Operating Systems Fundamentals

Study Notes

Definition: A software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services to computer programs
Functions:
- Process Management: creates, runs, and manages processes
- Memory Management: allocates and deallocates memory for programs
- File Management: provides access to file systems
- Input/Output Management: manages input/output operations
- Security: provides access control and protects against unauthorized access
Types:
- Single-User, Single-Tasking (e.g. MS-DOS)
- Single-User, Multi-Tasking (e.g. Windows, macOS)
- Multi-User, Multi-Tasking (e.g. Linux, Unix)

Definition: The design and organization of a computer's internal components
Components:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): executes instructions
- Memory (RAM): temporary storage for data and programs
- Storage (HDD, SSD): permanent storage for data and programs
- Input/Output Devices: interfaces for user interaction
Types:
- Von Neumann Architecture: uses a single bus for data and instructions
- Harvard Architecture: uses separate buses for data and instructions
- RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing): uses a simplified instruction set
- CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing): uses a complex instruction set

Definition: Hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer
Types:
- Input Devices:
  - Keyboard: inputs text and commands
  - Mouse: inputs cursor movements and clicks
  - Scanner: inputs images and documents
  - Microphone: inputs audio
- Output Devices:
  - Monitor: displays video and graphics
  - Printer: outputs printed documents
  - Speaker: outputs audio
  - Plotter: outputs graphical plots
Interfaces:
- Serial: transmits data one bit at a time
- Parallel: transmits data multiple bits at a time
- USB (Universal Serial Bus): a standardized interface for peripherals
- HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface): a standardized interface for audio and video

Manages computer hardware resources and provides common services to computer programs
Performs process management, creating, running, and managing processes
Manages memory allocation and deallocation for programs
Provides access to file systems through file management
Manages input/output operations and provides security features
Single-user, single-tasking OS examples: MS-DOS
Single-user, multi-tasking OS examples: Windows, macOS
Multi-user, multi-tasking OS examples: Linux, Unix

Refers to the design and organization of a computer's internal components
Consists of CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices
CPU executes instructions, memory provides temporary storage, and storage provides permanent storage
Input/output devices enable user interaction
Von Neumann architecture uses a single bus for data and instructions
Harvard architecture uses separate buses for data and instructions
RISC architecture uses a simplified instruction set
CISC architecture uses a complex instruction set