Orientation to Computing-I: Operating Systems

Study Notes

Operating Systems Overview

An operating system (OS) serves as an interface between users and computer hardware, managing resources efficiently and executing user programs.
The main goals include convenience for users and effective resource utilization.

Components of a Computer System

Hardware: Includes CPU, memory, and I/O devices.
Operating System: Coordinates resource use among applications and users.
System/Application Programs: Tools such as word processors and browsers that utilize system resources.
Users: Individuals or machines interacting with the computer.

Computer System Organization

Comprised of multiple CPUs and device controllers sharing memory via a bus, allowing for concurrent execution while competing for resources.

Functions of Operating Systems

Process Management: Oversees multiple processes, ensuring efficient execution, memory usage, and process lifecycle (creation, deletion, synchronization).
File Management: Manages file operations such as creation, deletion, and storage, along with maintaining data integrity.
Network Management: Administers computer networks, addressing performance, fault analysis, and quality of service.
Main Memory Management: Tracks memory usage and allocation, ensuring optimal performance through efficient memory allocation.
Secondary Storage Management: Manages data stored on external devices, facilitating data retrieval and storage.
I/O Device Management: Controls and coordinates I/O devices for efficient operations.
Security Management: Protects resources, ensuring authorized access and preventing malicious activities.
Command Interpreter System: Executes user commands and translates them into machine instructions.

Process Management

Involves managing processes associated with applications, ensuring sequential execution and memory allocation.
Main functions include creating, suspending, resuming, and synchronizing processes.

File Management

Files represent organized information created by users and may include various data types.
Key functions consist of creating, deleting, mapping files to storage, and performing backups.

Network Management

Involves administering distributed systems where processors communicate through networks without shared memory.
Includes tasks such as performance management, network provisioning, and fault analysis.

Main Memory Management

Memory management is crucial for program execution, requiring proper tracking of memory addresses and allocation.
The OS determines memory use in multiprogramming environments and handles allocation and de-allocation as processes execute.

Directory Structure

Directories hold information about files and their locations, serving as a symbolic representation of the file system.

Operations on Directory

Key directory operations include searching, creating, deleting files, listing contents, renaming files, and traversing the file system.

Directory Schemes

Single Level Directory: Simple structure with all files in one directory; limited by naming challenges as more files are added.
Two Level Directory: Each user has a unique user file directory (UFD), simplifying file management per user.
Tree Structure Directory: Users can create subdirectories to organize files better, promoting systematic file management.

Description

Test your knowledge on Operating Systems with this quiz focused on their components, Windows and Linux features, and installation processes. Dive into directory hierarchies and understand bootloaders as you prepare for success in your computing studies.