Everything you do on a computer runs through programs, also called software. In order to do this, you need a user interface. This is provided by the operating system .
• An
operating system is a bundle of different programs. They are necessary to be
able to start the computer.
• The
operating system contains interfaces that allow hardware and software to work
together.
• If you
start a program, the operating system takes care of all the necessary hardware
components. For example, if you listen to harmony on the Internet, the
operating system controls the activation of the network adapter. Sound is also
addressed.
• Tasks are
automatically processed in the background. If something does not work as
desired, there is no error in the operating system. The correct configuration
is important.
• In addition to managing files and devices, managing processes and memory are also part of the tasks of an operating system.
An operating system is a collection of computer programs, in the general sense, software that allows you as a user to run other applications on your computer or smartphone. This includes managing software hardware resources, including input devices like mouse and keyboard, output devices like monitors and printers, network devices like routers, and storage devices like drives. The operating system forms the interface between its hardware components and the application software used.
In many ways, the operating system acts as a comprehensive
framework with which all applications can interact consistently. Modern
operating systems use a graphical user interface. Some examples of this type of
system are:
• Microsoft
Windows
• Apple
macOS
• Linux
(better said GNU / Linux)
• Android
• ios
The operating system mediates between hardware and software. Hidden in the background, tasks are distributed to internal system hardware and instruct software to run them. For example, if you were to start a new computer without an operating system, you would not be able to use it, since communication between the components is not guaranteed.
What tasks does an operating system do?
Whether it's Windows 10, Apple's macOS, or one of the many
Linux distributions - systems take on the same tasks for your computer. These
include in particular:
• Processor
management: The operating system decides the order in which processes have
access to the CPU and how much processing time is allocated to each process.
• Main
memory management: The operating system also manages main memory. Here you also
define how much memory is allocated to each process. Example: start an
application on Windows or Linux; the operating system now allocates as much
memory to the process as necessary. If the program is closed, the system empties
this memory again.
• File
management: The functioning system manages the read and write operations on the
file system. In addition, through it access rights such as writing, reading and
execution of users are managed.
• Security:
The effective system uses keys to protect worker data. It likewise prevents
unauthorized access to programs and user data by ensuring that programs can
only be opened by users who have the appropriate rights.
• Coordination
between additional software and users: Operating systems also coordinate
additional software such as interpreters, compilers, and the like. Here the organization
mediates again between the user and the hardware.
Parts and types of an effective system
Every operating system has three basic workings: the kernel,
the command translator, and the file system. The kernel (system kernel) takes
over basic functions such as memory management and system processes. The user
communicates with the operating system through command translators and the file
system organizes the structure of the files on the system.
Operating systems are divided into four categories.
According to the operating mode (network or dialog operating system), number of
programs running simultaneously (of one or more tasks), of users (of one or
more users) and of processors (of a single processor or multiprocessor) .