OPERATING SYSTEM (OS) – DETAILED STUDY MATERIAL
What is an Operating System?
Definition
An Operating System (OS) is system software that:
• Acts as an interface between user and computer hardware
• Manages hardware resources
• Provides services to application programs
OS Interaction Diagram
User
Application Programs
Operating System
Computer Hardware
Without OS → Computer is useless
Objectives / Functions of Operating System
Main Objectives
Objective Explanation
Convenience Makes computer easy to use
Efficiency Uses hardware resources efficiently
Resource Management Manages CPU, memory, I/O
Security Protects data & programs
Major Functions of Operating System
Core Functions Chart
Function Description
Process Management Handles execution of processes
Memory Management Allocates & deallocates memory
File Management Organizes files & directories
Device Management Controls I/O devices
Security & Protection Prevents unauthorized access
Job Scheduling Decides execution order
Types of Operating Systems
Classification Chart
Type Description Example
Batch OS Jobs executed in batches Early IBM OS
Multiprogramming OS Multiple programs in memory UNIX
Time Sharing OS CPU time shared Linux
Real Time OS Time critical tasks RTOS
Distributed OS Multiple computers connected Network OS
Embedded OS Built into devices Washing machine OS
Batch Operating System
Features
• Jobs collected and processed in batches
• No user interaction
• Long turnaround time
Diagram
Job Queue → CPU → Output
Disadvantage: CPU idle time is high
Multiprogramming Operating System
Concept
• Multiple jobs kept in memory
• CPU switches between jobs
Working Diagram
Job1 Job2 Job3
↓ ↓ ↓
CPU (Switching)
Advantage: Better CPU utilization
Time Sharing Operating System
Key Idea
• Each process gets small CPU time (Time Quantum)
Example Chart
Process CPU Time
P1 10 ms
P2 10 ms
P3 10 ms
Used in: Multi-user systems
Real Time Operating System (RTOS)
Definition
OS where response time is critical
Types of RTOS
Type Description
Type Description
Hard RTOS Deadline must be met
Soft RTOS Delay acceptable
Examples: Air traffic control, medical systems
Process Management
Process
A process is a program in execution
Process States Diagram
New → Ready → Running → Waiting → Terminated
Process States Table
State Meaning
New Process created
Ready Waiting for CPU
Running Executing
Waiting Waiting for I/O
Terminated Finished
CPU Scheduling
CPU Scheduler
Decides which process gets CPU
Scheduling Algorithms
Algorithm Feature
FCFS First Come First Serve
SJF Shortest Job First
Priority Priority based
Algorithm Feature
Round Robin Time Quantum based
Most used in MCQs: Round Robin
Memory Management
Role
• Allocates memory to processes
• Deallocates after use
Memory Types
Type Description
Primary Memory RAM
Secondary Memory Hard disk
Memory Management Techniques
Techniques Chart
Technique Description
Paging Divides memory into pages
Segmentation Divides into segments
Virtual Memory Uses disk as memory
Virtual Memory
Definition
Technique that uses secondary memory as extension of RAM
Diagram
Process → Virtual Memory → RAM + Disk
Advantage: Run large programs
File Management System
Responsibilities
• Create, delete, read, write files
• Directory structure management
File Attributes
Attribute Meaning
Name File name
Type File type
Size File size
Location Disk location
Protection Access rights
Directory Structures
Types
Structure Description
Single Level One directory
Two Level Separate directories
Tree Hierarchical
Graph Advanced structure
Most common: Tree structure
Device Management
Role
• Controls I/O devices
• Uses device drivers
Device Management Flow
Process → OS → Device Driver → Device
Deadlock
Definition
Situation where processes wait indefinitely
Deadlock Conditions (VERY IMPORTANT)
Condition Explanation
Mutual Exclusion Resource cannot be shared
Hold & Wait Holding one resource
No Preemption Cannot force release
Circular Wait Circular dependency
All four must occur
Security & Protection
OS Security Provides
• Authentication
• Authorization
• Data protection
Security Methods
Method Purpose
Password User authentication
Encryption Data protection
Access Control Resource access
System Calls
Definition
Interface between user program & OS
Types of System Calls
Type Example
Process Control Create process
File Management Read/write
Device Management Read device
Communication Message passing
Kernel
Kernel
Core part of OS
Kernel Functions
Function Description
Process Management CPU control
Memory Management Memory allocation
Device Control Hardware access
Kernel stays in memory
EXAM-ORIENTED QUICK FACTS
• OS is system software
• CPU scheduling is done by OS
• Deadlock has 4 conditions
• Round Robin uses time quantum
• Kernel is heart of OS
• Virtual memory uses secondary memory
SAMPLE MCQs (Based on Above Content)
Q1. Which software acts as interface between user and hardware?
A) Compiler
B) Application software
C) Operating System
D) BIOS
Q2. Which scheduling algorithm uses time quantum?
A) FCFS
B) SJF
C) Priority
D) Round Robin
Q3. How many conditions are necessary for deadlock?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Q4. Kernel is:
A) Hardware
B) Application software
C) Core of OS
D) Utility
Q5. Virtual memory uses:
A) RAM only
B) Cache
C) Disk memory
D) ROM