Operating Systems Overview Quiz

Operating System Overview

• An operating system is a program that controls the execution of application programs and acts as an interface between applications and computer hardware.
• The main objectives of an operating system are convenience, efficiency, and the ability to evolve.
• An OS makes a computer more convenient to use and allows the computer system resources to be used in an efficient manner.
• The OS is responsible for managing shared resources for the movement, storage, and processing of data.
• The services of an operating system include program development, program execution, access to I/O devices, controlled access to files, system access, error detection and response, and accounting.
• Program development services include editors and debuggers to assist programmers in creating programs.
• Program execution services handle scheduling duties for the user.
• Access to I/O devices is provided through a uniform interface that hides device-specific details.
• Controlled access to files may be provided for systems with multiple users.
• System access controls access to the system as a whole and to specific system resources.
• Error detection and response services provide a response that clears error conditions with the least impact on running applications.
• Accounting services collect usage statistics for various resources and monitor performance parameters such as response time.
• An operating system functions in the same way as ordinary computer software, with a program or suite of programs executed by the processor.
• A major operating system will evolve over time for hardware upgrades, new types of hardware, new services, and fixes.
• The evolution of operating systems includes stages such as serial processing, simple batch systems, multiprogrammed batch systems, and time-sharing systems.