In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, operating systems play a pivotal role in the functionality and efficiency of devices, from personal computers and smartphones to servers and embedded systems. This blog aims to provide you with a deep understanding of operating systems, their core principles, types, functionalities, and their significance in modern computing.
This blog explores the mechanisms that govern how an operating system manages hardware resources, allocates memory, schedules tasks, and facilitates user interactions. With this blog, you will delve into the diverse range of operating systems, including the most popular operating systems in use today, and much more.Â
Whether you are an aspiring computer scientist, a software developer, or simply curious about the technology that powers your everyday devices, this blog will help you unravel the complexities of operating systems in a clear and structured manner. Join us as we navigate through the layers of abstraction and functionality that define the backbone of modern computing.
What is an Operating System?
An operating system (OS) serves as the fundamental software that takes control upon its initial loading through a boot program, orchestrating the seamless execution of various application programs within a computer system. These application programs interact with the operating system by submitting service requests through a well-defined interface known as an application program interface (API). Furthermore, end users engage with the operating system directly, utilizing a user interface to facilitate interactions. This interface can take the form of a command-line interface (CLI), where text-based commands are employed, or a graphical user interface (GUI), offering a visual and intuitive means of interaction.
In essence, the operating system functions as a vital intermediary, ensuring the efficient allocation of hardware resources, memory management, task scheduling, and overall system coordination. It acts as a foundational layer that abstracts and simplifies the intricate hardware complexities, allowing application programs to execute their designated tasks without direct involvement in hardware management. As technology advances and demands change, operating systems continue to adapt and evolve, playing an integral role in shaping the user experience and enabling the capabilities of modern computing devices.
History of Operating Systems
- In 1956, two decades following the introduction of the Z1 computer that operated without an operating system, the initial operating system emerged, primarily aimed at managing tape storage.
- Subsequently, Bell Labs pioneered UNIX, and marked the inception of the first multitasking operating system.
- The year 1977 witnessed the release of Apple Dos 3.3, which signified the advent of the inaugural disk operating system.
- By 1981, Microsoft embarked on the development of its own DOS operating system and marked a significant milestone.
- In 1985, Microsoft fused MS-DOS with a Graphics User Interface (GUI), which gave rise to an integrated computing experience.
- As of October 2021, the latest iteration of Windows designed for personal computers and tablets is Windows 11, identified as version 21H2.
Table of Contents
Functions of Operating Systems
Processor Management
Within a multi-programming setting, the operating system assumes the responsibility of determining the sequence in which processes are granted access to the central processing unit (CPU) and allocating time for processing to each individual process. This role fulfilled by the operating system is formally referred to as Process Scheduling. Further, an operating system is responsible for managing the processor’s work by allocating different jobs to it and ensuring that each process is allotted an adequate amount of processing time to operate effectively.
Device Management
An operating system oversees the interaction with hardware devices through dedicated drivers. It undertakes the subsequent functions to manage devices:
a. Maintains a record of all linked devices within the system.
b. Designates an Input/Output controller which is responsible for the operation of each device.Â
c. Determines access privileges and time allocations for processes requesting device usage.
d. Efficiently allocates and effectively manages devices.
e. Releases devices when their use is no longer necessary.
Diverse input and output devices exist, and the operating system regulates their operation. It receives requests from these devices, executes specific tasks, and subsequently communicates the outcomes back to the requesting processes.
File Management
A file system is structured with directories to streamline navigation and utilization. These directories can encompass additional directories and files. Operating Systems execute the subsequent file management tasks:
a. Monitoring file locations, user permissions, file statuses, and related details.
b. Supervising organized records of file creation, deletion, transfer, duplication, and storage.
c. Safeguarding data integrity within files, including the directory arrangement, by thwarting unauthorized entry.
User Interface or Command Interpreter
Operating systems serve as a medium between the user and the computer system, facilitating their interaction. In essence, the OS functions as a bridge connecting the user with the underlying computer hardware. This user interface manifests as a collection of commands or a graphical user interface (GUI). Through this interface, users engage with both applications and the hardware components of the machine.
