What is an Operating System.docx

**What is an Operating System (OS)?** An operating system (OS) manages all other applications and programs in a computer, and it is loaded into the computer by a boot program. It enables applications to interact with a computer's hardware. Through a designated application programme interface, the a...

**What is an Operating System (OS)?** An operating system (OS) manages all other applications and programs in a computer, and it is loaded into the computer by a boot program. It enables applications to interact with a computer's hardware. Through a designated application programme interface, the application programmes request services from the operating system (API). The kernel is the software that contains the operating system's core components. To run other programmes, every computer has to have at least one operating system installed. what is operating systemOperating System Windows, [[Linux]](https://www.mygreatlearning.com/blog/linux-tutorial/), and Android are examples of operating systems that enable the user to use programs like MS Office, Notepad, and games on the computer or mobile phone. It is necessary to have at least one operating system installed in the computer to run basic programs like browsers. **Functions of Operating System** The functions of an operating system (OS) are diverse and crucial for the efficient operation of a computer system. These functions include: - - - - - - - - - In addition to the traditional functions of an operating system (OS), there are several advanced and evolving functions that modern OSs are increasingly incorporating: - - - - - - - These additional functionalities reflect the evolving nature of operating systems as they adapt to new technological advancements and user needs.  **Features of Operating Systems** Here is a list of some important features of operating systems: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. **Advantages of Operating System** There are several advantages of operating systems. We have listed some of them below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. **Disadvantages of Operating System** There are several disadvantages of operating systems. We have listed some of them below: - - - **Types of Operating Systems** The types of operating systems (OS) have evolved significantly, adapting to technological advancements and changing user needs. Here's a summary of various types of operating systems: - - - - - - - - - - - - **Single-tasking vs. multi-tasking operating systems:** Single-tasking operating systems allow only one program to run at a time, while multi-tasking operating systems allow multiple programs to run simultaneously. **Desktop vs. mobile operating systems:** Desktop operating systems, such as Windows and macOS, are designed for use on desktop and laptop computers, while mobile operating systems, such as iOS and Android, are designed for use on smartphones and tablets. **Open-source vs. proprietary operating systems:** Open-source operating systems are developed by a community of developers and are available for free, while proprietary operating systems are developed by a single company and must be purchased. **Components of Operating System** - - **What is Shell?** **Shell handles user interactions. It is the outermost layer of the OS and manages the interaction between user and operating system by:** - - - Shell provides a way to communicate with the OS by either taking input from the user or the shell script. A shell script is a sequence of system commands that are stored in a file. For an in-depth understanding of this topic, check out this free [[operating system course]](https://www.mygreatlearning.com/operating-system/free-courses). **What is Kernel?** The kernel is the core component of an operating system for a computer (OS). All other components of the OS rely on the core to supply them with essential services. It serves as the primary interface between the OS and the hardware and aids in the control of devices, networking, file systems, and process and memory management. What is KernelKERNEL **Functions of kernel** The kernel is the core component of an operating system which acts as an interface between applications, and the data is processed at the hardware level. When an OS is loaded into memory, the kernel is loaded first and remains in memory until the OS is shut down. After that, the kernel provides and manages the computer resources and allows other programs to run and use these resources. The kernel also sets up the memory address space for applications, loads the files with application code into memory, and sets up the execution stack for programs. The kernel is responsible for performing the following tasks: - - - - - Earlier, all the basic system services like process and memory management, interrupt handling, etc., were packaged into a single module in the kernel space. This type of kernel was called the Monolithic Kernel. The problem with this approach was that the whole kernel had to be recompiled for even a small change. In a modern-day approach to monolithic architecture, a microkernel contains different modules like device management, file management, etc. It is dynamically loaded and unloaded. With this modern-day approach, the kernel code size was reduced while its stability increased.  **Types of Kernel** Linus Torvalds introduced the concept of a monolithic kernel in 1991 as a part of the Linux kernel. A monolithic kernel is a single large program that contains all operating system components. However, the Linux kernel evolved over the years and now consists of different types of kernels, as listed below. 1\. Monolithic Kernel As the name suggests, a monolithic kernel is a single large program that contains all operating system components. The entire kernel executes in the processor's privileged mode and provides full access to the system's hardware. Monolithic kernels are faster than microkernels because they don't have the overhead of message passing. This type of kernel is generally used in embedded systems and real-time operating systems. 