Operating systems

Operating systems

1. Examples: Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, Android (based on Linux), iOS

2. Functions

   • Hardware management
     • manages input/output devices
       • communicates between the devices and cpu
       • manages the memory systems dictating what needs more or less space
         • transfers programs into and out of memory, allocates free space between programs, and keeps track of memory usage
       • Drivers
         • is a program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer. There are device drivers for printers, displays, CD-ROM readers, diskette drives, and so on. When you buy an operating system, many device drivers are built into the product.
   • File management
     • creates a file system to organise files and directories
       • Hierarchy structure
   • User management
     • Provides the user with a user interface
       • Examples: GUI and Command line
       • provides security through user accounts and passwords
   • process management
     • the CPU - runs applications and executes and cancels processes
     • allows multiple applications to run at the same time
   • Utilities
     • The OS uses applications called utilities which allow the user to manage the computer. There are many different utility programs and they may vary across operating systems. They are often accessed via a special menu or control panel in the OS.
     • provides tools for managing and organising hardware

3. operating systems are the low-level software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks and controlling peripherals.

Images and files in the map