OPERATING SYSTEMS
Instructor: Engr. Paghunda
Operating System
An Operating System (OS) is a software that acts as
an interface between computer hardware and the user
managing all resources and programs
providing essential functions like process, memory, file, and
device management
allow applications to run efficiently
handle user input/output
ensure security.
Key Functions of Operating System
Process Management (Scheduling Tasks)
Memory Management (Allocating RAM)
File Management (Organizing storage)
Device Management (Controlling Peripherals)
User Interface (GUI/CLI) and
Security
Key Functions of Operating System
Process Management:
Manages running programs (Processes)
Decides which process get CPU time using scheduling
algorithms
Prevent conflicts and handling deadlocks
Memory Management:
Allocates and deallocates memory space for programs and data,
ensuring efficient use of RAM.
Key Functions of Operating System
File Management:
Organizes, stores, retrieves, and protects files and directories
on storage devices like hard drives.
Device Management:
Controls and communicates with peripheral devices (printers,
keyboards, mice, network adapters) using drivers.
Security:
Protects system resources from unauthorized access and
manages user authentication.
Key Functions of Operating Systems
User Interface (UI):
Provides ways for users to interact with the computer, either
through a graphical interface (GUI like Windows, macOS) or a
command-line (CLI).
Input/Output (I/O) Handling:
Manages data flow between the computer and its various
input/output devices
Why it's Essential
Without an OS, applications couldn't run, and users couldn't
easily interact with hardware
The OS acts as the fundamental layer that makes a computer
usable and efficient.
Examples include
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Types of Operating Systems
Types by Device
Desktop/PC OS
Mobile OS
Server OS
Types by Function/Architecture
Batch Operating System
Time Sharing/Multitasking OS
Real-Time Operating System
Distributed Operating System
Network Operating System
Embedded Operating System
Types of Operating Systems
Operating System Types by Device
Desktop/PC OS:
Windows (Microsoft), macOS (Apple), ChromeOS
(Google), Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.).
Mobile OS:
Designed for smartphones and tablets, focusing on touch
interfaces and mobile connectivity (e.g., Android, iOS).
Server OS:
Linux distributions (Ubuntu Server, Red Hat), Windows
Server, Unix
Types of Operating Systems
Operating System Types by Function/Architecture
Batch OS:
Executes jobs in batches without direct user interaction (e.g.,
early mainframes).
Time-Sharing/Multitasking OS:
Allows multiple users to share a single computer simultaneously
by rapidly switching tasks creating illusion of simultaneous use
(e.g., Windows, UNIX, Linux).
Types of Operating Systems
Real-Time OS (RTOS):
Processes data with strict time constraints, critical for
embedded systems
Hard Real-Time: Missing a deadline results in system failure
(e.g., pacemakers, anti-lock brakes).
Soft Real-Time: Deadlines are important but not critical (e.g.,
video streaming).
Distributed OS:
Manages a collection of independent computers as one unified
system.
Types of Operating Systems
Network OS (NOS):
Runs on servers, manages network resources and provides
services like file/printer sharing to clients
(e.g., Windows Server).
Embedded Operating System:
Designed for specific devices like smart TVs, ATMs, or car
systems