Operating System

Operating System
• A collection of programs for
operating the computer. Operating
systems perform housekeeping
tasks such as input/output between
the computer and peripherals,
and accepting and interpreting
information from the keyboard.
 S o f t w a r e

S y sA t p e p m l i c a t i o n
S o f S t w o af t r w e a r e
Role of the Operating System
 Operating Systems
• Operating systems tell the computer how to
perform the functions of loading, storing, and
executing an application program and how to
transfer data.
• Controls all the computer's resources and
provides the base upon which the applications
programs can be written.
• Most operating systems use a Graphical User
Interface (GUI) that provides visual cues such as
icon symbols to help users interact with and
navigate the operating system
 Computer Software
Relationships

User Interface Application Programs

User Interface Operating System

User Basic Input and Output Services (BIOS)

Interface • needed for a computer to boot up

Computer Hardware
 Basic OS Tasks

User interface
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Operating System
Functions
 OS Functions
• Starting a computer
• Providing User Interface
• Managing Programs
• Managing Memory
• Configuring Devices
• Monitoring Performance
• Controlling Network
 Plug and Play
• A helpful part of the operating system that
allows for the addition of new devices
such as sound cards or scanners
• The operating system detects devices as
they are “plugged in” and configures the
computer automatically to allow instant
“play”
Operating System Definitions
These definitions could be in other words the
features an OS has to perform in an overall
computer system
• Resource allocator – manages and
allocates resources.
• Control program – controls the execution
of user programs and operations of I/O devices
• Kernel – the one program running at all
times (all else being application programs).
 Resource Allocation
• Resource allocation is the process of
assigning computer resources to
programs
• Two ways to share the CPU
– Multiprogramming
– Time-sharing
• Similar sounding, multiprocessing refers to
a computer with more than CPUs
 Multiprogramming
• Two or more programs running at the same
time, or concurrently
• The programs “take turns” with the processor.
They are using the CPU in the same time frame,
but not in the same instant
• For example, your operating system may use
the CPU to load your email program while
Microsoft Word is saving something to disk
 Characteristics of Modern
Operating Systems
• New design elements were introduced
recently
• In response to new hardware development
– multiprocessor machines
– high-speed networks
– faster processors and larger memory
• In response to new software needs
– multimedia applications
– Internet and Web access
– Client/Server applications