Operating System (OS) - It is the main software that acts as an interface
between the user and the computer hardware. It controls and
manages the overall and internal working of a computer system.
Examples of Operating Systems Windows, Linux, Unix, macOS, Android.
Need for OS - It allows users to communicate with the computer
hardware, manages tasks and resources efficiently.
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) - A firmware that initializes and tests
hardware during the booting process before loading the operating
system.
Boot Process - Its is the sequence of events that occurs when a
computer is powered on and the operating system is loaded into
memory.
System Software - Software that includes the operating system and
utility programs that manage and maintain computer resources.
User Interface - Provides a way for users to interact with the computer,
either through a command-line interface (CUI) or graphical user
interface (GUI).
Functions of an Operating System
It manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, executes and
provides services for software applications.
Job Scheduling - Determines the order in which tasks are executed
by the processor to optimize performance.
Process Management - Manages the execution of processes,
ensuring each gets enough processor time and resources.
Memory Management - Manages the allocation and deallocation of
memory space to various programs to ensure efficient use.
File Management - Keeps track of all information regarding the
creation, deletion, transfer, and storage of files in an organized
manner.
Device Management - Controls and coordinates the use of hardware
devices like printers, monitors, and storage devices.
Security and Protection - Ensures the security of data and resources
from unauthorized access.
Provision of User Interface - Facilitates the interaction between the
user and the computer system through systematic interfaces.
Types of Operating Systems
Single-User, Single-Tasking - An operating system that allows only
one user to perform one task at a time; examples include early
versions of DOS.
Single-User, Multi-Tasking - An operating system that allows one
user to run multiple programs simultaneously; examples include
Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Multi-User - An operating system that allows multiple users to access
the system's resources simultaneously; examples include UNIX and
mainframe operating systems.
Real-Time - An operating system designed to handle real-time
applications that process data as it comes in, typically without buffer
delays; examples include systems used in air traffic control and
industrial control.
Distributed - An operating system that manages a group of
independent computers and makes them appear to be a single
computer; examples include systems used in scientific research and
data analysis.
Character User Interface (CUI) - A text-based interface where the user
types commands to interact with the computer system; examples
include DOS, Windows command prompt and Unix Shell.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) - An interface that allows users to interact
with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators;
examples include Windows and macOS.
Advantages of GUI
User-friendly
No need to memorize commands
Supports multitasking
Provides visual feedback
Uses both mouse and keyboard for navigation.
Disadvantages of GUI
Can be resource-intensive
May be slower for experienced users compared to command-line
interfaces.
Advantages of CUI
Allows precise control through text commands
Suitable for advanced users and scripting.
Disadvantages of CUI
Requires memorization of commands
Less user-friendly for beginners
Limited multitasking capabilities
