A Guide to Functions of Operating System

The operating system is a software and hardware interface that allows a computer’s hardware and software to interact. Between the user and the computer hardware, the operating system serves as a communication bridge (interface), i.e., it acts as a user interface. An operating system’s objective is to offer a platform for a user to run applications in a convenient and efficient way as it coordinates with the software and the user.

Example: We request or convey our commands to the Operating System in the same manner as a boss delivers orders to his employees. The primary purpose of the Operating System is to make the computer environment more user-friendly, with a secondary goal of maximising resource use.

What is an Operating System?

An operating system is a software package that runs applications and serves as a communication link (platform/interface) between the user and the computer hardware.

The deployment of resources and services, such as devices, processors, and information, is the primary task of an operating system. Additionally, it helps with memory management as well. A traffic controller, a scheduler, a memory management module, I/O programmes, and a file system are all included in the operating system to manage these resources.

Operating System Types (OS)

The various types of operating systems are mentioned in the following list:

• Windows

• iOS

• MAC OS

• Ubuntu

• Novell Netware

• UNIX

• Linux

Some mobile operating systems are:

• iOS

• Symbian

• Blackberry

• Windows

• Android OS

• Bada

Functions of Operating System

1. Other software and users are coordinated: Operating systems typically coordinate and allocate processors, compilers, assembly lines, as well as other software to the many users of computer systems. Since it coordinates with the software and the user, this fulfills its purpose of providing a user interface. 

2. Memory Management: One of the main functions of the operating system is that it helps with memory management. The operating system has responsibility for the primary memory, often known as main memory. Main memory is fast storage that the CPU may immediately access. A program must first be loaded into the main memory before it can be run. As it helps with memory management, the operating system has to perform the following tasks:

• It maintains a record of primary memory, i.e., which user programmes utilise specific bytes of memory: memory addresses that have previously been assigned, as well as memory addresses that have yet to be used. 

• The OS determines the sequence in which processes are permitted memory access and for how long in multiprogramming.

• It provides memory to a process when it requests it and releases memory when the process terminates or performs an I/O operation.

3. Processor Management: In a multiprogramming environment, the operating system determines the sequence in which programmes access the processor and the amount of processing time each process gets. This aspect of the operating system is known as process scheduling. It takes the following tasks for the operating system to manage the processor:

• Keep track of how procedures are progressing. 

• A traffic controller is a programme that accomplishes this duty: allocates a processor-based CPU to a process. 

• A processor is de-allocated when a process is no longer required.

4. Device Management: An operating system (OS) controls device connectivity through drivers. It takes the following tasks for the operating system to manage devices:

• This software maintains track of all of the system’s connected gadgets.

• The Input/Output controller is software that is responsible for all devices.

• Establishes which processes are permitted to access a device and for how long.

• Allocates devices in an effective and efficient manner.

5. File Management: A file system is divided into directories to make navigation and usage more efficient. An operating system handles the following file management tasks:

• It keeps track of where data is kept, user access settings, and the state of each file, among other things. 

• The file system is the name given to all of these features.

Conclusion

The operating system is in charge of making the most secure use of all the information and resources available on the computer. Any attempt by an external resource to obstruct data or information must be foiled by the operating system. The operating system provides all of these functions for the users’ comfort and to make programming easier. In fact, it serves as a mastermind, helps with memory management, executes a wide range of tasks and delivers the desired results. Operating systems of all types essentially perform the same functions.