Performance of Operating Systems

Performance of Operating Systems

1. Operating system factors - Operating systems over time can reduce in performance. Many factors can cause this, including issues relating to:

   • Hardware - Memory and processing power is needed to run the O/S and applications. Too many programs, or too little RAM/CPU power, can stretch resources causing performance issues. A fragmented hard disk can also reduce performance.
   • Malware - Malicious software like viruses can corrupt data, affect network traffic and take over O/S functions. This reduces performance and can break the system entirely. This might require a complete reinstall of the O/S.
   • Virtual Memory - Thrashing is where the operating system is having to constantly switch data between main memory and virtual memory. This massively reduces performance. A pagefile that is too small can also reduce performance of the operating system.

2. Utility software - Small programs designed to help manage and maintain your computer system. Operating systems come with several pre-installed to maintain performance, Examples include:

   • Disk Defragmenter - This will group data on the hard disk so related data is not split across different locations. This improves read/write time. Performance of this tool can be slow if: not regularly run, hard disk is large and other programs are running.
   • Back up - Used to automatically backup data so it can be recovered. This allows us to recover from data loss, such as that caused by malware. Performance of this tool can be slow if: Hard drive is fragmented, hard disk is very large, malware is causing problems or slow data storage platform
   • Disk/Registry Cleanup - Disk cleaner will remove old redundant data. Registry cleaner will remove old redundant registry entries. This can save space and improve disk read/write. Performance of this tool can be slow if: Not regularly run, hard disk is very large and fragmented hard disk.
   • Software updates - Automatically updates software, including the O/S. This can fix bugs, imrpove security and add features. Performance of this tool can be slow if not regular run and the internet connection is slow.
   • Anti-virus - Prevents your computer from being infected by malware. This stops data being damaged and performance being affected by viruses, etc. Performance of this tool can be slow if: Hard disk is very large, the malware is causing problems or other programs are running.
   • Firewalls - Monitors traffic coming into and out of your computer over a network to look for anything suspicious. This stops viruses and hackers causing harm. Performance of this tool can be affected by: Malware causing problems.