Operating Systems

Operating Systems

1. An operating system is a set of programs that controls how the user interacts with the hardware and software of a computer system.

2. An operating system is software that manages a computer's hardware ad provides a user interface

3. A device driver is needed to translate the instructions sent by the operating system into messages the devices can understand.

4. The functions of an operating system are: To provide a User Interface, User Management, Memory Management, Peripheral Management and File Management.

   • User Interface: It is how the user and the computer interacts. It is part of the operating system which directs you to what you see and reacts to what you do.
   • User Management: This is an authentication feature which provides administrators to set permission and control what users can do. It is responsible for account control and management,
   • Memory Management: Allows the user to run more than one program. It loads programs into the RAM. It gives the user a private place to store things.
   • Peripheral Management: Used for input and output of data. Manages requests from programs to use devices such as printers, speakers, keyboards and hard disk drives,
   • File Management: Helps organise and control files so they are easy to use for the user. It manages the hard disk.