Functions of Operating System
Functions of Operating System: An operating system performs the major task in an efficient and reliable way in a Computer. It was loaded into a computer by a boot program. It acts as an interface between the user and computer hardware devices which manages all operations like memory management, handling input and output and process management of computer applications.
A look about Operating System
Functions of Operating System plays a vital role in this technological world. The advantage of OS is it allows the user to interact with the computer without the problem of learning machine language.
It varies depending upon the devices like smartphones, laptops, computers, watches, etc. Can you imagine a computer without an operating system? Obviously No! Each operating system has its features. According to people’s convenience, they can adapt to the OS they are comfortable with.
Familiar Operating Systems
Here, let’s have a look about some of the leading OS
1. Microsoft Windows
2. Apple Mac
3. Google Chrome
4. Android
5. Ubuntu
6. Linux
7. Fedora
8. Solaris
Sub division of OS
Operating System is sub divided into 7 types:
o Batch
o Multitasking/Timesharing
o Multiprocessing
o Real Time
o Distributed
o Network
o Mobile
Batch Operating System
In batch operating system the user can’t interact with the computer directly. ’N’ number of users has to send their jobs in punch card to the operator, then the operator splits the jobs into batches and it is processed by the processor and the desired output is obtained.
Simple diagrammatic representation:
Multitasking OS
As the name itself denotes, it performs multitasking at a single time. It handles single or multiple users need in a same time which handles the application simultaneously.
Multiprocessing OS
Multiprocessing means operations are done in multiple processors, and it contains more than one processor where both contain an identical copy of OS to perform the operations. It reduces the time complexity of the user.
Real Time OS
A simple example of a real-time OS is Airline Reservation System. It works on real-time-based applications in a repeated and tight schedule, and it handles multiple queries in a single time and delivers the result sufficiently.
Distributed OS
In distributed OS, multiple tasks are partitioned into various computers to complete the job. These computers communicate through a single node to complete the work. To reduce the workload of a single computer and time complexity, distributed OS is performed.
Network OS
The network operating system connects multiple computers and devices on a server to share files and databases. It backup the data which are accessed in the future.
Mobile OS
Mobile OS are specially designed for smartphones, watches and tablets. It runs mobile applications and programs which suits only for mobile.
The familiar OS for mobile are Windows, Android, and Ios.
Android frequently releases many OS version with interesting names such as,
o Android 1.5 Cupcake
o Android 1.6 Donut
o Android 2.0 Éclair
o Android 2.2 Froyo
o Android 2.3 Gingerbread
o Honeycomb 3.0
o Android 4.0Ice Cream Sandwich
o Android 4.1Jelly Bean
o Android 4.4KitKat
o Android 5.0 Lollipop
o Android 6.0 Marshmallow
o Android 7.0Nougat
o Android 8.0Oreo
o Android 9 Pie
o Android 10.0
o Android 11
o Android 1 2
People choose their mobile device according to their convenience.
Roles of an Operating System:
1. User Interface
It acts as a user interface between the user and the computer. It is generally termed a graphical user interface used to view images and videos utilizing external resources such as a mouse, keyboard, and touch screen.
2. Security
It ensures users data security by providing a username and password. It stops the third party to access the user’s data.
3. Memory Management
Memory management is a significant concept in OS. The purpose is to store and process the data and programs in a specific format. Primary and Secondary memory plays a vital role in the storage process. To maintain data integrity, memory space is allocated before and after execution. The technical concepts include:
i. Single Contagious Allocation
ii. Partitioned Allocation
iii. Paged Memory Allocation
iv. Segmented Memory
v. Swapping
vi. Memory Allocation
vii. Fragmentation
viii. Static and Dynamic Loading
ix. Static and Dynamic Linking.
4. File and Device Management
It handles both device and file in a perfect way. It keeps track of devices which are connected and handle multiple file process work which completes the users work. It allocates memory to each file and knows which file to be stored in which memory which can be easily accessed in future.
5. Handling and Avoiding Error
Mostly OS debugs and maintains the flow of running application. It protects the data from external source if the OS is well secured like free from Virus.
How to prevent OS from third party attack?
o Installing antivirus Software and removing unwanted resources/files from a system
o User should access the system with their secret login credentials
o Usage of minimal network services ensures security
Drawbacks of Operating System
· Cost differs for different OS. The performance of costly OS is better than free OS.
· Loss of data might occur if external sources attack the OS
· Still, many of the programmers don’t know what techniques and programs used to design the OS.
Conclusion:
Every technology has its pros and cons. Apart from that, we should develop to reduce the drawback and improve the technology in an advanced way. As previously said, without OS, nothing takes place in the computer system; it is like the heart of the Computer System.
Many IT sectors are upgrading their OS with different features for users’ facilities are now available from free to costly usage. Price ranges from rupees 349 to 15199, and cost varies depending upon their features.
