What is an Operating System? What are the different functions of an operating system?
Answer: Operating System | Functions of an Operating System (OS)
An operating system is a program that manages computer hardware.
1. It acts as an intermediate between users of a computer and the compare hardware.
2. It controls and coordinates the use of the hardware among the various application programs for the various users.
3. An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. Application programs require an operating system to function.
Example: Windows 10, Linux.
An operating system performs the following functions :
1. Booting: Booting is starting the computer operating system to work. It checks the computer and makes it ready to work.
2. Memory management: It is also an important function of the operating system. It cannot manage the memory without an operating system. If there is no operating system, the programs may mix with each other. The system will not work properly.
3. Loading and execution: A program is loaded in the memory before it can be executed. The operating system provides the facility to load programs in memory easily and then execute it.
4. Data security: Data is an important part of the computer system. The operating system protects the data stored on the computer from illegal use, modification, or deletion.
5. Disk management: Operating system manages the disk space. It manages the stored files and folders properly.
6. Process management: The CPU can perform one task at one time. If there are many tasks, the operating system decides which task should get the CPU.
7. Device controlling: Operating system also controls all devices attached to a computer. The hardware devices are controlled with the help of small software called device drivers.
8. Printing controlling: Operating system also controls the printing function. If a user issues two print commands at a time, it does not mix data of these files and prints them separately.
9. Providing interface: It is used in order that the user interface acts with a computer mutually. The operating system offers two types of interface to the user:
(i) Graphical‐line interface: It interacts with the visual environment to communicate with the computer. It uses windows, icons, menus, and other graphical objects to issuing commands.
(ii) Command‐line interface: It provides an interface to communicate with the computer by typing commands.
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