General Function of an Operating System( 6 key functions)

General Function of an Operating System( 6 key functions)

1. 1. Hardware management

   • Essentially, the OS controls the various components of the computer such as main memory, the CPU, backing store, input/output devices and available bandwidth on the various buses to ensure the smooth running of the machine

2. 2. User interface

   • Provides a convenient user interface which should be intuitive and easy to use

3. 3. Peripheral management

   • Manages the operation of the peripherals, such as printers, monitors, keyboard and mouse, by calling the device drivers (programs that talk directly to the peripherals’ hardware) which support the operation of each device

4. 4. File management

   • The OS provides and maintains a file system, usually on a hard drive or solid state drive. It must also be able to retrieve a file as required by applications. Various file systems will be discussed later in this unit, including the old FAT32 (32 bit File Allocation Table) and the current NTFS (New Technology Filing System) systems used by Windows. Other file systems exist which will be used depending on the OS being used.

5. 5. Security

   • This element of the OS protects the computer and related systems from attack. Security typically covers user data (e.g. document files), connectivity, access to application software, access to system configuration and access to the filing system. Since many computer systems are connected to the Internet, many of the protections that the OS provides are designed to inhibit external forces (e.g. viruses or hackers) from taking over the machine.

6. 6. Task management

   • Critically, the OS has the job of managing how applications operate within the computer system. In multiprogramming environments such as Windows or Linux, where multiple applications can run simultaneously (this is a simplification and will be discussed in more detail later), the various applications may call on the same computer resource at the same time. The OS protects the machine by ensuring resources are allocated to tasks in accordance with certain rules