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Operating System



Operating System


An Operating System (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The OS is a vital component of the system software in a computer system.










Functions of an Operating System


1.Process Management:

   - Creation and Deletion: Handles creation and termination of processes.

   - Scheduling: Determines the order in which processes run.

   - Synchronization: Manages synchronization between processes to prevent conflicts.

   - Communication: Facilitates communication between processes through inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms.


2. Memory Management:

   - Allocation: Allocates memory to processes and deallocates when no longer needed.

   - Paging and Segmentation: Manages physical and virtual memory through paging (dividing                    memory into fixed-size pages) and segmentation (dividing memory into variable-size segments).

   - Swapping: Moves processes between main memory and disk to ensure efficient memory utilization.


3. File System Management:

   - File Operations: Manages creation, deletion, reading, writing, and permissions of files.

   - Directory Structure: Organizes files into directories for easier access.

   - Storage Management: Manages how data is stored, retrieved, and organized on storage devices.


4. Device Management:

   - Device Drivers: Provides drivers to control hardware devices.

   - I/O Operations: Manages input and output operations from/to peripheral devices.


5. Security and Access Control:

   - Authentication: Verifies user identities.

   - Authorization: Ensures users have permission to access resources.

   - Encryption: Protects data through encryption techniques.


6. User Interface:

   - Command-Line Interface (CLI): Text-based interface where users type commands.

   - Graphical User Interface (GUI): Visual interface with windows, icons, and menus.


Types of Operating Systems


1. Batch Operating Systems:

   - Executes batches of jobs without user interaction.

   - Example: Early mainframe operating systems.


2. Time-Sharing Operating Systems:

   - Allows multiple users to share system resources simultaneously.

   - Example: UNIX.


3. Distributed Operating Systems:

   - Manages a group of distinct computers and makes them appear as a single system.

   - Example: Apache Hadoop.


4. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS):

   - Provides immediate processing for real-time applications.

   - Example: VxWorks, QNX.


5. Network Operating Systems:

   - Manages network resources and enables communication between computers on a network.

   - Example: Novell NetWare, Windows Server.


6.Mobile Operating Systems:

   - Designed specifically for mobile devices.

   - Example: Android, iOS.


Components of an Operating System


1. Kernel:

   - Core part of the OS, manages CPU, memory, and device resources.

   - Types: Monolithic kernels (e.g., Linux), Microkernels (e.g., MINIX).


2. Shell:

   - Interface that allows users to interact with the kernel.

   - Types: CLI shells (e.g., Bash), GUI shells (e.g., Windows Explorer).


3. File System:

   - Organizes and manages files on storage devices.

   - Types: FAT, NTFS, ext3, ext4.


4. Device Drivers:

   - Specialized programs that allow the OS to communicate with hardware devices.


5. System Utilities:

   - System programs that perform specific, individual tasks (e.g., disk cleanup, antivirus).


Common Operating Systems


1. Windows:

   - Developed by Microsoft.

   - GUI-based, widely used in personal and business environments.





2. Linux:

   - Open-source and widely used in servers, desktops, and embedded systems.

   - Examples: Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS.



3. macOS:

   - Developed by Apple Inc.

   - Known for its sleek GUI and integration with Apple hardware.




4. UNIX:

   - Powerful, multi-user OS used in servers and workstations.

   - Variants: AIX, HP-UX, Solaris.




5. Android:

   - Open-source OS developed by Google for mobile devices.

   - Based on the Linux kernel.



6. iOS:

   - Mobile OS developed by Apple Inc. for iPhone and iPad.







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