Operating System

Operating system (OS)

OS is the important component of the computer system. It sets the standards for the application programs that run in it. All programs must be written to “talk to” the OS. It controls the flow of signals from the CPU to various parts of the computer. It runs the computer acts as a scheduler.

It is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.


Characteristics of OS:

Processor management

The process is basically a program in execution. In simple case, a single process may be associated with a single user’s job. A processor is a hardware device which is capable of executing a sequence of instructions.

Memory management

It plays an important role in operating system. In a single contiguous allocation, the OS usually resides in either the upper or the lower part of the core memory. When a job is assigned for its execution, first it is taken up by the core memory, although it typically uses only a small fraction of time. CPU takes complete control over the job until it is fully executed.

Device management

One of the important features of OS is device management that includes peripheral magnetic disks etc. in such management OS has to control the speed of I/O devices either in data representation or its proper execution. So it may be used in most efficient manner and only it is possible by the supervision of OS.

Information Management

It is the last important features of the OS. A computer stores information in the form of files. The OS provides the convenient ways for storing and accessing the information from files.