Operating Systems

Operating Systems

1. User friendliness

   • Uses visual/graphic interfaces to show the user what to do or make things easier to comprehend. (e.g. having icons we can click to start a program, without an operating system or decent user interface we would have to know the exact command to start a specific task or program which would then be hard to understand or time sonsuming)

2. Multitasking

   • Similar to visual interface being used to make things easier to do. Has a user interface where multiple things can be done simulteneously.

3. Drivers

   • These are files which contain information about how to run a program task or device. (e.g. if you were to connect a mouse to a computer without the right driver, it would not recognise when the mouse is clicked). This goes the same for keyboards, printers, webcams and even monitors.

4. Memory Management

   • Managing Memory (RAM) is a big part of an operating system as it lets different programs run in foreground or backround (e.g. notifications from apps). Without memory management, apps or programs would use excessive RAM and won't allow your device to run properly.

5. Peripherals Management

   • Peripherals are essential for a computer system to input/output/store data. This communication is controlled by signals produced by device drivers. This is so so that programmers need not concern themselves with the details of each device they are using. The application needs simply to pass on a request to the driver, which will then translate it into codes specific to the device

6. File management

   • Identifying where files are stored and making it easier to move open and edit files. Makes it easier to know the location of the file to a user without knowing the track, sector and surface address of the file