Study Session I: Introduction to Operating System

Learning Outcomes/objectives for Study Session 1

On completion of this study session, students should be able to:

 Students will learn how operating system is important for computer system.
 To make aware of different types of operating system and their services.
 State the functions of an operating system.

1.0 Introduction
An operating system is software that manages computer system which acts as an intermediary between
the user of a computer (software and hardware). The purpose of an operating system is to provide an
environment in which a user can execute programs conveniently and efficiently. The hardware must
provide appropriate mechanisms to ensure the correct operation of the computer system and prevent
user programs from interfering with the proper operation of the system. A more common definition is
that the operating system is a program running at all times on the computer (usually called the kernel),
with all else being application programs.
An operating system is concerned with the allocation of resources and services, such as memory,
processors, devices, and information. The operating system correspondingly includes programs to
manage these resources, such as a traffic controller, a scheduler, a memory management module, I/O
programs, and a file system. Operating system support the following tasks:
(i) Provides the facilities to create and modify of programs and data files using an editor.
(ii) Access to the compiler for translating the user program from high-level language to machine
language.
(iii) Provide a loader program to move the compiled program code to the computer’s
memory for execution.
(iv)Provide routines that handle the details of I/O programming.

1.1 Definition of Operating System

1. The term Operating System (OS) can be defined as a software that acts as an intermediary between
the computer hardware, other computer software and the computer user. It can also be seen as the
core system software that controls the activities of the computer system. New computer system
must be loaded with any operating system before installing other software, therefore, OS is loaded
into the computer memory when it is switched on.
2. Operating system (OS) is a software that interact or communicate with the hardware of computer
system and allows other programs to run. It acts as an intermediary or interface between users of
the system and the computer system (software program i.e. application program, utilities and
hardware). It is a software that manages the computer hardware and provides common services for
execution of various application software. An operating system is a program after loading into the
computer by a boot program, it manages all the other activities in the computer system.
The process operating system as User Interface:
(i) User
(ii) System and application programs
(iii) Operating system
(iv) Hardware

Figure 1: Architecture of an Operating System

1.2 Features of Operating Systems

(i) Memory Management: The operating system manages the computer’s memory, ensuring that
programs have the necessary memory to run and allocating memory efficiently to maximize
performance.
(ii) Process Management: The operating system is responsible for managing the processes running on
the computer. It schedules processes to run on the CPU, allocates system resources to processes,
and terminates processes when they are no longer needed.
(iii) File System Management: The operating system manages the file system, which is
responsible for storing and retrieving files on the computer’s hard disk or other storage devices.
(iv)Device Management: The operating system manages the computer’s input and output devices,
such as the keyboard, mouse, and printer, ensuring that they are properly configured and
functioning correctly.
(v) Security: The operating system provides security features to protect the computer from
unauthorized access, viruses, and other types of malware.
(vi)User Interface: The operating system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command-line
interface (CLI) to interact with the computer, making it easier for users to access and use the
computer’s resources.
(vii) Networking: The operating system provides networking features that enable computers to
communicate with each other over a network, allowing users to share resources and collaborate
with others.

1.3 Types of Operating System

The basic types of Operating Systems can be categorized into:

 Single program OS

 Multi-tasking OS
 Multi-user OS
 Real Time OS

(i) Single Program Operating System: These are operating system that allows only one programme
to run at a time. The computer user can only open one programme at a time. If the user decided to
work on another programme in the same computer,
he must close the first programme before opening another one. This makes working with such
operating system burdensome especially when you want to copy some data from the spreadsheet to
another application package. Example is Batch Operating system.
 Batch OS: The batch operating system does not have a direct link with the computer. A
different system divides and allocates similar tasks into batches for easy processing and faster
response. It is appropriate for lengthy and time-consuming tasks. To avoid slowing down a device,
each user prepares their tasks offline and submits them to an operator. The advantages and
disadvantages of using a batch operating system.
 Advantages Disadvantages
Many users can share batch systems.
Some notable disadvantages are: Batch
There is little idle time for batch operating
operating systems are challenging to debug.
systems.
It becomes possible to manage large
Any failure of the system creates a backlog.
workloads.
It's easy to estimate how long a task will It may be costly to install and maintain good
take to be completed. batch operating systems.

Examples of single programme operation system are: Microsoft Disk Operating System (DOS),
LINUX, IBMPC-1DOS etc.
(ii) Multi-tasking or Time-Sharing: Multi-tasking operation system allows more than one program to
run at the same time. Programme are run in turns with the processor. The present programme that is
running is minimized so that another programme can be viewed.

Advantages Disadvantages
There's a quick response during task The user's data security might be a
performance. problem.
System failure can lead to widespread
It minimizes the idle time of the processor.
failures.
All tasks get an equal chance of being Problems in data communication may
accomplished. arise.
It reduces the chance of software The integrity of user programs is not
duplication. assured.

