Basic Functions of an Operating System (Quick Revision)
An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and provides services for
application programs.
1. Process Management
• Creates and deletes processes
• Allocates CPU time (scheduling)
• Supports multitasking
• Manages process states
2. Memory Management
• Tracks memory usage
• Allocates and deallocates RAM
• Prevents program interference
• Uses virtual memory
3. File System Management
• Creates, deletes, reads, writes files
• Organizes directories/folders
• Maintains file permissions
• Manages disk space
4. Device Management
• Controls hardware via drivers
• Manages input/output devices
• Handles storage and printers
5. Security & Protection
• User authentication
• File access control
• Prevents unauthorized access
• Process isolation
6. User Interface
• CLI (Command Line Interface)
• GUI (Graphical User Interface)
7. Networking
• Internet and network connections
• Data sharing
• Network security
8. Resource Allocation
• CPU management
• Memory management
• Disk and I/O control
• Efficient resource use