What is an Operating System and its Work

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Computers use various devices and programs to perform their tasks. There is also a separate and special computer program to handle these devices and programs.(Operating System)

This special and master program is known as Operating System. Which breathes life into the computer system. Without this program the computer is like a dead box.

Therefore, all computer users should have basic knowledge about this very important computer program. Only then, it will help in using the computer properly.

In this article we will give you complete information about Operating System. For the convenience of study, we have divided this article into the following parts. (Operating System)

Topics

• What is Operating System – (What is Operating System)
• Operating System Requirement/Functions
• Different Types of Operating System
• Features of Operating System
• Major operating system names
• what have you learned?

What is Operating System

Operating System in short form, it is called OS, is a computer program that operates other computer programs. The operating system acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer system. It explains our instructions to the computer. Other software programs and hardware are operated by the operating system.

A computer is a non-living thing without an operating system. Because the operating system makes the lifeless hardware workable and also provides the functionality to run other software programs on top of the hardware.

The main question is why operating system is needed, what is the importance of operating system for a computer system?

Let us try to understand these questions below.

Requirement and Functions of Operating System

This Master Program (Operating System) controls and operates the entire computer. This is how the computer is managed. Operating System gives the user the ability to work easily on the computer. The relationship between Operating System and Computer can be understood through a flow chart.

Some Major Functions of Operating System

1 Makes Computer System Simple

The computer system understands the data entered by the user in binary numbers (0,1) only. However, it is not possible for the user to give instructions in binary. Therefore, the operating system gives the facility to prepare the user interface in its own language.

Therefore, we and you get the desired work done by watching the instructions to the computer in your own language. All this is possible through the OS.

2 Hardware hides information

The interaction between the hardware and the operating system occurs when the user gives instructions to the computer. We ie the end user does not know about that. Because, this information is useless for us. Therefore, it is hidden. (Operating System)

Thus we only see the answer and the output. The processing of the input given by us is not visible to us. All this happens between the hardware and the operating system itself.

3 Provides easy means

Modern operating system is based on GUI (Graphical User Interface). That is, no coding or programming is required to give commands.

You can complete the work you want to do only through the button or icon. Your desktop icons are a great example of this. From here you have to go to the computer file, then you just click on the My Computer icon. and reach.

The graphical user interface has proven to be more simple, user friendly and effective than the early, command line interface (which is still used in many operating systems today). Perhaps this is the reason why computer users are ready to pay money for this.

4 Mediates

One of the functions of the operating system is also to mediate. It is the link between the user and the hardware. Whatever instruction the user gives to the computer. It accesses the related hardware through the operating system itself.

Suppose, you want to play a song on the computer, then you play the song. You have given this instruction through the operating system installed in the computer system. The OS transmits this instruction to the voice hardware ie the speaker. And in this way you get the output in the form of voice. (Operating System)

5 Manages resources

The management and allocation of resources in your computer system is also done by the operating system itself. How much memory has to be allocated to perform a particular task, which hardware has to be informed. All this work is done by the operating system itself.

Suppose, you want to download a 3 MB song to a new folder, then the operating system will first give 3 MB space for this folder, then the file manager will do this work.

Different Types of Operating System

Operating System has always been with the computer. As the computer developed, the operating system also developed itself. Operating System is divided into several categories. But, here we will know some of the major types of Operating System.

1 Multi-user Operating System

This operating system allows more than one user to work simultaneously. Hundreds of users can do their work on this operating system at a time.

2 Single-user Operating System

In contrast, Single-user Operating System allows only one user to work at a time. Many users cannot work on this operating system at a time.

3 Multitasking Operating System

This operating system allows the user to run many different programs simultaneously. On this operating system, you can also write e-mail at a time and also chat with your friends.

4 Multi Processing Operating System

This operating system allows a program to run on more than one CPU.

5 Multi Threading Operating System

This operating system allows different parts of a program to run simultaneously. (Operating System)

6 Real Time Operating System

Real Time Operating System processes the input given by the user immediately. Windows Operating System is the best example of this.

Operating System is a very essential program for the computer. Without it, the computer is just an inanimate object, it is not wrong to say that. Using a computer without an operating system can prove to be a very difficult task. To understand the relationship between Operating System and Computer, you can understand the above diagram.

Operating System Features

• Tracks primary memory. Like, where is it being used? How much memory is being used? And makes memory available on demand.
• Takes care of the processor i.e. manages.
• Manages all the devices connected to the computer.
• Computers manage both hardware and software.
• Provides security through passwords and other technologies.
• Keeps track of the work done by the computer and keeps their records.
• Informs you of errors and dangers.
• Creates coordination between User and Computer Programs.

Major operating system names

• Windows OS
• Mac OS
• Linux OS
• Ubuntu
• Android OS
• iOS
• MS-DOS
• Symbian OS

What have you learned

In this article, we learned that the hardware and other resources of the computer are operated by the Operating System. Apart from this, the need of Operating System and some of its categories were also aware. We hope that this article has proved useful to you.

If you have any doubt or any other question then you can ask through comment. Also do not forget to share this article with your friends on social media. (Operating System)

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