*Logic Mojo
Features of Operating Systems
- Serves as a foundation for executing applications
- Manages memory and orchestrates CPU allocation
- Offers an abstract approach to file systems
- Facilitates networking capabilities
- Implements security functionalities
- Presents a user interface
- Delivers system utilities and services
- Takes care of application development support
Components of Operating Systems
Process Management
A process constitutes either an entire program or a segment thereof residing within the primary memory. It necessitates specific resources such as CPU allocation, memory space, file access, and input/output devices to fulfill its designated function. The process management module oversees the concurrent operation of multiple processes within the Operating System.
Functions of Process Management:Â
- Process creation and deletion.Â
- Suspension and resumption.
- Suggests synchronizing methods
- Provides communication mechanisms.Â
I/O Device Management
An integral role of an operating system is to shield users from the unique intricacies of distinct hardware components. I/O Device Management achieves this by creating a higher-level abstraction of hardware devices, concealing intricate specifics from applications. This abstraction ensures the correct utilization of devices, safeguards against errors, and furnishes users with a user-friendly and effective programming environment.
Functions of I/O management:Â
- Offers buffer caching system.Â
- Provides general device driver code.
- Provides drivers for particular hardware devices.
File Management
A file constitutes a collection of interconnected data that is designated by its originator. Files typically embody programs, encompassing both their source and object formats, as well as data. Data files encompass a range of formats, including numeric, alphabetic, and alphanumeric variations.
Functions of File Management:Â
- File and directory creation and deletion
- Manipulates files and directories.Â
- Maps files onto secondary storage.
Network Management
Network management encompasses overseeing and governing computer networks. This involves tasks like monitoring performance, diagnosing faults, provisioning network resources, and upholding service quality.
Functions of Network Management:Â
Network management encompasses several key tasks, including configuring network equipment and connections, monitoring performance, and managing faults. Furthermore, security and accounting also constitute integral aspects of network management functions. While a majority of management activities are carried out using a centralized system hierarchy, specific functions such as recovering from failures or utilizing defect indicators to mitigate alarms, are executed in a decentralized manner.
Distributed Systems
Distributed network management involves a transition from depending on a central server or centralised networks to adopting a decentralized network architecture. In this approach, authority and control are distributed across multiple core locations instead of being centralized within a single server.
Main Memory Management
Main Memory constitutes an expansive arrangement of storage units, each associated with a unique address. Memory management involves orchestrating a series of read or writeÂ
operations targeted at specific memory addresses.
Main memory is a versatile and volatile form of storage mechanism. Comprising a substantial series of bytes and addresses, it serves as a temporary repository for volatile information. Commonly known as Random Access Memory (RAM), it stands as the swiftest form of computer storage found in personal computers. While it comes at a higher cost and offers limited storage capacity in comparison to secondary storage devices, its role is pivotal. Whenever computer routines are initiated, they find a temporary abode in the primary memory for processing. Subsequently, users have the option to preserve data or applications in more enduring secondary storage apparatuses.
Functions of Main Memory Management:
- It helps to track primary memory.Â
- De-allocates the memory when a process no longer requires it or has been terminated.
Security Management
To safeguard processes within an operating system, it becomes imperative to shield them from potential interference by others. This necessitates the implementation of diverse mechanisms, aiming to validate that processes seeking to access hardware resources such as files, memory, and CPU and possess the appropriate authorization granted by the operating system.
Secondary Storage Management
The primary function of a computer system is to carry out the execution of programs. These programs, along with the data they utilize, need to be present in the main memory while being executed. Since the main memory has limited size, it’s essential for the computer system to offer secondary storage as a means to support and store data and programs that cannot be accommodated in the main memory permanently.
Functions of Secondary Storage Management:
- Free space management.Â
- Storage allocation.
- Disk scheduling.
Command Interpreter System
An integral element within an operating system is its command interpreter, serving as the pivotal link connecting the user with the system’s functionalities.Â
The command interpreter functions by executing user commands, initiating a sequence of underlying system programs or system calls, often spanning multiple steps. Moving ahead, to further understand Operating Systems let us take a look at what a Kernel is.