Examples of multi-tasking operating system are: Windows Operating System Vista, Solaris While the
Versions of Windows Operating System are: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP
professional edition, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows NT.

(iii) Multi-User Operating System: This is a set of programme (Software) that gives access to more
than one computer user to share information with only one main computer (referred to as a network
 server) at the same time. Multi-User network is used in cyber cafés, banks, schools’ computer
laboratory and industries.
 Distributed OS: This system is based on autonomous but interconnected computers
communicating with each other via communication lines or a shared network. Each autonomous
system has its own processor that may differ in size and function. A distributed operating system
serves multiple applications and multiple users in real time. The data processing function is then
distributed across the processors. Distributed operating systems are used for tasks such as
telecommunication networks, airline reservation controls The advantages and disadvantages of
distributed operating systems are:
Advantages Disadvantages
If the primary network fails, the entire
They allow remote working.
system shuts down.
They allow a faster exchange of data
They're expensive to install.
among users.
Failure in one site may not cause much They require a high level of expertise to
disruption to the system. maintain.
They reduce delays in data processing.
They minimize the load on the host
computer.
They enhance scalability since more
systems can be added to the network.

 Network OS: Network operating systems are installed on a server providing users with the
capability to manage data, user groups and applications. This operating system enables users to
access and share files and devices such as printers, security software and other applications, mostly in
a local area network. Examples of network operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Linux and
macOS X. The advantages and disadvantages of network operating systems are
 Advantages Disadvantages
Centralized servers provide high They require regular updates and
stability. maintenance.
Security issues are easier to handle Servers are expensive to buy and
through the servers. maintain.
It's easy to upgrade and integrate new Users' reliance on a central server might
technologies. be detrimental to workflows.
Remote access to the servers is
possible.

(iv) Real-time OS: Real-time operating systems provide support to real-time systems that require
observance of strict time requirements. The response time between input, processing and response is
tiny, which is beneficial for processes that are highly sensitive and need high precision. These processes
include operating missile systems, medical systems or air traffic control systems, where delays may
lead to loss of life and property. Real-time operating systems may either be hard real-time systems or
soft real-time systems. Hard real-time systems are installed in applications with strict time constraints.
The system guarantees the completion of sensitive tasks on time. Hard real-time does not have virtual
memory. Soft real-time systems do not have equally rigid time requirements. A critical task gets
priority over other tasks. Real-time operating systems are used for tasks such as scientific
experiments, Medical Imaging, Robotics and Air traffic control operations. The advantages and
disadvantages of real-time operating systems include:

Advantages Disadvantages
They use device and systems maximally,
They have a low capacity to run tasks simultaneously.
hence more output.
They allow fast shifting from one task to
They use heavy system resources.
another.
The focus is on current tasks, and less focus They run on complex algorithms that are not easy to
is put on the queue. understand.
They're unsuitable for thread priority because of the
They can be used in embedded systems.
system's inability to switch tasks.
 Advantages Disadvantages
Real-time systems are meticulously
programmed, hence free of errors.
They allow easy allocation of memory.

1.4 Functions of Operating Systems

(i) It schedules and loads programs in order to provide continuous sequence

(ii) of job response to events.
(iii) It allocates system resources.
(iv) It protects the software, hardware and other data from wrong usage.
(v) It provides detailed records of processing or operational activities.
(vi) It helps in files and disk management.
(vii) It serves as system security. Sometimes it does this by restricting some program to the
administrator with a password.
(viii) It communicates with the computer user through the terminals.
(ix) It monitors and controls the activities of a computer such as input, processing, output and
storage devices.

Popular Operating Systems

Some of the most popular operating systems in use today include:

 Windows: Windows is the most popular desktop operating system, used by over 1 billion users
worldwide. It has a wide range of features and applications, including the Office suite, gaming,
and productivity tools.
 macOS: macOS is the desktop operating system used by Apple Mac computers. It is known for
its clean, user-friendly interface and is popular among creative professionals.
 Linux: Linux is an open-source operating system that is available for free and can be
customized to meet specific needs. It is used by developers, businesses, and individuals who
prefer an open-source, customizable operating system.
 iOS: iOS is the mobile operating system used by Apple iPhones and iPads. It is known for its
user-friendly interface, tight integration with Apple’s hardware and software, and robust
security features.
 Android: Android is the most popular mobile operating system, used by over 2 billion users
worldwide. It is known for its open-source nature, customization options, and compatibility
with a wide range of devices.
Lesson Classwork

1. Define Operating System.

2. What is the full meaning of DOS?
3. Explain the types of operating system with examples.
4. State any four functions of operating system.
5. Mention five versions of windows operating system.