Key Concepts of Operating System Fundamentals Explained

What is an operating system ?

An operating system is an interface between user and hardware. It controls the processes like resource allocation, CPU management, File management and many other tasks. The purpose of an operating system is to provide an environment in which a user can execute programs in useful and efficient manner.

Examples : Windows , Android , Macos , Linux

An operating system is important for the functionality and usability of any computer or device. Without an operating system computer is just a collection of hardware components.

Components of operating system

Following components of an operating system are given as follows:

1. Process Management

2. File Management

3. Main Memory Management

4. Secondary Storage Management

5. Network Management

6. I/O Device Management

7. Command Interpreter System

8. Security Management

Process Management

It is defined as the important and core functions of operating system. It manages that CPU and the system resources are going to shared efficiently among various running programs.

Key functions: Process scheduling, Context switching, Synchronization of process, Process termination, Deadlock.

File Management

It is defined as the process in which the OS controls operations such as creation, writing, reading etc.Key functions: File Storage, Naming of File, File Creation, File Deletion.

Main Memory Management

It is one of the important functions of OS in which allocation and deallocation of memory occurs during process execution.

Key functions: Allocation, Deallocation, Swapping, protection.

Secondary Storage Management

It manages long term storage of data on Hard Drives, SSDs, Memory Cards etc.

Key functions: Space Allocation, Storage Control, File System Management.

Network Management

It manages the data sharing and communication between computers overa networks such as LAN, WAN, Internet

Key functions: Connection Management, Network Monitoring, Security Management.

I/O Device Management

It is defined as the method in which OS manages all hardware devices like keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer etc. and ensures that they are working efficiently.

Key functions: Device Driver Installation, Interrupt handling, Buffering and Catching**.**

Security Management

It refers to protection of data, programs and sytem resources and ensures that the crucial information to unauthorized access.

Key functions: Data Encryption, Malware and Threat Protection.

Types of operating systems

Given below are the following types of operating system :

Core characteristics of operating system

• Real time processing : Provide a good response time for the systems.

• Interactivity : reduce Delay time in executing commands.

• Concurrency : allows More than one execution process.

• Portability and compatibility : Run on different platforms of hardware with less alteration, helps application to operate across systems.

Advantages of operating system

• Management of resources : OS helps in managing the resources like CPU , Input/Output devices and increases performance.

• Multitasking : Provides the facility to run multiple applications on same time and thus increases the efficiency.

• Software compatibility : Ensures that applications can run on different hardware configuration.

• Driver support : It creates the link between the operating system and the different hardware devices.

Disadvantages of operating system

• Complexity : Modern operating systems are complicated , need more knowledge for the development and repairing.

• Security threats : Operating systems generally targeted by cybercriminals so we need to update according to the requirement for avoiding risks.

• Cost : Some operating system require licensing charge .

• Learning curve : New users may find it difficult to learn and do work and it require some time.

Conclusion :

An operating system is an important software layer which controls hardware, provides essential services to applications , and acts as the mediator between users and computer systems.