The Operating System

An operating system has three main functions: (1) manage the computer's resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and printers, (2) establish a user interface, and (3) execute and provide services for applications software.

Operating systems for mainframe and other large computers are even more complex because they must keep track of several programs from several users all running in the same time frame. Although some personal computer operating systems-most often found in business or learning environments-can support multiple programs and users, most are concerned only with a single user. We begin by focusing on the interaction between a single user and a personal computer operating system.

"How important to have a operating system to our computer unit?"
An operating system is a set of program files and routines that controls a computer's resources and provides access to a computer's services. More specifically, an operating system allows a computer's hardware components, including processors and drives, to communicate with its software components, such as applications and data instruction sets. In modern personal computers, workstations and other computing devices, operating systems are essential components, which computers cannot function without.

Explain the main purpose of an operating system.
There are 3 main purposes of an operating system.
First is • To provide an environment for a computer user to execute programs on computer hardware in a convenient and efficient manner.

2nd is • To allocate the separate resources of the computer as needed to solve the problem given. The allocation process should be as fair and efficient as possible.

The last is • As a control program it serves two major functions: (1) supervision of the execution of user programs to prevent errors and improper use of the computer, and (2) management of the operation and control of I/O devices.

Operating Sytem is the software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.

The operating system (OS) is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs and applications. Computer operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the storage drives, and controlling peripheral devices, such as printers.

For large systems, the operating system has even greater responsibilities and powers. It is like a traffic cop — it makes sure that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other. The operating system is also responsible for security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system.

Operating systems provide a software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run. The application programs must be written to run on top of a particular operating system. Your choice of operating system, therefore, determines to a great extent the applications you can run. For PCs, the most popular operating systems are DOS, OS/2, and Windows, but others are available, such as Linux.

Microsoft Windows is a family of operating systems for personal and business computers. Windows dominates the personal computer world, offering a graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory management, multitasking, and support for many peripheral devices

Mac OS is the official name of the Apple Macintosh operating system. Mac OS features a graphical user interface (GUI) that utilizes windows, icons, and all applications that run on a Macintosh computer have a similar user interface.

Linux is a freely distributed open source operating system that runs on a number of hardware platforms. The Linux kernel was developed mainly by Linus Torvalds and it is based on Unix.

An operating system performs these services for applications:

In a multitasking operating system where multiple programs can be running at the same time, the operating system determines which applications should run in what order and how much time should be allowed for each application before giving another application a turn.

It manages the sharing of internal memory among multiple applications.

It handles input and output to and from attached hardware devices, such as hard disks, printers, and dial-up ports.

What is the role of an operating system to our computer unit?

Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.

How important to have a operating system to our computer unit?

The hardware needs software to make it work.

The Importance of an Operating System

An operating system is a set of program files and routines that controls a computer's resources and provides access to a computer's services. More specifically, an operating system allows a computer's hardware components, including processors and drives, to communicate with its software components, such as applications and data instruction sets. In modern personal computers, workstations and other computing devices, operating systems are essential components, which computers cannot function without.

what is the relationship between operating systems and computer hardware?

Computer Software consists of applications or programs that the user runs on a computer such as a word processor or a video game.

An operating system is a software that allows other software to manipulate computer hardware to achieve a desired effect. Some operating systems are Microsoft Operating systems, Unix or Apple OS. Below figure shows the relationship between Hardware, Operatingg system and Application Software.

Explain the main purpose of an operating system.

hree main purposes of operating system are as follows :

1) Emulating the machine hardware and bringing it in a format that can be manipulated and understood by the user.

2) Helping the user interface with the machine hardware through either feeding commands by a keyboard or an input device or by directly interacting with it through a Graphical user interface.

3) Operating systems integrate a system's devices into a single platform.

Without operating systems just look at computers as big boxes. Only experienced users could use the DOS interface (white text on black background, sort of like hacking you see in movies) to carry out simple tasks.

