Operating system is touted to be a connected medium between a user and the hardware!
From types of operating system like multi user operating system, multiprogramming operating system to features of operating system to functions of operating system, you will come across several aspects of an operating system.
An operating system helps in the smooth functioning of your overall system. Nowadays, this concept is gaining utmost importance among all the users.
In this guide, we are going to discuss some of the most important functions of an operating system.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Operating System – An Overview
Operating system is defined as the software that manages or activates all the technical parts of your computer. It basically acts as an interface or a bridge between a user and the hardware.
The basic purpose of an operating system is to offer an effective platform to all the users so that they can conveniently execute all types of programs. It is also defined as a software piece that does all the allocation work. It coordinates with your computer hardware to ensure the ideal working of a computer system or to prevent the user from any type of interference.
Major tasks of an operating system involve the allocation of resources, memory, devices and all types of processors. It includes all the programs that effectively manage your resources like a traffic control system, input/ output programs or a scheduler.
- Operating system controls all the computer resources
- It offers valuable services to your programs
- It coordinates with the execution of all programs
- It hides all complexities of a software
- It provides ideal interface to all the users
Functions of an Operating System
Memory Management
It is one of the most important functions performed by an operating system. Operating systems are basically known to manage your primary or main memory.
The primary memory is defined as the large array of words or bytes that are assigned to some key addresses. This is called fast storage as a CPU can directly access this memory. So, if any given program wants to get executed, it has to be first loaded in your main memory.
In memory management, your operating system will perform the below-mentioned functions:
- It helps to keep the track of your primary memory
- All memory addresses that are being allocated already with other memory addresses need to be used by the memory
- The multiprogramming or multi user operating system will decide as how long the process will stay and which process will be granted to the memory so that it can access it whenever it wants
- It helps to allocate the required memory to all processes when it gets the required request and deallocate all the memory whenever that process gets terminated
- It also help to update the status in case the memory is freed while keeping the record of how much of the memory is used or unused
Device Management
Device management is considered as an essential component that is required to manage your overall device. An operating system performs all the necessary functions of managing all the devices that are connected with the computer. These functions majorly include memory allocation, processing the input and output requests or managing all storage devices.
These devices include keyboard, mouse or other devices. It manages how a particular device behaves. Take an example as you are going to set up a keyboard for typing any specific language. This would be done so that your mouse will only move any one screen at a time.
It also allocates or deallocates devices in different processes while keeping the record of all types of devices that are attached with a computer.
Process Management
One of the main responsibilities of an operating system is to manage all the processes that run on your computer. This may include starting and stopping all programs, allocating all resources or managing the usage of memory.
Each process in this case is given a specific amount of time for the execution of a program. It is also called quantum. If a process uses the quantum, your operating system gets interrupted to get another process in return.
It also helps in allocation or reallocation of resources so that the system may not run out of all the resources. It also offers the mechanism of the process synchronisation.
Resource Management
Managing all the computer resources is quite essential for the overall running of your system. This is the function that is performed by an operating system in an ideal way. Operating system offers a smooth interface to the users. It also manages other complicated parts of your system. Moreover, all your portable devices need peculiar resources to effectively manage all the resources.
An ideal operating system distributes all the processes, memory or already running applications in an efficient way so that the functions will perform effectively. Resource planning and resource tracking are also integral parts of your computer system.
Job Accounting
Job accounting is considered as the powerful tool to track all computer resources. This information will help you pinpoint all the performance issues to identify all types of unauthorised installations.
Operating systems will also help keep track of how many resources users will use. It will also keep record of the information regarding all the resources, errors or memory. It also keeps track of your memory usage and in accordance with that you can assign memory.
Moreover, opening or closing of the peripheral devices will also be done with the help of a job accounting function. It also creates a file system to organise all files or directories.
Wrapping Up
From various types of operating systems like multi user operating systems to features of operating system to the functions of an operating system, you need to know about all its essential topics.
Keep this guide as your mentor when you want to equip yourself with the knowledge of all the functions of an operating system.
