Is an Operating System?
Operating system | OS is the software that, once loaded onto the computer by a boot program, handles all other applications on the computer. The applications utilize OS by requesting services via a specified interface for applications ( API).
Furthermore, users can communicate directly with operating systems using an interface for users that includes a command line interface (CLI) or a graphic UI (GUI).
Why should you use the operating system?
Operating systems provide significant advantages to computer software and software development. Without operating systems each application would have to incorporate its own UI as well as the extensive code needed to manage all the low-level functions of the computer’s underlying system including network interfaces, disk storage and more.
Given the variety of hardware that is available, this could increase the size of each application , and render software development difficult.
The functions of the operating system
Operating systems have three fundamental capabilities: It provides users with a user interface via CLI or GUI and starts and manages the program’s execution; and also it detects and makes available system hardware resources to the applications, typically by using a standard API.
User Interface
Every operating system needs a user interface, which allows administrators and users to communicate with the OS to configure, set up as well as troubleshoot issues with the system as well as its hardware. There are two main kinds of UI that are GUI and CLI.
The structure of an OS
The CLI, also known as a windows in terminal mode offers an interface that is text-based. Users use the keyboard to input particular commands, parameter, and arguments for specific tasks. The GUI is also known as the desktop is a visual interface built on symbols and icons that rely on gestures generated through human-computer interface gadgets like touchscreens, touchpads as well as mouse gadgets.
The GUI is the most commonly used by users who are casual or who are mostly focused on manipulating files and applications, like clicking on a file’s icon to open the file’s default program.
The CLI is still popular with advanced users as well as system administrators who have to handle a variety of very specific and repetitive commands regularly including writing and running scripts to create PCs that are brand new (PCs) for employees.
Management of Applications
An operating system manages the launch and operation of all applications. It usually supports a range of actions, such as timesharing multiple processes as well as threads that means that different tasks use processors’ time, and addressing interruptions that applications cause to get the attention of processors immediately.
Ensuring that there is sufficient memory to run the application as well as its data, without interfering with other processes; performing errors that efficiently end an application’s process as well as managing memory without interfering with any other programs or operating system.
Operating systems can provide APIs that allow applications to use OS as well as hardware features without having to be aware of the lower-level OS or the hardware state.
For instance the Windows API Windows API allows the program to get input from a mouse or keyboard and create GUI elements such as buttons and dialog windows; write and read files from storage devices; and many more. The applications are usually designed to work with the operating system the application is designed to be run.
In addition an operating system could provide the following services to applications:
- In a multitasking OS that allows multiple applications to be simultaneously running The OS decides which apps should be run in the order they are and how long should be allocated to each one before giving the next application the chance to turn.
- It manages input/output (I/O) for and out of connected hardware devices including printers, hard disks and dial-up ports.
- It communicates to every interactive or application user, or to the system administrator about the state of operation and any issues that could be occurring.
- It could take care of the administration of batch jobs, for instance printing, in a way that the initiating application can be freed of this responsibility.
- If a computer is capable of providing simultaneous processing and operating system will be able to decide how to split the program so it can run on multiple processors at the same time.
All major platforms for computers (hardware as well as software) need, and often comprise, an operating system. operating systems have to be designed with various features in order to meet the needs of different types of forms..
Management of devices
An operating system is responsible for identifying, configuring and supplying applications with common access to hardware devices.
Once the OS recognizes and recognizes hardware devices, the OS will install the appropriate driver for the device, allowing the OS as well as the programs running the OS to work with devices without having any particular understanding of the hardware or the devices.
Operating systems are accountable for identifying the correct printer and installing the proper driver for the printer so that applications can only call the printer, without having to utilize codes or other commands specific to the printer.
Operation system type and some examples
The fundamental functions of operating systems are omnipresent and widespread, there are numerous operating systems designed to serve an array of requirements for hardware and users.
General-purpose operating systems usually concentrate on process (thread) as well as hardware administration, to ensure that applications are able to utilize the vast array of computing hardware available.
The most popular desktop OSes comprise the following:
- Windows is Microsoft’s top operating system. It is the the industry standard for personal and commercial computers. In 1985, the GUI-based OS has come out in a variety of versions since its release. Windows 95 is a user-friendly OS. Windows 95 was the main reason behind the rapid growth of personal computers.
- Mac OS is the operating system Apple uses for its Macintosh range of computers and workstations.
- Unix can be described as an operating system that supports multiple users and was built to be flexible and adaptable. The first version was developed in the 1970s, Unix was one of the first operating systems created in C scripting language.
- Linux can be described as a similar operating system to Unix which was created to offer PC users with a cost-free or inexpensive alternative. Linux is regarded as an efficient and speedy system.
Mobile Operating System
Mobile devices generally have less computing power than conventional PCs. The OS needs to be reduced in complexity and size in order to limit the amount of resources it uses and provide sufficient resources for the various applications that are running in the gadget.
Embedded Operating System
Not all computing devices are general-purpose. A wide range of special-purpose devices such as home digital assistants Automated machines for teller (ATMs) and airplane systems, retail points of sale (POS) terminals, as well as Internet of Things (IoT) devices include computers that require the use of an operating system.
The Network operating system. Network operating systems (NOS) is a different specific OS that is designed to facilitate the communication between devices that are connected to the local area network (LAN). A NOS offers the communication stack necessary to comprehend network protocols to build, exchange and break down packets from networks.
The Real-time Operating Systems
When a computing device is required to communicate with the real world under continuous and repeatable time limits the manufacturer of the device may decide to make use of an operating system that is real-time ( RTOS).
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