Operating Systems – Basics
An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides services for application programs. It acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Process Management | Manages execution of programs, CPU scheduling, and multitasking. |
| Memory Management | Allocates and deallocates memory for processes efficiently. |
| File Management | Controls creation, reading, writing, and deletion of files. |
| Device Management | Manages input/output devices via drivers and ensures proper communication. |
| Security & Access Control | Protects data, restricts unauthorized access, and maintains user authentication. |
| User Interface | Provides a way for users to interact with the computer, via CLI or GUI. |
| Batch OS | ||
| Time-Sharing OS | ||
| Distributed OS | ||
| Real-Time OS (RTOS) | ||
| Network OS | ||
| Mobile OS | ||
| Desktop OS |
CLI (Command Line Interface): Text-based interface requiring commands (e.g., DOS, Linux terminal).
GUI (Graphical User Interface): Visual interface with icons, windows, and menus (e.g., Windows, macOS).
OS is essential system software that manages hardware and software resources.
Provides efficient multitasking, file handling, security, and device management.
OS types vary based on usage, performance, and device type.
Users interact with computers via CLI or GUI depending on the OS.
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