Operating Systems

Operating Systems

1. Managing Resources

   • Printing
     • Spooling
       • It will keep the print job in the queue.
       • Means that the program does not have to worry if the printer is out of ink or not plugged in.
   • Backing Store
     • Will create files back up files deleted.
   • File Compression
   • Peripherals
     • Input and Out Devices
       • Keyboard
       • Mouse
     • Drivers
       • Software used to map commands to the individual peripherals.

2. Providing an Interface

   • Graphical User Interface (GUI)
     • Graphical representations of the computer's functions are shown.
       • Programs are often run in windows
   • Command Line Interface (CLI)
     • Text-based interface
       • Almost every operating system provides a CLI.
         • Harder to use.
           • Lightweight and robust and less likely to crash or break.
   • File management
     • Copy
     • Move
     • Delete
     • Sort
     • Search
   • System Settings
     • Enabling or disabling specific hardware
     • Adjust screen resolution
     • Configuring second storage
   • Multitasking
     • CPU'S usually do not support it the os
       • So it simulates it
   • Error Messages and support
     • When something goes wrong in a program, the user needs to be informed.
       • However, the programmer may not know how the program is being used
   • Customisation
     • Ability to customise the interface
       • e.g(Change background and colour scheme)
   • Task Management
     • Can quit programs or kill unresponsive processes
       • Allow certain apps to use the full processor speed