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How
Operating Systems Work Operating
systems is a software that controls the many different operations of a
computer. It also directs and
coordinates in processing programs. Its
remarkable complex set of instructions schedule series of tasks to be
performed by the computer and allocates them to the computer's various
hardware systems, such as the central processing unit, main memory, and
peripheral systems. When a computer is executing several tasks
simultaneously, the operating system acts to allocate the computer's time
and resources in the most efficient manner, by prioritizing some jobs over
others in a process called time-sharing.
An operating system also governs a computer's interactions with
other computers in a network. Generally, there are six categories of tasks in which
the operating systems perform. These
categories are as follow: ·
Processor
management -
The heart of managing the processor is to ensure that each process and
application receives enough of the processor's time to function properly.
The operating system directs the central processor in the loading,
storage, and execution of programs. ·
Memory
management -
The management of memory involves the assurance that each process must
have enough memory to execute, without running into the memory space of
another processor, nor be run into by another process.
In addition, it must make sure that different types of memory in
the system are used properly, so that each process can run effectively. ·
Device
management -
Device management controls the input and output of data to and from the
peripheral devices. The operating system is responsible for providing
central management of all devices, not just disk drives. When a new type
of peripheral is added to the computer, the operating system is updated
with a new driver for that device. The driver contains specific
instructions necessary to run it. The operating system calls the drivers
for input and output and the drivers talk to the hardware. ·
Storage
management
- The operating systems direct the central processor to store information
in cache, main memory (RAM), or in any secondary memory (disk storage).
The operating systems main purposes here are to assist in finding
available storage location to store data. ·
Application
interface
– When there is more than one particular type of computer using the
operating system, or when the hardware making up the computer is ever open
to changes, provision of a consistent application interface is essential.
A consistent application program interface (API) allows a software
developer to write an application on one computer. Yet, still have a high level of confidence that it will run
on another computer of the same type, even if the amount of memory or the
quantity of storage is different on the two machines.
The roles of the operating systems here are to allow communication
among different applications in the system. ·
User
interface - Just
as the API provides a consistent way for applications to use the resources
of the computer system, a user interface (IU) brings structure to the
interaction between a user and the computer.
The main purpose is to make it easier for the user to manipulate
the functions of the operating system. Hence,
the primary goals of an operating system are to make the computer system
convenient to use and to utilize the computer hardware in an efficient
manner. Source: This is a summary from http://www.howstuffworks.com/operating-system.htm Other
Links:
http://whatis.techtarget.com/WhatIs_Category_Page/0,4331,281873,00.html
http://www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/defineterm?term=operating+system
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