Operating System Concepts
Complete Lecture PPT
Translated into English
Blue/Green Corporate Theme
What is an Operating System?
• An Operating System is a program/software that manages computer hardware.
• It acts as a bridge (intermediary) between the user and hardware.
• Users cannot directly control hardware like CPU, memory, disk, printer, etc.
• They perform tasks through the Operating System.
Four Basic Components of a
Computer System
• Hardware – CPU, Memory, I/O devices (keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.) → only raw
resources.
• Operating System – Controls hardware and connects applications with hardware.
• Application Programs – Word processor, Excel, Browser, Games, etc. → make user
tasks easier.
• Users – People who use the system.
Example: Printing a File
• User wants to print a Word file.
• Application (MS Word) sends a request to OS.
• OS communicates with the printer hardware.
• Printer prints the file – user does not deal with hardware directly.
Role of the Operating System
• Two main roles:
• 1. Resource Allocator → distributes CPU, memory, printer, disk space efficiently.
• Example: Music Player + Chrome both running, OS decides CPU time.
• 2. Control Program → manages hardware interactions.
• Example: Wrong file open attempt shows error message.
Different Systems Require Different
OS
• Mainframe OS → maximize hardware utilization (Banks, Airlines).
• PC OS → Games, Business apps, daily use (Windows, Linux, macOS).
• Mobile OS → Touch interface for apps (Android, iOS).
Analogy: Government Example
• OS = Government (Sarkar).
• Government doesn’t directly perform tasks, only provides rules/services.
• Similarly, OS doesn’t directly do useful work, but provides an environment.
• Applications and users perform tasks smoothly due to OS.
Summary: What is OS?
• OS = Bridge between user and hardware.
• Manages hardware, provides environment for applications.
• Ensures fair use of resources.
User View of OS
• Every user experiences OS differently based on system type.
• PC Users → easy-to-use, focus on smooth performance (Word, Games, Browsing).
• Mainframe/Minicomputer Users → multiple users share one system, OS ensures
fair resource sharing.
• Workstations in Network → dedicated + shared resources via file servers, printers,
etc.
• Mobile Users → touch-based interface, focus on apps and browsing.
• Embedded Systems → minimal or no user interface, perform internal tasks (Car
ABS, Microwave).
System View of OS
• From system perspective, OS = Resource Allocator + Control Program.
• Resource Allocator → distributes CPU, memory, I/O among programs fairly.
• Control Program → ensures safe, correct execution of programs.
• Example: Removing USB while running program triggers OS warning.
Defining Operating Systems
• No single fixed definition of OS (different systems = different purposes).
• Common understanding: OS = software that makes hardware usable.
• Goal = Run user programs and make problem solving easier.
• Without OS, raw hardware is difficult to use.
Components of an OS
• Kernel – Core part of OS that always runs.
• System Programs – Support operation (file managers, utilities).
• Application Programs – Useful software for users (Word, Chrome, Games).
Analogy for Components
• Kernel = Government core system (law & order).
• System Programs = Government departments (police, health, transport).
• Application Programs = Citizens’ activities (business, jobs).
• Hardware = Country’s natural resources.
Final Summary
• User View → OS provides interactive environment (PC, Mobile, Embedded).
• System View → OS is a resource manager and control program.
• Definition → OS = Kernel + System Programs managing hardware and resources.
• OS provides safe, efficient environment for users and applications.