Functions of Operating System

Process Management

A process is a running program. It needs resources like CPU time, memory, files, and devices to work. When many processes run at the same time, the operating system handles their creation, running, and ending. If processes rely on each other, they might compete for the same resources, so the OS must manage this carefully. If they don’t rely on each other, the OS must prevent them from using the same memory space. Also, more important processes should run before less important ones.

Memory Management

The operating system handles the computer’s main memory, which is a fast storage area directly used by the CPU. For a program to run, it must first be loaded into this memory. The operating system manages how memory is given to different programs and ensures one program doesn't use the memory allocated to another.

File Management

A file system helps organize files into directories, which can also have other directories and files. The operating system manages this system by tracking where files are stored, who can access them, their status, and more. This is all part of the file system. The OS handles creating, deleting, transferring, copying, and storing files in an organized manner. It also protects the data and the directory structure from unauthorized access.

Files are collections of related information set by their creators. File systems set rules for how data is saved and managed on storage devices, like hard drives.

I/O or Device management

An OS uses drivers to handle communication with devices. It tracks all the devices connected to the system and assigns a specific program to manage each one. The OS decides which process can use each device and for how long, and it makes sure devices are used efficiently and freed when not needed. It also manages input and output devices by processing their requests, performing the necessary tasks, and sending responses back to the requesting processes.

Security and protection

The operating system uses passwords and other security methods to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. It helps keep data safe by requiring logins to access information, keeping the firewall active to block intrusions, protecting system memory from malicious attacks, and showing alerts about any system vulnerabilities.

User Interface

A user interface (UI) is how you input data and instructions and how the information is shown on your screen.

In a command-line interface, a user types commands represented by short keywords or abbreviations or presses special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions