Operating System

Operating System

1. Application Software

   • An end-user program to perform user-identified tasks such as word processing and photo editing or are used for entertainment such as games.

2. Utility Software

   • A set of tools that can be used to optimise efficiency and analyse

3. Memory Management

   • In a computer, many programs will run at the same time. This is called multitasking. The operating system shares out processor time so each program can have their instructions processed.
   • The activities programs are performing are called processes. Some are visible but many are not seen by the user running in the background.
   • All processes require the use of the CPU and memory
   • The operating system prioritises the tasks and allocates time to each.
   • The operating system prioritises the tasks and allocates time to each task.
   • It checks that all requests from memory are valid and allocates accordingly.
   • It also swaps out data to the virtual memory when the main memory is full.

4. File Management

   • The operating system creates a folder and file structure for the data. This makes it easier for users to organise files
   • On networks and shared computers, this is used to control file permissions
     • File permissions control who can access files.
     • It is the operating system that asks for conformation when you try to delete a file.

5. User Interface

   • Allows the computer to communicate with user interface
   • Provides a Graphical User Interface. (GUI)
   • Other interfaces allow users to type in commands. These are called Command Line Interfaces.

6. User Management

   • On shared computers, this operating system manages users. Login names and passwords are used for certain permissions.
   • Used in organisations to prevent individual users making changes to software.

7. Peripheral Device Management

   • These control input and output devices.
   • Uses programs called drivers.
     • Drivers carry out the nessacery translations to allow the CPU and the devices to communicate correctly.