INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS)

1. Meaning of an Operating System

An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software
resources, and provides common services for computer programs.

It acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware.

Definition

An Operating System is a collection of programs that:

 Control the execution of application programs

 Manage hardware resources

 Provide a user interface

Examples of Operating Systems

 Windows

 Linux

 macOS

 Android

 iOS

2. Application Scenarios of Operating Systems

Operating systems are used in:

 Personal computers (desktops, laptops)

 Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets)

 Servers

 Embedded systems (ATMs, washing machines, routers)

 Industrial control systems

3. Resource Support Needed by Applications

1. Processor (CPU) – Executes instructions

2. Memory (RAM) – Stores running programs and data

3. Storage – Saves files and programs

4. Input devices – Keyboard, mouse, scanner

5. Output devices – Monitor, printer

The OS allocates, controls, and coordinates these resources.

4. What Support Does an OS Provide to Run an Application?

The OS provides:

 Loading of programs into memory

 CPU scheduling

 Memory allocation

 File access

 Input/output handling

 Error detection

 Security and protection

5. Hardware and Software Layers

A computer system is organized into layers:

1. Hardware – CPU, memory, disk, devices

2. Operating System

3. Application Programs

4. Users

Users

Application Programs
Operating System

Hardware

The OS sits between hardware and applications.

6. Organization of a Computer System

Major components:

 CPU

 Main Memory

 Secondary Storage

 Input Devices

 Output Devices

All components communicate through the operating system.

7. Operational View of a Computing System

The OS manages four main resources:

a) Processor

 Decides which program runs next

b) Memory

 Keeps track of used and free memory

c) Input/Output Devices

 Controls data transfer

d) Storage

 Organizes files and directories

8. Issues in Resource Management

Challenges include:
  Fair sharing of CPU

 Preventing memory conflicts

 Avoiding deadlocks

 Efficient scheduling

 Handling multiple users

9. Bare-Bone Operating System

A bare-bone OS contains minimal features:

 Booting

 Basic I/O handling

 Simple memory management

Used mainly in embedded systems.

10. Communication with Devices

The OS communicates with devices through:

 Device drivers

 Interrupts

 I/O controllers

Device drivers act as translators between OS and hardware.

11. Kernel and Shell

Kernel

 Core part of OS

 Manages CPU, memory, devices, and processes

Shell

 User interface to the OS

Types of shell:

 Command-line shell (CLI)

 Graphical shell (GUI)

12. Processes and Files

Process

A program currently being executed.

File

A collection of data stored on disk with a name.

The OS:

 Creates and deletes processes

 Organizes files into directories

 Controls file access

PURPOSE AND SERVICES OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM

Purpose

 Make computer easy to use

 Manage hardware efficiently

Services Provided

1. Program execution

2. I/O operations

3. File management

4. Memory management

5. Process management

6. Security and protection

8. Networking

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS

1. Mobile Operating Systems

Examples: Android, iOS

 Touch-based interface

 Power-efficient

 App store support

2. Network Operating Systems

Examples: Windows Server, Linux Server

 File sharing

 Printer sharing

 User management

3. Client-Server Operating Systems

 Clients request services

 Servers provide services

4. Distributed Operating Systems

 Multiple computers appear as one system

 Share resources transparently

5. Single User Operating Systems

 Designed for one user at a time

KEY DESIGN CRITERIA

1. Efficiency
  Minimal waste of resources

 Fast response time

2. Robustness

 Handles errors gracefully

 Continues running despite faults

3. Security

 Protects data and programs

 Prevents unauthorized access

MAJOR THREATS TO OPERATING SYSTEMS

1. Malware (viruses, worms, trojans)

2. Unauthorized access

3. Data theft

4. Denial of Service attacks

5. Software bugs

Protection Measures

 Antivirus software

 Firewalls

 User authentication

 Regular updates

 Access control

OPERATING SYSTEM PROCESSING MODES

1. Batch Processing Systems

 Jobs collected and executed in batches

 No user interaction during execution

 High throughput

Disadvantages

 Long turnaround time

2. Time-Sharing Systems

 Multiple users share CPU time

 Each user gets small time slice

Advantages

 Fast response

 Interactive

3. Real-Time Control Systems

 Must respond within strict time limits

Types:

 Hard real-time

 Soft real-time

4. Transaction Processing Systems

 Handle large number of transactions

Characteristics:

 Reliable

 Secure

 Fast
SUMMARY

An Operating System is the backbone of a computer system. It manages resources, provides