At the simplest level, an operating system does two things:

1. It manages the hardware and software resources of the system. In a desktop computer, these resources include such things as the processor, memory, disk space, etc. (On a cell phone, they include the keypad, the screen, the address book, the phone dialer, the battery and the network connection.)

2. It provides a stable, consistent way for applications to deal with the hardware without having to know all the details of the hardware.

The most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

For large systems, the operating system has even greater responsibilities and powers. It is like a traffic cop -- it makes sure that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other. The operating system is also responsible for security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system.

Operating systems can be classified as follows:
# multi-user : Allows two or more users to run programs at the same time. Some operating systems permit hundreds or even thousands of concurrent users.
# multiprocessing : Supports running a program on more than one CPU.
# multitasking : Allows more than one program to run concurrently.
# multithreading : Allows different parts of a single program to run concurrently.
# real time: Responds to input instantly. General-purpose operating systems, such as DOS and UNIX, are not real-time.

Operating systems provide a software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run. The application programs must be written to run on top of a particular operating system. Your choice of operating system, therefore, determines to a great extent the applications you can run. For PCs, the most popular operating systems are DOS, OS/2, and Windows, but others are available, such as Linux.

As a user, you normally interact with the operating system through a set of commands. For example, the DOS operating system contains commands such as COPY and RENAME for copying files and changing the names of files, respectively. The commands are accepted and executed by a part of the operating system called the command processor or command line interpreter. Graphical user interfaces allow you to enter commands by pointing and clicking at objects that appear on the screen.

Without an operating system you would not be able to use your computer.

the OS provides a way you work with a computer system. it sends your commands to the program, then the programs make use of the CPU and memory in your computer. then it communicate the output of the programs back to you using the monitor screen. the OS also keeps the all of the different programs processes running while the computer is powered on.

the main function of the OS is to interact with all the hardware elements of your computer. therefore, it must have the appropriate device drivers for the hardware to work with the software and the software to work with the hardware.

what does this all mean in plain simple English? basically what this means is in order for you to use the physical parts of your computer. you need the operating system to make all those components in your computer work. by physical components i mean like the computer's hard drive. and the memory

the operating system is the middle man between you and your hardware.

some examples of hardware are: laptops. cell phones... did u know that even things like your tv, car, dvd player to name a few require an operating system to work with humans..

so an operating system is software to operate a hardware system

What are the functions of operating system?

1. Booting: Booting is a process of starting the computer operating system starts the computer to work. It checks the computer and makes it ready to work.

2. Memory Management

It is also an important function of operating system. The memory cannot be managed without operating system. Different programs and data execute in memory at one time. if there is no operating system, the programs may mix with each other. The system will not work properly.

3. Loading and Execution

A program is loaded in the memory before it can be executed. Operating system provides the facility to load programs in memory easily and then execute it.

4. Data security

Data is an important part of computer system. The operating system protects the data stored on the computer from illegal use, modification or deletion.

5. Disk Management

Operating system manages the disk space. It manages the stored files and folders in a proper way.

6. Process Management

CPU can perform one task at one time. if there are many tasks, operating system decides which task should get the CPU.

7. Device Controlling

operating system also controls all devices attached to computer. The hardware devices are controlled with the help of small software called device drivers.

8. Printing controlling

Operating system also controls printing function. It a user issues two print commands at a time, it does not mix data of these files and prints them separately.

9. Providing interface

It is used in order that user interface acts with a computer mutually. User interface controls how you input data and instruction and how information is displayed on screen. The operating system offers two types of the interface to the user:
1. Graphical-line interface: It interacts with of visual environment to communicate with the computer. It uses windows, icons, menus and other graphical objects to issues commands.

2. Command-line interface: it provides an interface to communicate with the computer by typing commands.

What are the functions of operating system?

At the simplest level, an operating system does two things:

It manages the hardware and software resources of the system. In a desktop computer, these resources include such things as the processor, memory, disk space and more (On a cell phone, they include the keypad, the screen, the address book, the phone dialer, the battery and the network connection).
It provides a stable, consistent way for applications to deal with the hardware without having to know all the details of the hardware.