs to run simultaneously on the same computer.
Manages running software: The operating system manages the installation and loading of software onto the computer. It controls the execution of programs and their interaction with the hardware.
Detects errors and handling: The operating system detects errors that occur in the computer system and handles them appropriately. It provides error messages and options for recovery.
Provides data integrity: The operating system ensures the integrity of data on the computer. It provides mechanisms for backup and recovery in case of data loss.
Provides security: The operating system provides security features, such as access control and authentication, to protect the computer system from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Examples of OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Unix, MS-DOS, Android, iOS, and others.
