Introduction to Operating System

Jul 23, 2024

Introduction to Operating System (OS)

Overview

  • OS is vital for computer science and electronics students.
  • Course includes theory and problem-solving.
  • Focus on understanding what an OS is, its types, and functions.

What is an Operating System?

  • Definition: A program managing computer hardware and providing a basis for application programs. Acts as an intermediary between the computer user and hardware.
  • Examples: Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, Mac OS, iOS, Android.

Basic Structure of a Computer System

  1. Computer Hardware

    • Resources: CPU, memory (primary RAM, secondary ROM), I/O devices.
    • Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse, microphone.
    • Output Devices: Monitor, speakers.

  2. Application Programs (system & application software)

    • System Software: Directly modifies or commands hardware.
    • Application Software: Performs specific tasks, directly used by users.
    • Examples:
      • Word Processor (e.g., Microsoft Word)
      • Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel)
      • Compilers (e.g., for C++, Java)
      • Text Editors (e.g., Notepad)
      • Web Browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)

  3. Users

    • Interact with application programs to perform tasks.

Role of Operating System

  • Without OS: Users must manually communicate with hardware using code for every task, which is tedious.
  • With OS: Simplifies user interaction by managing hardware communication. Users perform tasks easily without dealing with hardware directly.
  • OS Functions: Handles underlying tasks like loading programs, displaying outputs, saving files.

Functions of OS

  1. Interface Between User & Hardware
  2. Resource Allocation
    • Efficient distribution of CPU, memory, I/O devices among users/processes.
  3. Memory & Security Management
    • Manages storage and security of data.

Goals of OS

  1. Convenience: Simplifies computing for users.
  2. Efficiency: Efficiently manages resources and processes.

Types of Operating Systems

  • Batch OS
  • Time-sharing OS
  • Distributed OS
  • Network OS
  • Real-time OS
  • Multiprogramming OS
  • Multiprocessing OS
  • Multitasking OS

Summary

  • Explored the basic structure of computer systems and the role of an OS in simplifying interactions between users and hardware.
  • Discussed types and functions of OS and their goals of convenience and efficiency.