Operating System

OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)

This manages the entire computer

Functions of an Operating System

1. Process management: schedules all tasks that are running so it appears you are multitasking e.g. listening to music while browsing the web.
2. Memory management: ensures that two programs do not try to use the main memory space.
3. File management: controls how files are created, saved, named, organized into folders and deleted
4. Hardware management: communicates with all hardware devices via their drivers
5. Security: provides basic security and managing file permissions
6. User interface (UI): provides the face of the computer that the user interacts with.

Types of User Interface (UI)

1. Graphical User Interface

• The modern standard. It uses WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers).
• It is visual, intuitive and easy for beginners
• Examples are Windows 11, mac OS, Android, iOS

 

1. Command-Line Interface
2. An older, text-based interface. The user types commands to interact with the OS
3. It is much more powerful and faster for advanced users and programmers
4. Examples: MS-DOS, Linux

Types of Operating Systems

1. Single-user, single tasking: one user, one program at a time e.g. MSDOS
2. Single-user, multi-tasking: one user, many programs at a time e.g. Windows, macOS
3. Multi-user, multi-tasking: many users, many programs at a time e.g. Linux servers, mainframe OS
4. Real-Time OS(RTOS): used when timing is critical. The OS must respond instantly e.g. in-car braking systems, medical equipment, industrial robots.
5. Mobile OS: optimized for touch-screen, low power and wireless connectivity e.g. Android, iOS

Examples of popular OS

1. Desktop: MS Windows, Apple macOS, Linux (e.g. Ubuntu)
2. Mobile: Google Android, Apple iOS