Operating Systems

Operating Systems

1. The User Interface

   • the user interface provides a means of communication between the user and the operating system. the user-interface layer is above a kernel so one operating system kernel can provide a range of user interfaces.

2. File Management

   • the operating system must identify where files are stored for long term e.g. hard disk drive or a solid state drive. the user doesn't need to know the specific track data.

3. Multitasking

   • multitasking helps the computer do more that one thing at once. this means you can listen to music on something like spotify and have another program opened what you can do work on. if you didnt have this you would have to close down an app to open another.

4. Memory Manegement

   • one of the key roles for the operating system is to manage the available memory. The primary memory will contain the programes and data currently in use. it makes sure data is stored safely. it stops one program from changing the other programs data.

5. Drives

   • these are files that contain information about a program or a device. if a computer doesn't have a driver the computer would recognis a mouse.

6. Peripherals Management

   • Peripheral devices are essential for a computer system to input,output and store data. these devices need to communicate with the rest of the computer system. mosy operating systems allow the user to make minor modifications to the way peripheral behaves. this includes things such as display settings.