what is operating system
An operating system (OS) is an important part of almost every computer system. Most computer users have had some experience with an operating system, but it is difficult to pin down precisely what an operating system. An OS is an integrated set of programs that directs and manages the components and resources of a computer system, including main memory, the CPU and the peripheral devices. The OS1 is somewhat like a house keeper in that it tidies, organizes and maintains the functioning of various devices. The task of an operating system is to manage the hardware carefully, in order to achieve the best possible performance. This is accomplished by the operating system's controlling and coordinating such resources as the CPU, other processing units, both primary memory and secondary storage, and all input/output devices. The hardware provides raw computing power and the operating system makes this power conveniently accessible to the user.
An operating system is an organized collection of software that controls the overall operations of a computer. In other words, an operating system is a program that acts as an interface between a user of a computer and computer hardware. The primary goal of an OS is to make the computer system convenient to use. A secondary goal is to use the computer hardware in an efficient manner.
The purposes of an operating system are as follows:
♦ It minimizes the computer user's intervention in and concern about machine's internal workings.
♦ It provides an environment in which a user may execute programs.
♦ It controls and co-ordinates the use of hardware among the various application programs.
♦ It acts as a managers of resources (hardware2 and software) and allocates them to specific programs.
♦ It controls the various I/O devices and user programs.
♦ It maximizes the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the system.
♦ It provides an environment within which other programs can do useful work.
Components of an Operating System
An operating system is made up of control program and service programs. These are as follows:
Control Programs
Control programs permit user-computer communication, log jobs, and oversee the overall computer operation to ensure that the various activities run smoothly and to completion.
Supervisor Program
The major operating system control program is commonly called the supervisor. The supervisor handles the overall management of a computer system. It is maintained in memory and it supervises the loading of other parts of the operating system from secondary storage into main memory as they are needed. It also supervises the loading of application programs for execution. The supervisor also interprets user messages and it keeps track of jobs.
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