OPERATING SYSTEM
An operating System is the most important program that runs
on a computer. It is stored (installed) on the hard disk or any other
external storage device. It is the first program to be executed on a
computer after the BIOS. Every computer must have an operating
system to operate all its components and run other programs.
Interacting with Hardware
Operating system is a set of system programs that controls
and coordinates the operations of a computer system. Operating
systems perform all basic tasks, such as identifying basic
input/output devices, accepting input from the input devices,
sending results to the output devices, keeping track of files and
directories on the disk, and controlling other peripheral devices such
as disk drives and printers as shown in Figure 2.5.
Figure 2.5 Components controlled by an Operating System
Need for an Operating System
Operating system provides a software platform, on top of
which, other programs, called application programs are run. The
application programs must be written to run on the environment of a
particular operating system. Our choice of operating system,
therefore, depends to a great extent on the CPU and the other
attached devices and the applications we want to run. For PCs, some
of the most popular operating systems are Microsoft Windows,
Linux, Mac OS, Solaris, BOSS, etc.
Major Functions of an Operating System
The functions of an operating system can be broadly outlined
as follows:
Communicate with hardware and the attached devices [Device
Manager]
Manage different types of memories [Memory Manager]
Provide a user interface [Interface Manager]
Provide a structure for accessing an application [Program
Manager]
Enable users to manipulate programs and data [Task Manager]
Manage the files, folders and directory systems on a computer
[File Manager]
Provide basic networking structure for LAN and Internet [Network
Manager]
A smart OS also provides a minimal security to the computer
system through authorization (user name) and authentications
(password) [Security manager]
Types of Operating System:
Following types of operating system are generally available and
used depending upon the primary purpose and application and the
type of hardware attached to the computer:
Single User: Allows one user to operate the computer and run
different programs on the computer. MS DOS is a common example
of single user operating system.
Multi-user: Allows two or more users to run programs at the same
time on a single computer system. Unix, Linux, Windows are
common examples of
multi user operating system.
Real time: Responds to input instantly. Real-time operating
systems are
commonly found and used in robotics, complex multimedia and
animation,
communications and has various military and government uses.
LYNX and
Windows CE are examples of real time operating systems.
The most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple
macOS, Linux, Android and Apple's iOS.
➔ Microsoft Windows:
It is a single user and multi-user Operating system and a graphical
operating system developed by Microsoft. It allows users to view and
store files, run the software, play games, watch videos, and provides
a way to connect to the internet. It was released for both home
computing and professional works. Microsoft introduced the first
version as 1.0.
➔ Apple MacOS:
Mac OS, operating system (OS) developed by the American
computer company Apple Inc. The OS was introduced in 1984 to run
the company's Macintosh line of personal computers (PCs).
➔ Linux:
It is a multiuser operating system and is used as an embedded OS
for a variety of applications, including household appliances,
automotive entertainment systems and network file system
appliances.
➔ Android:
The Android operating system is a mobile operating system that was
developed by Google (GOOGLE) to be primarily used for
touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets. Google also employs
Android software in televisions, cars, and wrist watches—each of
which is fitted with a unique user interface.
➔ Apple IOS:
iOS is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple
Inc. exclusively for its hardware. It is the operating system that
powers many of the company's mobile devices, including the iPhone
Know More
Apart from the above general categories, an Operating System can
also be categorized as:
Multiprocessing: Supports allocating programs on more than one
CPU
(processor).
Multitasking: Allows more than one program (task) to run
concurrently.
Multithreading: Allows different parts of a single program to run
simultaneously.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. Which of the following is the first program to be executed on a computer after
the BIOS?
a) Application Program
b) Operating System
c) Device Driver
d) Anti-virus Software
Answer: b) Operating System
2. Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?
a) Memory Management
b) File Management
c) Video Editing
d) Device Management
Answer: c) Video Editing
3. Which type of operating system allows multiple users to run programs at the
same time?
a) Single User
b) Multi-user
c) Real-time
d) Multithreading
Answer: b) Multi-user
4. Which of the following is an example of a real-time operating system?
a) MS-DOS
b) Windows CE
c) Linux
d) Mac OS
Answer: b) Windows CE
5. Which function of an operating system is responsible for managing the files and
directories on a computer?
a) Memory Manager
b) Device Manager
c) File Manager
d) Network Manager
Answer: c) File Manager
One-Mark Questions:
1. What is an operating system?
Answer: An operating system is a set of system programs that controls and
coordinates the operations of a computer system.
2. Where is an operating system typically stored on a computer?
Answer: It is stored on the hard disk or any other external storage device.
3. Name any two popular operating systems for personal computers.
Answer: Microsoft Windows and Linux.
4. What type of operating system is MS-DOS?
Answer: MS-DOS is a single-user operating system.
5. Which function of an operating system provides a user interface?
Answer: Interface Manager.
6. What is the role of a Memory Manager in an operating system?
Answer: The Memory Manager manages different types of memories within a
computer system.
7. Which type of operating system supports running more than one program
concurrently?
Answer: Multitasking Operating System.
8. What does a real-time operating system typically respond to?
Answer: It responds to input instantly.
9. Which operating system function provides a basic networking structure for LAN
and Internet?
Answer: Network Manager.
10. What security measures does a smart operating system provide?
Answer: A smart OS provides minimal security through authorization (user
name) and authentication (password).