Operating systems

Operating systems

1. An operating system (or 'OS') controls the general operation of a computer, and provides an easy way for us to interact with computers and run applications

2. File Management

   • creates a file system to organise files and directories
     • hierarchy of directories

3. Hardware management

   • manages peripherals - opens, closes and writes to peripheral devices such as storage attached to the computer
     • input output devices
     • drivers
       • software that allows the computer to recognise hardware
       • allows the OS to control the device
   • manages memory - transfers programs into and out of memory, allocates free space between programs, and keeps track of memory usage

4. user management

   • User interface
     • command line
     • (GUI) graphical user interface
     • (CLI) command line interface
     • voice/sound
     • Menu
     • touch sensitive
   • security - provides security through user accounts and passwords

5. process

   • manages the CPU - runs applications and executes and cancels processes
   • multi-tasks - allows multiple applications to run at the same time

6. utility software

   • utilities - provides tools for managing and organising hardware

Images and files in the map