Explain 20 core functions of an operating system in your own thoughts
1) The OS provides support for the loading and execution of application programs
2) Input/output device management: In the I/O process, stream of lines of codes are needed to read specific characters from the keyboard using the binary system. OS helps to alleviate our burden by including the keyboard device driver that helps us to key in those complicated codes in an instant.
3) File management: OS helps to manage our files by recognizing and storing data in the empty spaces on the disk.
4) Process management: Whenever a program is started, OS will load it into memory and executes it. It enables timesharing, that is, although it seems many application programs are running concurrently but they are actually “taking turns,” by coordinating with hardware operations.
5) Memory management: The OS will keep sight of which portion of memory are being utilized, so it can recognize which vacant areas it can load a program to when the program is in line for execution. It also enables virtual memory operations for application programs, which both allows flexible use of memory and enforces security
6) Real time processing: It is often used whenever the computer has to respond within a certain time frame to an input. It has to be sufficiently fast to reply to inputs in a predictable manner.
7) Multi-programming: Multi-programming is a method of operating in such a way that it appears to be running many programs simultaneously. The programs are given priorities and the operating system swaps them in and out of processor time based on their respective priorities at an alarming speed that it seems various programs are being processed concurrently.
8) Multi-tasking: Multi-tasking allows multiple tasks to run simultaneously, taking turns using the resources available of the computer. This can mean executing a number of applications, sending a document to the printer and downloading a web page all at the same allocated time frame.
9) Multi-access or multi-user: A multi-access (or multi-user) system is one whereby a number of users are able to utilize the same system in one go. More than one person can make full use of the computer resources concurrently via a Local Area Network. The central processor unit deals with users accordingly. Obviously, the more users around, the slower will be the response time
10) Batch processing: A batch processing system is one whereby the information or data are collected altogether in a recommended batch and processed. Jobs are stored in a queue until the computer is ready to deal with them.
11) It acts as an interface between the computer and the outside world by the usage of ‘drivers.’
12) It permits the saving of file to the backing store and peripherals such as disk drives and printers.
13) It organizes the usage of memories amongst programs.
14) It manages the processing time allocated amongst programs and users.
15) It establishes priorities amongst programs and users.
16) It establishes data security, integrity, and access rights of users as well as facilitates easy communication between the computer system and the computer operator (human).
17) It deals and issues simple error messages and user instructions
18) It automates the transition from task to task as directed by special control statements.
19) It interprets commands and instructions by users to programs.
20) It coordinates and assigns compilers, utility programs, assemblers, and other software to various user of a computer system.
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