Operating System (OS)
1. Definition of Operating System:
An Operating System (OS) is a system software that acts as an interface between the
user and the computer hardware. It manages all hardware and software resources
and provides services for computer programs.
In short: An OS controls the execution of programs and provides a user-friendly
environment.
2. Functions of Operating System:
The major functions of an OS include:
1. Process Management
Creates and deletes processes
Manages process scheduling
Handles synchronization and deadlock
2. Memory Management
Keeps track of memory usage
Allocates and deallocates memory
Manages virtual memory
3. File System Management
Organizes, stores, retrieves, names, and protects files
Manages directories and access permissions
4. Device Management
Manages device communication via drivers
Allocates and deallocates input/output devices
5. Security and Protection
Prevents unauthorized access
Provides user authentication
Ensures data privacy
6. User Interface
Provides GUI (Graphical User Interface) or CLI (Command Line Interface) to
interact with the system
7. Job Scheduling
Selects jobs from the job pool for execution
Uses algorithms (FCFS, SJF, Round Robin, etc.)
3. Types of Operating Systems:
a) Batch Operating System
Executes batches of jobs without user interaction
Used in early computers
Example: IBM 7090
b) Time-Sharing Operating System
Multiple users share system resources simultaneously
Response time is fast
Example: UNIX
c) Distributed Operating System
Manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear as a single
system
Used in network-based systems
Example: Amoeba, LOCUS
d) Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)
Provides immediate response
Used in embedded systems, medical devices
Types:
Hard RTOS – Strict deadlines (e.g., airbag system)
Soft RTOS – Less strict (e.g., video streaming)
e) Network Operating System
Supports multiple computers connected on a network
Users can share files and devices remotely
Example: Windows Server, Linux Server
f) Mobile Operating System
Designed for smartphones and tablets
User-friendly and touch-based
Example: Android, iOS
4. Components of Operating System:
1. Kernel
Core part of OS
Manages CPU, memory, and devices
Loaded first at boot time
2. Process Scheduler
Schedules tasks/processes to the CPU
3. File System
Manages file operations (read, write, delete, etc.)
4. Device Drivers
Act as translators between the OS and hardware devices
5. User Interface
CLI or GUI for user interaction
6. System Utilities
Provide essential maintenance tools (e.g., task manager, antivirus)
5. Process vs Program:
Program Process
Passive entity (static) Active entity (executing code)
Stored on disk Exists in memory
Doesn’t consume resources Consumes CPU, memory, I/O
6. Process States:
1. New – Process is being created
2. Ready – Waiting to be assigned to the CPU
3. Running – Instructions are being executed
4. Waiting – Waiting for I/O
5. Terminated – Process has finished execution
7. Scheduling Algorithms:
Algorithm Description
FCFS (First Come First Serve) Simple and non-preemptive
SJF (Shortest Job First) Optimal, but hard to predict
Priority Scheduling Based on importance
Round Robin Each process gets equal time
Multilevel Queue Multiple queues for di erent priorities
8. Memory Management Techniques:
a) Contiguous Allocation
Fixed-size blocks (partitions)
Simple but ine icient
b) Paging
Divides memory into equal-size pages
Reduces external fragmentation
c) Segmentation
Divides memory by logical segments (code, data)
d) Virtual Memory
Uses hard disk as an extension of RAM
Provides illusion of large memory
9. Security and Protection:
User Authentication (passwords, biometrics)
Access Control (who can read/write files)
Encryption (protecting data from unauthorized access)
Firewall and Antivirus tools for system safety
10. Comparison: CLI vs GUI
Feature CLI (Command Line) GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Speed Faster for experts Slower
Usability Hard to learn Easy to use
Resource usage Low High
Example MS-DOS, UNIX Shell Windows, macOS
11. Advantages of Operating System:
Makes computer usage easier
Manages hardware e iciently
Enables multitasking
Provides security
User-friendly interfaces (GUI)
12. Disadvantages of Operating System:
System crash or failure can a ect all processes
Requires regular updates
Complex to develop and maintain
Can be expensive (e.g., Windows, macOS)
13. Popular Operating Systems:
OS Name Platform Type
Windows PC/Laptop GUI, Multiuser
Linux PC/Server Open-source, CLI/GUI
Android Mobile Open-source, touch UI
iOS Apple devices Proprietary, GUI
macOS Apple computers Proprietary, GUI
14. Summary:
The operating system is the backbone of modern computing. It manages hardware,
provides interfaces, ensures security, and enables smooth execution of software.
Understanding its structure and types is essential for all computer science learners.