OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system is an interface between the user and the hardware. It creates the user friendly
environment. Its also a set of complex programs that work together to control execution of application.

Functions of an operating system.

1. Memory management – It determines which tasks that can be held by the primary storage and
those to be suspended to the secondary storage.
2. Processor Management – Processes like booting, copy, print from the start to shut down
3. File Management – Involves naming of files and folders, locations and attributes.
4. Input and Output Management – It coordinates between input/output devices and other
peripheral devices such as auxiliary storage devices making sure there are transmitted securely.
5. Communication control and Management – Involves management of various communication
devices and providing an environment within which communication channels operate

Types of operating systems

1. Time-sharing operating systems(multitasking)

Is a technique which enables many people, located at various terminals, to use a particular
computer system at the same time.
It is a logical extension of multiprogramming

Advantages of time sharing systems

1. Provides the advantage of quick response
2. Avoids duplication of software
3. Reduces CPU idle time.
4. It allows CPU to execute more than one program at a time

Disadvantages
1. Problem of reliability
2. Problem of data communication
3. Question of security and integrity of user programs and data
2. Batch operating system
The users do not interact with the computer directly.
Each user prepares his job on an offline-device and submits it to the computer operator

3. Distributed operating systems (loosely coupled systems)

Use multiple central processor to serve multiple real time applications and multiple users.
Data processing jobs are distributed among the processor accordingly.
They communicate through various communication lines e.g. high speed buses or telephone
lines

4. Real time operating systems

 Is defined as a data processing system in which the time interval required to process and
respond to inputs is so small that it controls the environment.
They are used when there are rigid time requirements on the operation of a processor.
Its flow of data can be used as a control device in a dedicated application.

Types of real-time operating system

1. Hard real time systems
They guarantee that critical tasks complete on time.
Secondary storage is limited or missing and the data is stored in ROM.
Virtual memory is almost never found
2. Soft real-time systems
They are less restrictive.
A critical real- time task gets priority over other tasks and retains the priority until it
completes.
3. It has a limited utility than hard real – time systems

5. Network operating system

It runs on a server and provides the server the capability to manage data users, groups, security,
applications, and other networking functions.
Primary purpose; to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a
network, typically (LAN), a private network or to other networks

Examples of network operating systems

Microsoft windows server 2003, Microsoft windows server 2008, UNIX, LINUX, Mac OS X,
Netware

Properties of operating systems

1. Batch processing
It’s a technique in which an operating system collects the programs and data together in a batch
before processing starts.
2. Multitasking
When multiple jobs are executed by the CPU simultaneously by switching between them.
3. Multiprogramming
Sharing the processor when two or more programs reside in memory at the same time.
4. Spooling
Putting data of various I/O jobs in buffer.

Factors to consider when choosing an operating system

 Availability in the market

 User friendliness
 Affordable
  Reliability
 Hardware configurations – memory size, hard disk capacity

Common features in window operating systems

 Similar interface
 Plug and play – accepts a new hardware once installed
 Support multi-tasking and multi-user

Computer architecture

Means construction and design of a computer

The computer system is organized into

1. Single processor
They have only one processor (micro-computers)
Only one CPU that performs all the activities of the computer system.
The system has other special processors as I/O processes more data quickly.
2. Multiprocessor systems
More than one processors
More than one program are executed
The type of processing is called multiprocessing.
e.g. UNIX, some versions of Microsoft windows

Objectives of an OS

Three main objectives

1. Convenience – makes it easier to use graphical user interface

2. Efficiency – allows computer resources to be used into an efficient manner to ensure good
resource utilization
3. Ability to evolve – An OS should be constructed in such a way as to permit the effective
development without interfering with services.

Operating system structure

Simple structure – Monolithic operating systems, layered operating systems, virtualized, Ms-D OS and
the original UNIX did not have well-defined structures. There was no CPU execution mode and so error
in application could cause the whole system to crash.

File management

A file is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain
file and other directories.

Activities of operating system to file management

 Keeps track of information, location, uses, status.

  Decides who gets the resources
 Allocates the resources
 De-allocates the resources

Common services by an operating system

 Program execution
 I/O operation
 File system manipulation
 Communication
 Error detection
 Resource Allocation
 Protection

Characteristics of a file

1. Name – Identified by the name within its directory.

2. Extension – Extension that indicates their type of format
3. Path – A file resides within a hierarchical structure
4. Attributes – properties of files such as read-only, hidden or executables
5. Content – The amount of data in a file measured in bytes.

Importance of a file

 Data storage and organization

 Resource management
 Security and access control
 File system organization
 System operation
 Inter-process communication

Importance of file extension

i. Data management – used by OS to manage files efficiently.

ii. File type identification – Help the OS identify the type of the file.
iii. User experience – provide users with visual cues about file types making it easier to manage and
organize files
iv. Security – used to enforce security measures
v. File system organization – May utilize extensions by starting and organizing files directories
which enhance user navigation and file management
e.g. DAT – data
TXT – text
Doc – document
XLS – exel
BAT – batch file

Memory Management

Management of primary memory or main memory.

Main memory is a large array of words of bytes where each word or byte has its own address.

Activities of operating system to memory management

 Keeps track of primary memory

 In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get memory when and how much .
 De-allocates the memory when process no longer needs it or has been terminated

HISTORY AND GENERATION OF THE OS

The OS evolved through several phases

1. 1940s – Early computers did not include operating systems

2. 1950s
Executed one job at a time
Single – stream batch systems
Technologies to smooth job-to-job transitions
Programs and data submitted consecutively on tape
3. 1960s
Still batch processing systems
Process multiple jobs at once
Multiprogramming
One job could use processor while other job use peripheral devices
4. 1970s
Primarily multimode timesharing systems
Support batch, time sharing and real time applications
Personal computing only in icient stages
Department of defence develops (TCP/IP)

Generation of OS

First generation (1945-1955)

The only OS was a person.

All machine operation was hand on.

Second Generation 1955 – 1965

Batch operating systems

A computer operator takes care of the system administration

Computer jobs line up in a FIFO Queue(first in first out)

Third generation (Multiprogramming OS)

Switching between many different programs in memory (RAM)

Operating system –Job 1 waiting for input

Job 2 running

Job 3 ready

Forth generation

Many different users can use the same machine. (UNIX, Windows NT)

The OS divides its system time into time slice (milliseconds). Gives each user the illusion to have his or
her own machine

OS structure

1. Simple structure
Such as Ms-Doc and the original UNIX did not have well defined structure. There was no CPU
execution Mode and so errors in the application could cause the whole system to crash
2. Monolithic operating system
Its components are organized randomly and any module can call other module without any
arrangement. Applications are spared from the OS itself. Applications run in non-priviledged
processor mode