What is Kernel?
The kernel acts as the central element within an operating system, responsible for overseeing and coordinating computer and hardware operations. It plays a vital role in managing memory and CPU resources, acting as a crucial interface between software applications and low-level hardware processes. By facilitating inter-process communication and system calls, it enables the interaction between applications and hardware-level data processing.
During the boot-up of an operating system, the kernel is the first component to be loaded into memory, and it remains active until the system is powered off. Its multifaceted functions encompass tasks like disk management, memory management, and task management.
Functions of Kernel
Scheduling Processes
The kernel allocates specific time intervals to individual processes, transitioning from one process to another, once a process completes its execution. It assesses the state of each process, which may be categorized as running, waiting, or terminated.
Resource Allocation
The kernel exercises authority over memory, peripheral devices, and CPU tasks, functioning as an intermediary between processes and system resources. It is responsible for assigning memory to processes and facilitating hardware access. When a process necessitates interaction with a specific hardware element, the kernel manages the allocation of that component to the process.
Device Management
The kernel oversees system-connected devices, including input/output (I/O) and storage devices, as well as the flow of data through these devices. It facilitates the reception and transmission of data between the system, I/O devices, and different applications.
Interrupt Handling and System Calls
During process execution, a situation might emerge where a high-priority task requires immediate attention. In response, the kernel manages the transition from the currently active process to the higher-priority task based on their priorities. Additionally, the kernel handles system calls, which can be understood as software-generated interruptions or requests for specific services.
Types of Kernel
Monolithic Kernel
A monolithic kernel embodies essential functionalities of a computer system, encompassing tasks like resource management, memory handling, and file management. This architecture provides the operating system with a basic structure where all resources are linked to the kernel’s domain. Some examples of operating systems that use monolithic kernels are Dos, Solaris, AIX, Linux, OpenVMS, etc.
Microkernel Kernels
A microkernel is an operating system design that serves similar purposes to other architectural models, including tasks like file management, memory management, and process scheduling.
In comparison to a monolithic kernel, a microkernel maintains a resemblance but also designates a distinct portion for various additional functions like file sharing, scheduling, and kernel services.
Hybrid Kernels
Amalgamate features from both monolithic and microkernel designs, expanding upon the microkernel concept by incorporating supplementary code within the kernel space while integrating certain characteristics of monolithic kernels to optimize performance. Notably, hybrid kernels lack the capability to load modules dynamically during runtime. An example of a hybrid kernel is XNU (short for “X Is Not Unix”), which played a pivotal role in shaping the MacOS, iOS, WatchOS, and tvOS operating systems.
Nano Kernel
A nanokernel is characterized by an exceptionally compact kernel code size, encompassing the code responsible for execution in the hardware’s privileged mode. The term “nanokernel” can be defined as a kernel that facilitates clock precision at the nanosecond level.
Types of Operating Systems
Batch OS
This category of operating system doesn’t directly interface with the computer. Instead, an operator is involved in collecting similar tasks that share common requirements and arranging them into batches. The operator is responsible for organizing jobs with comparable demands.
Multi-Programming OS
It can be easily depicted as having multiple programs in the primary memory, with the option to execute any of them as needed. This approach is primarily employed to optimize resource utilization during execution.
Multi-Processing OS
It belongs to the category of Operating Systems where multiple CPUs are harnessed to execute tasks, resulting in enhanced system throughput.
Time-Sharing OS
Every task is allocated a specific time slot for execution to ensure the smooth operation of all tasks. Each user is granted CPU time as if they are using a dedicated system. These systems are also referred to as Multitasking Systems. Tasks can originate from a single user or multiple users. The allocated time for each task is termed a “quantum”. Once this time period elapses, the operating system moves to the next task.
