Operating System - Unit 1: Services and Components (Part 1-A)
This section of Unit 1 provides detailed exam-oriented notes for the topic 'Operating System
Services and Components'. The content is structured in MSBTE exam style with bullet
points, short explanations, and frequently asked questions. It covers the definition,
objectives, and types of operating systems, along with an introduction to OS architecture.
1.1 Definition and Functions of Operating System
• Definition:
An Operating System (OS) is a system software that manages computer hardware and
software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an
intermediary between the user and the hardware.
• Functions of OS:
1. **Process Management:** Controls process creation, scheduling, and termination.
2. **Memory Management:** Allocates and deallocates main memory space.
3. **File Management:** Manages file operations like creation, reading, writing, and
deletion.
4. **I/O System Management:** Controls input/output devices and buffering.
5. **Security and Protection:** Ensures protection from unauthorized access.
6. **Error Detection:** Monitors system errors and initiates corrective actions.
7. **Resource Allocation:** Distributes system resources like CPU time and memory
efficiently.
8. **User Interface Provision:** Offers CLI or GUI for user interaction.
Important Terms
• **Kernel:** The core part of the OS that directly interacts with hardware.
• **Shell:** Provides the interface between user and kernel.
• **System Call:** Interface allowing user programs to request services from the OS.
• **Resource:** Any hardware or software entity required to perform computing tasks.
Possible Exam Questions
1. Define Operating System and list its major functions.
2. Explain how an OS acts as a resource manager.
3. Differentiate between user mode and kernel mode.
4. Write short notes on process management and memory management.
1.2 Objectives of Operating System
• To provide a user-friendly environment for execution of programs.
• To ensure efficient utilization of hardware resources.
• To manage and coordinate simultaneous activities.
• To maintain data integrity and prevent unauthorized access.
• To support multitasking and multiprocessing.
• To handle errors and system failures effectively.
• To provide system security and stability.
Example: In a multitasking environment, the OS ensures that one user’s process does not
overwrite the memory space of another user’s process, thus maintaining security and data
protection.
Possible Exam Questions
1. What are the main objectives of an Operating System?
2. Why is efficiency an important objective for an OS?
3. Describe how OS ensures security and stability.
1.3 Types of Operating Systems
1. **Batch Operating System:**
- Executes jobs in batches without user interaction.
- Used in early mainframes.
- Example: IBM 7094.
2. **Multiprogramming Operating System:**
- Allows multiple programs in memory simultaneously.
- CPU switches between jobs to utilize time efficiently.
- Example: UNIX.
3. **Time-Sharing Operating System:**
- Allows multiple users to access the system interactively.
- Each user gets a small time slice of CPU.
- Example: Windows Server, Linux.
4. **Multiprocessing Operating System:**
- Uses two or more CPUs for simultaneous processing.
- Example: UNIX, Windows NT.
5. **Distributed Operating System:**
- Manages group of independent computers and makes them appear as a single system.
- Example: LOCUS, Amoeba.
6. **Real-Time Operating System (RTOS):**
- Ensures tasks are executed within strict timing constraints.
- Example: VxWorks, QNX.
7. **Mobile Operating System:**
- Designed for handheld devices.
- Example: Android, iOS.
Comparison Between Batch, Time-Sharing and Real-Time OS
• **Batch OS:** No user interaction during job execution.
• **Time-Sharing OS:** Multiple users share CPU time.
• **Real-Time OS:** Execution must meet deadlines strictly.
Possible Exam Questions
1. Define and explain different types of operating systems.
2. Differentiate between batch and time-sharing OS.
3. Explain features of real-time and distributed operating systems.
4. Write examples of mobile and multiprocessing OS.