OPERATING SYSTEM

CHAPTER 9: 

OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system is a system-level software that serves as a link between computer hardware and user applications. It is a collection of specialized programs designed to control, coordinate, and manage the overall operations and resources of a computer system. The operating system supervises the execution of all programs, including application software and system utilities, ensuring that the computer functions efficiently and reliably.

Objectives of an Operating System

  • To make the computer system easy and efficient for users to operate.
  • To conceal the complexity of hardware resources from users.
  • To provide a user-friendly interface for interacting with the computer system.
  • To function as a mediator between hardware components and users, simplifying access to system resources.
  • To manage and allocate computer resources effectively.
  • To monitor resource usage by different users and programs, approve resource requests, and resolve conflicts when multiple requests occur.
  • To ensure fair and efficient sharing of system resources among users and running programs.

Characteristics of an Operating System

  • Memory Management
    The operating system monitors the use of main memory, keeping track of which portions are occupied and which are free. It allocates memory when requested by a program and releases it when it is no longer needed.
  • Processor Management
    It assigns the CPU to processes as required and reclaims it once a process finishes execution or no longer needs processing time.
  • Device Management
    The operating system controls and supervises input/output devices. It determines which process can access a device, for how long, and in what order.
  • File Management
    It organizes files and directories, manages access permissions, and handles the allocation and release of storage resources.
  • Security
    The system protects data and programs by using mechanisms such as passwords and authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Job Accounting
    The operating system records information about resource usage, such as CPU time and memory consumption, for different users and tasks.
  • System Performance Monitoring
    It tracks system performance by recording delays between service requests and system responses.
  • User Interaction
    Communication between the user and the system occurs through interfaces such as command-line consoles or graphical displays. The operating system interprets instructions, executes them, and displays the results.
  • Error Detection and Handling
    The operating system provides debugging support by generating error messages, logs, memory dumps, and traces to help identify and resolve issues.
  • Coordination Between Software and Users
    It manages the use of system software such as compilers, interpreters, and assemblers, ensuring proper allocation and coordination among multiple users.

Self-Assessment: Operating System

A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1.      An operating system mainly acts as an interface between:
a) User and application software
b) Application software and hardware
c) Hardware and user programs
d) CPU and memory
Answer: c

2.      Which of the following is NOT an objective of an operating system?
a) Managing computer resources
b) Providing a user-friendly interface
c) Increasing hardware cost
d) Ensuring fair resource sharing
Answer: c

3.      Which function of the operating system deals with allocation and de-allocation of RAM?
a) Processor management
b) File management
c) Memory management
d) Device management
Answer: c

4.      Assigning CPU time to different processes is handled by:
a) File management
b) Processor management
c) Device management
d) Job accounting
Answer: b

5.      Password protection and authentication come under:
a) File management
b) Security
c) Job accounting
d) Error handling
Answer: b

B. Short Answer Questions

1.      What is an operating system?

2.      State any two objectives of an operating system.

3.      What is memory management?

4.      What is device management?

5.      Why is security an important feature of an operating system?

C. Long Answer Questions

1.      Explain the objectives of an operating system.

2.      Describe the main characteristics/functions of an operating system.

3.      How does an operating system manage system resources?

4.      Explain processor management and memory management in detail.

D. True or False

1.      The operating system controls the execution of all programs.

2.      File management is not a responsibility of the operating system.

3.      Job accounting helps track resource usage.

4.      An operating system only works with hardware, not users.

Answers:

1.      True

2.      False

3.      True

4.      False

 

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