Operating system

• Definition of Operating System

  An operating system (OS) is a software that acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and the computer user. It provides a set of essential services and functions that allow users and other software applications to interact with the computer hardware
• Examples of Operating System

  • Windows: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Unix: AIX, HP-UX, Solaris
  • iOS
  • Android
• Functions of an Operating System

  1. Serves as an interface between the user and the computer/hardware and software

  2. Access control/System Security

  3. Controls program execution

  4. Booting/Starting up the computer

  5. Controls hardware resources

  6. File-system manipulation

  7. Control over system performance

  8. Protects the system from errors and failures/error handling

  9. Task management

  10. Job management

  11. Device Drivers

  12. Networking

  13. Resource allocation

  14. User Interface