Definition of OS
An operating system, or "OS," is software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run.A
computer's operating system is its most important program. It is considered the
backbone of a computer, managing both software and hardware resources.
Operating systems are responsible for everything from the control and
allocation of memory to recognizing input from external devices and
transmitting output to computer displays. They also manage files on computer
hard drives and control peripherals, like printers and scanners.
Types
of Operating System
1.
Single User Operating System
A single user OS as the
name suggests is designed for one user to effectively uses a computer at a time
Single user.
2. Multi-tasking operating systems
This is the operating systems that allow
a single user to run different applications at the same time.
3.
Multi-User
Operating System
This
type of OS allows multiple users to simultaneously use the system, while here
as well, the processor splits its resources and handles one user at a time, the
speed and efficiency at which it does this makes it apparent that users are
simultaneously using the system, some network systems utilize this kind of
operating system.
4.
Distributed
Operating System
In a distributed
system, software and data may be distributed around the system, programs and
files maybe stored on different storage devices which are located in different
geographical locations and maybe accessed from different computer terminals.
5.
Batch
Processing operating system
In a batch processing system Interaction
between the user and processor is limited or there is no interaction at all
during the execution of work.
6.
Real-time
Operating System
A real-time operating
system processes inputs simultaneously, fast enough to affect the next input or
process. Real-time systems are usually used to control complex systems that
require a lot of processing like machinery and industrial systems.
Example
of operating system
1.
DOS: Disk Operating System - it is
operating system software used in most computers that provides the abstraction
and management of secondary storage devices and the information on them.
2.
Windows: The Windows operating system, a
product of Microsoft, is a GUI (graphical user Interface) operating system.
This type of "user friendly" operating system is said to have
Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointing device (mouse) (WIMP) features
FUNCTION
OF OPERATING SYSTEM
1.
Storage Management: Operating System
also Controls the all the Storage Operations.
2.
Process Management: OS manage all the
activities of a computer
3.
Memory management: Manages the sharing
of internal memory among multiple applications. E.g RAM and Hard disk
4.
Resources management: Manage all input,
output and peripheral, and software resources
5.
Security management: This include Virus
management, alert messages, Passwords, Access protection etc.