What is an Operating System (OS)?

An operating system controls the main tasks of the computer. It also makes sure everything works well. It lets software use the hardware.

Also, it works like a bridge between the user and the computer. So, it helps us by making everything run without problems.

What is the Operating System, and What are its Types?

The thing that helps the user talk to the computer is the operating system. Also, this system takes care of using the computer’s parts in a good way. Plus, it also controls the hardware in the simplest and most basic way.

So, hardware parts must be working well for OSes to work properly. That’s why you can refer to our’ What is Hardware‘ guide to learn more about how they work together.

At first, programmers could handle errors because they knew the hardware well. Also, they found problems by looking at hardware panels and lights. They checked some steps to set the system time right. Only by doing this could they fix the errors in the program they made.

People started to see how important operating systems were in the 1950s. At first, they used plug-in panels to run the computers. But later, in the second generation, they developed a method called batch.

With this method, operators performed repetitive steps continuously. These tasks could be automated with software. Therefore, over time, software called “Operating Systems” emerged.

With this method, workers kept doing the same steps again and again. These jobs could be done by software instead. So, after some time, a software called “Operating Systems” was created.

Also, we put software into two simple groups: system and application software. System software has basic tools like the operating system, compilers, and editors. But application software gives help and services straight to the user.

So, every regular PC needs an OS. In short, this software helps the hardware & software talk to each other based on the basic operating principles of the computer.

Operating System History

Operating systems have historically been associated with the architecture of the computers they work on, so this is their history.

Operating systems have undergone a series of revolutionary changes called generations.

As far as hardware is concerned, generations are marked by significant advances in components used in valves (first generation) to transistors (second generation), integrated circuits (third generation), and extensive and very large-scale integrated circuits for the fourth generation.

Each consecutive hardware object was accompanied by significant reductions in cost, size, heat emission, and power consumption, as well as substantial increases in speed and capacity. Currently, there is a wide variety of systems, such as Windows 10 and Linux.

First Generation

In this decade, batch processing systems have emerged where groups of jobs are collected.

When any task was performed, the machine had complete control. At the end of each task, control is returned to the OS, which clears, reads, and starts the next task.

The concept of system file names appears to have achieved information independence.

General Motors’ research labs have made history, being the first to operate an OS for the IBM 701s.

Second Generation

Multi-program standard systems were developed in this generation, where several processors were used in a single system to increase the processing power of the machine.

The program just stated that a file would be written to a tape drive with a certain number of tracks and a specific density.

The OS then installed a tape drive with the desired features and instructed the operator to attach the tape to that drive.

Third Generation

Currently, the IBM/360 family of computers has been created, designed as general-use systems, and requires the processing of large volumes of different types of data, resulting in a new evolution of systems: multi-mode systems that support concurrent batch processes, time-sharmultiprocessingprocessing, and multiprocessing.

Fourth Generation

The systems known in the current period are considered fourth-generation systems.

With the widespread use of computer networks and online transactions, it is possible to gain access to remote computers geographically through various terminal types.

In these systems, the concept of virtual machines, unrelated to the computer hardware to which the user wants to connect, appears. Instead, the user observes a graphical interface created by the system.

What are Operating System Components?

The system consists of a set of software packages that can be used to manage interactions with the hardware.

Memory is the core that represents the essential functions of the system, such as processes, files, main inputs/outputs, and communication functions.

Providing communication with the OS through a control language, the command interpreter allows the user to control the peripherals without knowing the features of the hardware used and the management of physical addresses.

It is the file system that allows files to be saved in a tree structure.

In short, operating systems are an interface with operators, application developers, system programmers, programs, hardware, and users.

OS Functions

• Processor Management

The OS manages the distribution of the processor between different programs via a programming algorithm.

The programmer type depends entirely on the OS, depending on the desired target.

• Random Access Memory Management

The OS is responsible for managing the memory space allocated to each application and user, as needed.

When physical memory is low, the operating system (OS) can allocate a memory space on the hard drive, known as virtual memory.

Virtual memory space allows you to run applications that require more memory than RAM in the system. However, this memory is much slower.

• Input/Output Management

It enables one to combine and control programs’ access to material resources through drivers.

• Application Execution Management

Allows applications to run smoothly by allocating the necessary resources to perform their functions.

• Authorization Management

It is responsible for the security of program execution and ensures that resources are used only by programs and users with relevant authorities.

• File Management

It manages the read and write operations of the file system and provides access to application and user files.

• Knowledge Management

It provides a set of indicators that can be used to diagnose the correct operation of the computer.

Features of Operating Systems

• Ease

It makes using a computer easier.

• Productivity

It provides the most efficient use of computer resources.

• Development Ability

It must be created in such a way as to allow the development, testing, or effective entry of new system functions without interfering with a service.

• Hardware Capability

It is responsible for better managing the computer’s hardware resources; that is, it assigns a portion of the processor to each resource to share.

• Communication Ability

The user should be responsible for communicating with peripheral devices when required. It organizes data for fast and secure access.

• Network Management

It enables users to easily manage all aspects related to setting up and using computer networks.

• Providing Input and Output

It should make it easier for the user to access and manage the computer’s input and output devices.

• Troubleshooting

It prevents users from blocking each other and reports whether another user is already using this application.

• Providing Statistics

It enables the sharing of hardware and data among users.

Resource Management

Another task of an OS is to manage the computer resources when two or more programs are running at the same time and need to use the same resource.

In addition, in a multi-user system, in addition to physical devices, sharing information is often necessary or appropriate.

Safety issues should also be taken into account. For example, only authorized users should access confidential information; no user can overwrite critical areas of the System.

In short, the OS should keep track of who is using which resources, provide resources to those who are requesting resources, and arbitrate any conflicting requests.

Tasks Performed

1. It provides the user interface for the system.
2. It shares hardware resources among users.
3. It allows users to share their data.
4. Prevents a user’s activities from interfering with other users’ activities.
5. Facilitates access to I/O devices.
6. Manages errors.
7. It has control over the use of resources.

The resources it manages are processors, storage, input/output devices, and data.

Classifications

A classification was required due to the evolution of systems. Considering the differences between its components, we can classify them as follows:

1) Batch Systems

Batch systems require that information be collected collectively.

The works are processed according to the “first come, first served” model in the order of acceptance. In these systems, memory is divided into two zones.

One of them is occupied by the OS, and the other is used to install temporary programs for execution. When the execution of a program is completed, a new program is loaded into the same memory area.

2) Multiprogramming Systems

Multiple programming systems can support two or more simultaneous processes, allowing instructions and data from multiple methods to remain in primary memory simultaneously, including multiprocessing operations for information management. They are primarily characterized by a large number of simultaneously active programs competing for system resources such as processors, memory, and I/O devices.

These systems monitor the status of all active programs and system resources.

3) Multi-User Systems

Multi-user systems provide simultaneous access to a computer system through two or more terminals.

This type of OS is essential in the management of computer networks today.

4) Timeshare Systems

Timeshare systems try to provide equal sharing of shared resources to give users the impression that they have a separate computer.

In these systems, the memory manager often ensures the isolation and protection of programs since they do not need to communicate with each other.

I/O control is responsible for providing or removing mappings to maintain the system integrity of the devices and serve all users.

The file manager provides protection and control over the access of information, given the possibility of compliance and conflict when trying to access the files.

5) Real-Time Systems

These systems aim to provide faster response times and to process information without interruption.

In these systems, the memory manager is in relatively less demand as many processes are permanently in memory.

The file manager is usually found on large real-time systems, and its primary purpose is to manage access speed rather than efficient use of secondary storage.