Operating System Notes
System
A system is a set of things working together as part of a mechanism or an interconnecting
network. It is a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an
organized scheme or method. It is a set of connected things or devices that operate together.
It is a set of computer equipment and programs used together for a particular purpose.
Examples of Operating Systems
1. Windows
2. macOS
3. Linux
4. Android
5. iOS
6. Chrome OS
Need for OS
All desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices have an OS. It coordinates the operations
necessary to make the device run, and ensures that applications and software function
without interfering with one another.
Microsoft Windows
First launched in 1993. It ran on personal computers and uses C, C++, and C# languages.
Microsoft releases new versions every 3 to 5 years and provides support for older versions.
macOS
It is the main alternative to Windows. The classic Mac OS has been in use since 1984, and
the current Unix-based version (macOS) launched in 1996. macOS has a visual user
interface like Windows. Main difference: macOS runs only on Mac and Apple products.
Android / iOS
Android is a mobile operating system based on Linux and other open-source software. It is
for touch-screen devices such as smartphones and tablets. The backend coding is in C and
C++, but Java is the primary language for Android's user interface.
Basic Functions of an Operating System
1. Booting – Starting or restarting a device.
2. Coordination – Coordinates computer applications and allocates space for different
programs.
3. Security – Protects user data from cyber-attacks. Uses usernames and passwords. OS can
encrypt data.
4. Execution – Starts and executes programs.
5. Device Management – Manages computer drivers and divides disks.
6. Access Control – Allows or blocks access to devices.
7. User Interface – Allows users to enter and receive information.
8. Resource Allocation – Allocates space to enable processes like storing and sharing
information.
Kernel
The kernel is the core component of an operating system. It acts as a bridge between
hardware and software.
Main components of the Kernel:
- Process Management
- Memory Management
- File Management
- I/O Management
User Space – Everything outside the kernel (e.g., text editors, music players, user settings,
etc.)
Memory System
Primary memory: RAM, ROM – used to store actively used data.
Secondary memory: Provides long-term storage for files and programs (e.g., hard drives).
Memory Types:
- CPU Register
- Cache Memory
- Primary (Main) Memory
- Secondary Memory / Mass Storage
Process States
In an OS, a process is a program in execution.
New – Process is being created.
Ready – Process is loaded and ready to execute.
Suspended Blocked – Waiting for an event.
Running – Currently executed by CPU.
Blocked – Waiting for I/O completion.
Terminated – Execution finished or terminated.
Storage Sizes
1 GB = 1024 MB
1 MB = 1024 KB
1 TB = 1000 GB
Gigabit speeds are bigger than megabits. Data transfer rates measure the speed at which
data moves between devices and a router.
Example: A 2 GB data plan allows:
- 20 hours browsing
- Stream 5000 songs
- 2.5 hours of standard definition video
Product Key
A product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows and verify it hasn't been
used on more PCs than allowed.
With Windows 10 and later, the OS usually activates automatically with a digital license.
If a product key is needed, it can be found in:
- Confirmation email
- On the box Windows came in
Computer Bus
A computer bus is a communication system used to transfer data between components.
Types of Buses:
- Address Bus – Unidirectional; carries memory addresses.
- Data Bus – Bidirectional; carries actual data.
- Control Bus – Bidirectional; carries control and timing signals.
Computer Hardware
Includes the physical parts of a computer, such as:
- CPU
- RAM
- Motherboard
- Graphics card
CPU: Main processor executing instructions using electronic circuitry.
Motherboard: Main circuit board that connects all internal components.
