Introduction to Operating Systems

Introduction

• An operating system (OS) is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
• It acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware, allowing users to interact with the system and run applications.
• Operating systems perform various functions, including process management, memory management, file system management, device management, and user interface management.
• They provide a platform for running applications and ensure that different programs can run simultaneously without interfering with each other.

Key Roles of OS

• One of the key roles of an operating system is to manage system resources efficiently.
• It allocates memory, CPU time, and other resources to different processes and ensures that they are used effectively.
• It also provides mechanisms for process synchronization and communication, allowing processes to cooperate and share data.

Important Aspects

• Another important aspect of operating systems is their ability to provide a secure and reliable environment for running applications.
• They enforce access control policies, protect against unauthorized access, and provide mechanisms for error handling and recovery.

Types of OS:

• Operating systems come in different types:
  1. Windows
  2. macOS
  3. Linux
  4. Unix.
• Each operating system has its own features, design principles, and target audience.