Moving on, this blog will also look at the differences that exist between a 32-bit OS and a64-bit OS. Read on to understand the differences and choose what is best for you.Â
32-bit OS versus 64-bit OS
A 64-bit processor surpasses a 32-bit processor in capability due to its ability to process larger amounts of data simultaneously. With a 64-bit processor, there’s increased capacity to hold computational values, such as memory addresses, resulting in access to over four billion times the physical memory compared to a 32-bit processor. One other notable distinction between 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors lies in their computational speed, impacting the rate at which tasks can be accomplished.
*javatpoint.com
Most Popular Operating Systems
Some of the most popular operating systems are named below:Â
- Microsoft Windows
- Android
- Linux
- iOS
- Chrome OS
Market Share of Operating Systems
Operating systems take up quite a significant amount of market share in the world. The market shares of various operating systems worldwide are mentioned below:Â
- Android has the highest market share worldwide of 40.15%.Â
- Windows follows Android with a market share of 29.31%.Â
- Android is closely followed by iOS, with a market share of 16.77%.Â
- Following this is OS X which has a market share of 8.61% worldwide. Â
- OS X is followed by miscellaneous operating systems, which take up 1.64% market share.Â
- Lastly, Chrome OS takes up 1.36%Â of the worldwide market share.Â
Choosing the Right Operating System
The following are a few factors to consider before choosing an operating system:Â
Memory Management
When in search of an operating system, prioritizing effective memory management is crucial. Presently, certain operating systems are labeled as excessive consumers of memory due to the redundant execution of identical code. Opt for software that efficiently handles memory, keeping process sizes below 10 MB to ensure optimal management.
Robustness and Stability
This stands as one of the paramount attributes within an operating system. For individuals who regularly employ their computers for online activities, business tasks, or gaming, the necessity for a resilient and dependable OS becomes evident.Â
Support and Cost
It’s essential to identify your requirements when choosing an operating system. Occasionally, a no-cost OS can deliver an optimal user experience, characterized by stability, efficiency, and proficient memory management.
Advantages of Operating Systems
The advantages of operating systems are mentioned below:Â
- Computing Source
- User-Friendly Interface
- No Coding Lines
- Safeguard of Data
- Software Update
- Hardware Accessibility
Disadvantages of Operating Systems
The disadvantages of operating systems are mentioned below:Â
- System FailureÂ
- Complexity
- ReliabilityÂ
- FragmentationÂ
- Virus ThreatsÂ
- Expensive
What is RTOS?
A Real-Time Operating System, typically referred to as an RTOS, is a software element that swiftly alternates between tasks, creating the illusion of simultaneous execution of multiple programs on a single processing core.
In reality, the processing core can only run a single program at any given moment, and the RTOS effectively toggles between individual programming threads (Tasks) rapidly to simulate the appearance of concurrent program execution.
Applications of Real-Time Operating Systems
- Airline Booking System.
- Instantaneous updation of systems.
- Applied in any system delivering real-time and current data about stock prices.
- Has a defense application system such as RADAR.
- It is used in Networked Multimedia Systems.
- It is used in systems for Command and Control.
- RTOS can be used in Internet Telephony.
Conclusion
Operating systems play an indispensable role in the world of computing, serving as the backbone that enables seamless interaction between users, hardware, and software. These intricate orchestrators manage resources, ensure stability, and enhance user experience, all while evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing technological landscape.
As we move forward, the evolution of operating systems will likely continue, driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the internet of things. The ongoing quest for efficiency, security, and user-friendliness will fuel advancements that redefine how we interact with our devices and navigate the digital realm.
FAQs
Why do we need an operating system?
Operating systems are essential for managing hardware resources, providing a user-friendly interface, ensuring security, enabling multitasking, and optimizing system performance.
Differentiate between GUI and CLI?
GUI (Graphical User Interface) provides a visual way for users to interact with the computer through icons, windows, and menus. At the same time, CLI (Command-Line Interface) involves typing text commands to interact with the system.
Can I install multiple operating systems on a single computer?
Yes, you can install and run multiple operating systems on a single computer through a process called dual-booting or virtualization.
How does an operating system ensure security?
Operating systems employ various security mechanisms, including user authentication, access control, encryption, and firewall protection, to safeguard data and resources from unauthorized access.
Trending Blogs
