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Operatin G Systems: What An Operating System Is. The Functions It Performs

An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that controls how computer hardware works and acts as an interface between users and applications software. The OS manages memory allocation, runs programs, handles errors, provides security and facilitates input/output between hardware components like printers and keyboards. It also enables features like multiprogramming which allows multiple programs to run simultaneously by swapping them in and out of memory, and multiuser functionality to share a central computer across multiple users.

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Chyrsella Verena
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20 views

Operatin G Systems: What An Operating System Is. The Functions It Performs

An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that controls how computer hardware works and acts as an interface between users and applications software. The OS manages memory allocation, runs programs, handles errors, provides security and facilitates input/output between hardware components like printers and keyboards. It also enables features like multiprogramming which allows multiple programs to run simultaneously by swapping them in and out of memory, and multiuser functionality to share a central computer across multiple users.

Uploaded by

Chyrsella Verena
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Operatin g Systems

What an Operating System is. The functions it performs.

By the end of this session, you will know:

Operating An OS is a set of programs Systems What is that controls how the


it?
hardware of a computer works It is the means of communication between the user and the computer, deals with the loading and running of application programs and manages the transfer of data and files to and from the peripheral devices.

Operating Systems
User Applications Software Operating System Computer Hardware

The OS acts like a bridge between the applications software and the computer hardware. Users need applications software to carry out tasks, the software needs the operating system in order to communicate with the hardware.

Operating Accepts data from input Systems Functions devices and transfers it to
:
the computers memory. Makes sure any output is sent to the correct output device. Manages the transfer of data between the computers memory and backing storage devices.

Operating Allocates memory space Systems Functions to programs and data.


:
Loads applications software into memory and controls the running of them. Deals with any errors that occur when a program is being run and informs the user.

Operating Provides a human Systems Functions computer interface for the


:
user Provides special facilities for multiprogramming. Manages system security by restricting access to prevent unauthorised access to the system.

So, the OS is quite

Which 3 of the following is an OS responsible for?

Operating Transferring data to a Systems Question! printer?


Allocating storage space on a disk? Positioning text in a word processing document? Finding a database record? Accepting keyboard input?

Operating Systems Multiprogrammin


g:
A multiprogramming OS holds more than one program in memory. There are 2 Types of Multiprogramming OS you need to know : Multitasking and Multiuser

Operating Systems Multitasking:


A Multitasking OS allows two or more programs to run at the same time. Its like having MS Word, iTunes and Solitaire open on your computer at the same time!

Operating Systems Multitasking:


Multitasking is allowed as the OS swaps each program in and out of memory in turn when needed. The program not being used is temporarily stored on the backing storage until needed again.

Operating Systems Multitasking:


Backing Store Program A (Not used)

CPU
Program C (Being used)

Program B (Just used)

Operating Systems Multiuser:


A Multiuser OS allows many different users at different terminals (in a network) to share the processing time on a central computer.

Operating Systems Multiuser:


This is allowed as the OS switches quickly between the terminals and giving each one a small amount of processing time on the central computer (called a time slice).

Operating Systems Multiuser:


Terminal 1
Central Computer OS

Terminal 2 Terminal 3
Processing power will be given in a round robin way!

Terminal 4

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