Functions of an Operating System
An Operating System (OS) is responsible for managing hardware and software resources while providing services to users and applications. Below are its key functions:
1. Process Management
- Creates, schedules, and terminates processes (running programs).
- Uses CPU scheduling algorithms (e.g., Round Robin, FCFS) for multitasking.
- Manages inter-process communication and synchronization.
2. Memory Management
- Allocates and deallocates memory for processes.
- Uses techniques like paging, segmentation, and virtual memory to optimize RAM usage.
- Prevents memory leaks and ensures efficient memory allocation.
3. File System Management
- Organizes, stores, retrieves, and manages data in files and directories.
- Supports different file systems (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, EXT4).
- Provides file permissions and access control for security.
4. Device Management
- Controls hardware devices like keyboards, printers, and storage devices.
- Uses device drivers to enable communication between hardware and software.
- Implements buffering, caching, and spooling for efficient device operations.
5. Security & Access Control
- Protects data and resources from unauthorized access.
- Implements user authentication (passwords, biometrics) and encryption.
- Manages access permissions for files and programs.
6. User Interface (UI) Management
- Provides an interface for user interaction:
- Command-Line Interface (CLI) (e.g., Linux Terminal, Windows CMD)
- Graphical User Interface (GUI) (e.g., Windows, macOS)
7. Job Scheduling & Resource Allocation
- Prioritizes tasks and assigns system resources efficiently.
- Uses algorithms like First Come First Serve (FCFS), Shortest Job Next (SJN), and Round Robin for scheduling.
- Ensures fair resource allocation among users and processes.
8. Networking Management
- Manages network connections and communication between computers.
- Supports protocols like TCP/IP for internet and LAN communication.
- Enables file sharing, remote access, and cloud integration.
9. Error Detection & Handling
- Detects system failures and takes corrective actions (e.g., restarting crashed programs).
- Logs errors for troubleshooting.
- Prevents system crashes by handling hardware and software faults.
10. Multitasking & Multithreading
- Multitasking: Runs multiple programs simultaneously (e.g., browsing while downloading).
- Multithreading: Allows a single program to execute multiple tasks at once (e.g., running multiple tabs in a browser).