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The Workings of Operating Systems

An Operating System (OS) is software that contains thousands of data files and facilitates the smooth running of the computer system. The OS manages the computer hardware resources and ensures efficient execution of application software. Every computer or laptop comes with a preloaded operating system.

Operating System Functions

1. The primary function is to manage the hardware and software systems such as disk space, memory, storage, computer processor and others. In a cell phone, the components will include a phone dialer, screen, keypad, network connection and the battery. The task of the OS is to ensure than each of the software and hardware applications on the computer gets necessary resources from the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

2. The second basic function is to provide a consistent and stable way for the applications to function with the hardware. In other words, the second task is to provide “consistent application interface”, especially when there is more than one computer using the same OS. In a nutshell, the task includes hardware management, CPU management, memory management, I/O management, drivers and application management. The OS also ensures that no data is lost or corrupted when the computer is upgraded. Therefore, it is necessary for OS developers to make sure that the developed OS has the capacity to handle hardware runs from thousands of vendors manufacturing computer equipments.

Operating System Types

  1. RTOS (Real Time Operating System): This is used in industrial systems, scientific instruments, and control machineries. There are no end-user utilities and it has little user-interface capability.
  2. Single User OS: Only one person can manage the computer at one time with this, such as the Palm OS.
  3. Single User, Multitasking OS: This is the most common type used today, which enables user to work on several programs simultaneously.
  4. Multi-User OS: This allows several users to use the computer resources at the same time. Each program and application should be able to accommodate every user requirement.