ICT Fundamentals: Operating Systems

Operating System Overview

• An operating system (OS) manages a computer's hardware and software resources.
• Acts as an intermediary between users and hardware, facilitating effective resource sharing.
• Provides essential services: process management, memory management, file system management, device management, and security.

Key Functions of an Operating System

• Process Management:

  • Manages execution order and duration of processes through process scheduling.
  • Handles creation and termination of processes.
  • Implements concurrency control for efficient and safe multi-process execution.

• Memory Management:

  • Allocates and deallocates memory to processes.
  • Protects process memory, ensuring data integrity.

• File System Management:

  • Manages file organization and storage on devices.
  • Enforces access controls for file permissions.
  • Coordinates data storage and retrieval across media.

• Device Management:

  • Provides device drivers for standard interaction between software and hardware.
  • Manages I/O operations for data transfer between hardware and processes.
  • Handles hardware interrupts for smooth device operation.

Booting Process Steps

• Operating System Loading:

  • Bootloader transfers control to the found OS on designated boot device.
  • Kernel, the core OS part, is loaded into memory and starts execution.

• System Configuration:

  • Kernel initializes hardware components and prepares memory management.
  • Loads required drivers and mounts root filesystem along with additional filesystems.

• Loading System Utilities:

  • Initialization scripts and services, like systemd or init, are run during startup.
  • Services are established for network management and system logging.

Types of Software

• System Software:

  • Interfaces between hardware and user applications.
  • Includes operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and device drivers.
  • Functions cover process management, memory management, and device control.

• Application Software:

  • Designed for specific user tasks such as productivity or entertainment.
  • Includes productivity software like Microsoft Office, multimedia software like Adobe Suite, and web browsers like Google Chrome.

Difference Between System Software and Application Software

• System software manages system resources; application software performs specific user tasks.
• System software is installed with the OS; application software is installed as needed by users.
• System software operates in the background; application software has a user interface.
• System software runs automatically post-boot; application software starts upon user request.
• Development of system software is complex and time-consuming; application software is easier and quicker to develop.

Freeware

• Freeware is software available at no cost, often with some limitations compared to paid versions.
• Typically created by individuals or small companies to reach a wide audience.
• Developers may include optional features or solicit donations for ongoing support.
• Examples of freeware include VLC Media Player and GIMP for image editing.

Explore the foundational concepts of Operating Systems as part of the ICT curriculum. This quiz covers the role of operating systems in managing hardware and software resources, as well as their function as an intermediary between users and hardware. Test your understanding of how OS ensures stability and resource sharing among applications.