What is Operating System

Operating System:-

Computer - Operating System:-

• The Operating System is a program with the following features −

• An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the software and the computer hardware. 

• It is an integrated set of specialized programs used to manage overall resources and operations of the computer. 

• It is a specialized software that controls and monitors the execution of all other programs that reside in the computer, including application programs and other system software.

• As the name suggests, an operating system is a type of software without which you cannot operate or run a computer. It acts as an intermediary or translation system between computer hardware and application programs installed on the computer. In other words, you cannot directly use computer programs with computer hardware without having a medium to establish a connection between them.

• Besides this, it is also an intermediary between the computer user and the computer hardware as it provides a standard user interface that you see on your computer screen after you switch on your computer. For example, the Windows and the Mac OS are also operating systems that provide a graphical interface with icons and pictures to enable users to access multiple files and applications simultaneously.

• So, although the operating system is itself a program or software, it allows users to run other programs or applications on the system. We can say that is works behind the scenes to run your computer.

 

Objectives of Operating System:-

• The objectives of the operating system are −

• To make the computer system convenient to use in an efficient manner. 

• To hide the details of the hardware resources from the users. 

• To act as an intermediary between the hardware and its users, making it easier for the users to access and use other resources. 

• To provide users a convenient interface to use the computer system. 

• To keep track of who is using which resource, granting resource requests, and mediating conflicting requests from different programs and users.

• To manage the resources of a computer system. 

• To provide efficient and fair sharing of resources among users and programs. 

Characteristics of Operating System:-

• Memory Management: Keeps track of the primary memory, i.e. what part of it is in use by whom, what part is not in use, etc. and allocates the memory when a process or program requests it.

• Processor Management: Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process and deallocates the processor when it is no longer required.

• Device Management: Keeps track of all the devices. This is also called I/O controller that decides which process gets the device, when, and for how much time.

• File Management: Allocates and de-allocates the resources and decides who gets the resources.

• Security: Prevents unauthorized access to programs and data by means of passwords and other similar techniques. 

• Job Accounting: Keeps track of time and resources used by various jobs and/or users.

• Control Over System Performance: Records delays between the request for a service and from the system.