2\. Microkernel A microkernel is a kernel that contains only the essential components required for the basic functioning of the operating system. All other components are removed from the kernel and implemented as user-space processes. The microkernel approach provides better modularity, flexibility, and extensibility. It is also more stable and secure than monolithic kernels. 3\. Hybrid Kernel A hybrid kernel is a kernel that combines the best features of both monolithic kernels and microkernels. It contains a small microkernel that provides the essential components for the basic functioning of the OS. The remaining components are implemented as user-space processes or as loadable kernel modules. This approach provides the best of both worlds, namely, the performance of monolithic kernels and the modularity of microkernels. 4\. Exokernel An exokernel is a kernel that provides the bare minimum components required for the basic functioning of the operating system. All other components are removed from the kernel and implemented as user-space processes. The exokernel approach provides the best possible performance because there is no kernel overhead. However, it is also the most difficult to implement and is not widely used. Now let's look at the different types of operating systems. **32-bit OS versus 64-bit OS** **Parameter** **32-Bit OS** **64-Bit OS** ----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Data and Storage** The 32 bit OS can store and manage less data than the 64 bit OS, as its name would imply. It addresses a maximum of 4,294,967,296 bytes (4 GB) of RAM in more detail. In contrast, the 64 bit OS has a larger data handling capacity than the 32 bit OS. It indicates that a total of 264 memory addresses, or 18 quintillion gigabytes of RAM, can be addressed. **Compatibility of System** A 32-bit processor system will run only on 32-bit OS and not on 64 bit OS. A 64-bit processor system can run either a 32-bit or 64-bit OS **Application Support** The 32-bit OS support applications with no hassle. The 64-bit OS do not support applications. **Performance** Performance of 32- bit OS is less efficient. Higher performance than the 32-bit processor. **Systems Available** These support Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 8, and Linux. These support Windows XP Professional, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows Vista, Linux, and Mac OS X. **Popular Operating Systems** Some of the most popular operating systems in use today include: - - - - - **Operating Systems Market Share** Source: https://netmarketshare.com/Source: https://netmarketshare.com/ **Choosing the Right Operating System** When choosing an operating system, there are several factors to consider, including: - - - - **Operating System Generations** Operating systems have evolved over time through different generations, each marked by distinct characteristics and advancements. Let's explore these generations along with real-time examples: **1. First Generation:** - - - **2. Second Generation:** - - - **3. Third Generation:** - - - **4. Fourth Generation:** - - - **5. Fifth Generation:** - - - **6. Sixth Generation (Speculative):** - - **7. Future Generations (Hypothetical):** - - These generations demonstrate how operating systems have evolved from basic machine-level instructions to sophisticated systems that can handle complex tasks and interactions with users. Each generation builds upon the achievements of the previous one, incorporating new technologies and capabilities. **Conclusion** As the need for technology grows day by day in the coming days and as younger generations like Gen Alpha grow up & join the workforce good & efficient operating system will be the topmost priority of every business setting. If you are planning to get a [[degree in IT]](https://www.mygreatlearning.com/blog/top-reasons-why-you-should-do-online-msc-degree/), now is the best time to start. **Operating System FAQs** **What is operating system explain?** An operating system (OS) is the programme that controls all other application programmes in a computer after being installed into the system first by a boot programme. The application programmes seek services from the operating system (API) through a specified application programme interface. **What is an operating system and example?** An operating system facilitates communication between a user and a system. Examples of operating systems are  Microsoft Office, Notepad, and gaming on a computer or mobile device including Windows, Linux, and Android. **What are the 5 types of operating systems?** Types of an Operating System are \ Batch Operating System.\ Time-Sharing Operating System. \ Distributed Operating System.\ Embedded Operating System.\ Real-time Operating System. **What is the importance of an operating system?\ ** The most crucial piece of software that runs on a computer is the operating system. It controls the memory, operations, software, and hardware of the computer. Using this method, you can converse with the computer even if you don't understand its language. **What is OS structure?\ ** An operating system is a design that enables user application programmes to communicate with the hardware of the machine. The operating system should be built with the utmost care because it is such a complicated structure and should be simple to use and modify. Partially developing the operating system is a simple approach to accomplish this. **What is a process in OS?\ ** A process is an instance of a computer programme that is being run by one or more threads in computing. It includes the programme code and all of its operations. A process may consist of several concurrently running threads of execution, depending on the operating system (OS).