Notes on Batch Operating Systems

Introduction

• Channel: Making IT Simple
• Topic: Batch Operating Systems
• Previous Topic: Operating Systems

Definition

• A Batch Operating System groups jobs that perform similar functions.
• These groups are called batches and are executed simultaneously.

Historical Context

• Era: Early 1950s
• Computing Limitations:
  • Low processing power
  • Minimal memory
  • Non-interactive systems

Characteristics

• Non-interactive Systems:
  • Comparison with modern interactive systems (e.g., ATMs)
  • Required full input upfront
• Job Structure:
  • Program (e.g., calculator program)
  • Input Data (e.g., numbers for division)
  • Control Instructions (e.g., specify division operation)

Input Devices

• Punch Card Readers:
  • Used as input devices
  • Punch Cards: Stiff papers storing digital data
  • Data represented by presence or absence of holes
  • Binary Representation:
    • Light passing through holes = Binary 1
    • Light blocked by paper = Binary 0

Job Execution

• Role of Operator:
  • Collected jobs from users
  • No direct user interaction with the computer
• Execution Process:
  • Sequential job execution
  • Resource allocation/deallocation challenges

Batch Processing Solution

• Purpose: Address limited memory and processing power
• Approach:
  • Combine similar jobs into batches
  • Allocate resources for batch type
  • Execute jobs sequentially within a batch

Advantages of Batch Operating Systems

• Multiple users can share the batch system
• Fast execution of repeated jobs
• Efficient management of large repeated work

Disadvantages of Batch Operating Systems

• Time-consuming loading and unloading of batches
• Potential CPU idleness
• High costs

Conclusion

• Overview of early system operations
• Summary of batch operating systems

If there are any questions or suggestions, comments are welcomed.