Understanding Operating Systems: Functions, History, and Types | Set 2

An operating system (OS) is a crucial intermediary between the user and computer hardware. It provides an environment for executing programs conveniently and efficiently. This article delves into the functions, history, and types of operating systems. It is essential for students and competitive exam aspirants.

Functions of an Operating System

Operating systems are vital software that manage computer hardware. They ensure the correct operation of the system. The OS kernel runs continuously, managing resources and services like memory, processors, devices, and information.

Key Functions:

1. Resource Allocation: Manages memory, processors, devices, and information.
2. Program Management: Includes traffic control, scheduling, memory management, I/O programs, and file systems.

History of Operating Systems

Operating systems have evolved over the decades. They are categorized into different generations based on the technology used.

Characteristics of Operating Systems

Operating systems have several crucial characteristics:

1. Device Management: Tracks all devices and allocates them efficiently.
2. File Management: Allocates and deallocates resources, ensuring optimal use.
3. Job Accounting: Monitors time and resources used by various jobs.
4. Error-Detecting Aids: Provides methods for error detection and debugging.
5. Memory Management: Manages primary memory allocation and usage.
6. Processor Management: Allocates and deallocates the processor as needed.
7. System Performance Control: Records delays between service requests and system responses.
8. Security: Prevents unauthorized access using passwords and protection techniques.
9. Convenience and Efficiency: Ensures the system is user-friendly and resources are used efficiently.
10. Evolvability and Throughput: Supports the development of new functions without service interruptions, maximizing the number of tasks per unit time.

Functionalities of Operating System

Operating systems perform various critical functions:

1. Resource Management: Acts as a resource manager during parallel access by multiple users.
2. Process Management: Handles scheduling and termination of processes.
3. Storage Management: Manages file systems like NTFS, CIFS, and NFS.
4. Memory Management: Manages primary memory usage and allocation.
5. Security/Privacy Management: Ensures data privacy using authentication methods.

OS as a User Interface

The operating system serves as an interface between hardware and the user. It enables seamless interaction. It coordinates the use of hardware among system programs and application programs. This allows other programs to perform useful work.

Layered Design of Operating System

The OS features a layered design for simplicity and efficiency:

1. Extended Machine Layer: Provides operations like context save, dispatching, and I/O initiation.
2. OS Layer: Simplifies coding, testing, and modifying OS modules by separating algorithm functions from implementation.

Purpose and Tasks of Operating Systems

Purposes:

1. Controls the allocation and use of system resources among users and tasks.
2. Provides an interface between hardware and programmers for easier coding and debugging.

Tasks:

1. Creates and modifies programs and data files.
2. Provides access to compilers and loaders.
3. Manages I/O programming details.

I/O System Management

The I/O subsystem includes:

1. Memory Management: Handles buffering, caching, and spooling.
2. General Device Driver Interface: Manages device drivers for specific hardware.

Components of an Operating System

Shell: Manages user interaction and handles input and output. Kernel: Core component managing system services and interfacing with hardware.

Types of Kernel

1. Monolithic Kernel
2. Microkernel
3. Hybrid Kernel
4. Exokernel

Difference Between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Operating Systems

Fundamental Goals of Operating Systems

1. Efficient Use: Ensures optimal use of resources like memory, CPU, and I/O devices.
2. User Convenience: Provides user-friendly methods for system use.
3. Non-Interference: Prevents interference in user activities by managing exclusive resource allocation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Operating Systems

Advantages:

1. Efficient data and memory management.
2. Maximizes hardware usage.
3. Maintains device security.
4. Runs multiple applications efficiently.

Disadvantages:

1. Complexity in usage.
2. Expensive and requires maintenance.
3. Vulnerable to security threats.

FAQs on Operating Systems

Q1: What is an Operating System? An OS acts as an intermediary between the user and hardware. It provides a smooth user experience.

Q2: What are the types of Operating Systems? Types include Batch OS, Multi-Programming OS, Multi-Processing OS, Multi-Tasking OS, Time-Sharing OS, Distributed OS, Network OS, and Real-Time OS.

Q3: What is the importance of an Operating System? The OS is essential for system operation. It acts as an interpreter between the user and hardware.

Q4: What is an OS Structure? The OS structure is a user-friendly model. It ensures smooth operation.

Q5: What is a process in an Operating System? A process is an instance of a computer program. It includes code and operations. It can be single or multiple threads.