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Functions of Operating System

The document outlines the functions and types of operating systems, detailing their role in managing hardware and software resources. It distinguishes between system software and application software, highlighting the operating system's functions such as process management, memory management, and user interface provision. Additionally, it describes various types of operating systems, including single-user, multi-tasking, and real-time systems.

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Shreyan Saha
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Functions of Operating System

The document outlines the functions and types of operating systems, detailing their role in managing hardware and software resources. It distinguishes between system software and application software, highlighting the operating system's functions such as process management, memory management, and user interface provision. Additionally, it describes various types of operating systems, including single-user, multi-tasking, and real-time systems.

Uploaded by

Shreyan Saha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Functions of Operating System

17 April 2025 07:37

Hardware : It refers to the physical parts of the computer , that we can see and touch. Examples: monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
Software : It refers to the instructions or programs that tells a hardware what to do. Software enhances the capabilities of the
hardware and directs the computer to perform certain specific functions.

There are two types of software : System Software and Application Software

System Software

➢ Definition : System software is a collection of programs that help run a computer's hardware and other software.
➢ Functions :
i) Manages hardware resources
ii) Manages other application software.
iii) Reads data from input devices and transfers processed information to output devices.

➢ Examples :
i) Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, Unix, macOS, Android, etc.
ii) Utility Software: Disk Cleanup, Backup, Compression.
iii) Language Processors.
iv) Device Drivers.

Application Software

➢ Definition: Application software is used to perform specific tasks or jobs.


➢ Functions :
i) Doing calculations.
ii) Arranging data in an organized manner.
iii) Designing professional documents.
iv) Creating images, logos, etc.

➢ Examples: Word, PowerPoint, 3D Paint, Excel.

Operating System

➢ Definition : A computer requires specific instructions to perform tasks, as it cannot function on its own. Instructions are c onverted into
a machine-readable language. Operating system thus acts as an interface for communication between the user and computer hardware.

➢ Role of an Operating System:


i) Acts as an interface between the user and computer hardware.
ii) Interprets user instructions and manages the computer's operations and internal workings.
iii) Provides a platform for running application software.

➢ Examples : MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux (Ubuntu, Red Hat), UNIX (macOS, Solaris, AIX).

Need for an operating system

➢ Earlier, programmers had to design applications based on the computer's internal hardware structure.
➢ The operating system simplifies this by allowing applications to be designed without knowledge of the hardware.
➢ Functions : Acts as a central coordinator between hardware and software. Manages resources, resolves conflicts, and optimizes system
performance.
➢ Role of BIOS: At startup, the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) checks hardware attachments and loads the operating system int o
RAM from the hard disk. After loading, the operating system enables users to perform tasks like solving problems, creating do cuments,
and playing games.

Functions of an operating system

1. Process Management :
i) Ensures every process/application gets enough processor time to function properly.
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i) Ensures every process/application gets enough processor time to function properly.
ii) Maximizes processor cycle usage for real-time work.
iii) Manages and executes processes efficiently.

2. Memory Management
i) Manages sharing of internal memory among multiple applications.
ii) Prevents one process from consuming memory allocated to another.
iii) Efficiently uses different types of memory (RAM, Cache, etc.).

3. File Management
i) Tracks information regarding file creation, deletion, transfer, copying, and storage.
ii) Maintains data integrity and file directory structure.

4. Device Management
i) Coordinates and controls Input/Output (I/O) devices.
ii) Handles requests from devices and forwards them to the appropriate processes.

5. Security and Protection


Protects resources and information from unauthorized access using built-in security modules.

6. Job Scheduling
i) Maintains the order of job execution in the system.
ii) Allocates processor time to applications based on priority.

7. Provision of User Interface


i) Provides a systematic interface for user-computer interaction.
ii) Supports both Character User Interface (CUI) and Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Types of Operating System

1. Single User, Single-Tasking:


➢ Allows only one user to perform one task at a time.
➢ One of the initial version of operating systems.
➢ Occupies less memory.
➢ Examples: Microsoft DOS, Palm OS.
➢ No longer in use due to limited features.

2. Single-User, Multi-Tasking
➢ Allows one user to run several programs simultaneously
➢ Commonly used for laptop and desktop computers
➢ Examples : Windows, Linux, MacOS

3. Multi User
➢ Allows multiple users to access applications or resources on a single network server concurrently.
➢ Commonly used in large organizations and servers.
➢ Examples: UNIX, Virtual Memory System (VMS), Mainframe OS, Ubuntu Server, Windows Server.

4. Real Time
➢ Designed to handle real-life scenarios with strict time constraints.
➢ Prioritizes processes, minimizes execution time, and works independently.
➢ Used in systems where even microsecond delays can cause failure.
➢ Examples: Air traffic control, robots, weapons systems, industrial control systems.

5. Distributed
➢ Runs on multiple computers located in different geographical areas, interconnected by a network.
➢ Makes interconnected systems appear as a single computer.
➢ Allows access to data and software over a common network, regardless of location.

User Interface

User Interface (UI): A mechanism enabling interaction between users and computers through hardware and software.
Role of Operating System: Acts as an intermediary, allowing users to give commands and receive responses from the computer.

Types of User Interface

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Types of User Interface

1. Character User Interface (CUI):


➢ Requires users to type commands manually.
➢ Less beginner-friendly due to the need to memorize commands.
➢ Modern variant: Command Line Interface (CLI).
➢ Examples: DOS, Windows Command Prompt, Unix.

2. Graphical User Interface (GUI):


➢ Graphics-based and interactive.
➢ Uses devices like mouse and keyboard.
➢ User-friendly; no need to memorize commands.
➢ Interaction happens through menus, dialog boxes, and icons.
➢ Example: Windows operating system.

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