Operating Systems

Operating Systems
Jonathan Grant High School
What is an Operating System (OS)
An Operating system is a suite of programs that manages the operations of the computer. More precisely, it is the channel that allows the
interaction between the computers hardware resources
What is an Operating System
(e.g. hard drive, monitor, printer or modem) and the application or other system software (e.g. MS PowerPoint, MS Access, MS Word or
Internet Explorer)

Functions of the OS
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Facilitate communication between the computer and the user.

Provides a user interface
Manages the sharing of internal memory
Decides on the order in which task are done
Monitors all the files stored on the disk
o How they are stored
o How they are organized
o How they are retrieved
o Provides security for the computer system

Definition of Terms
Task
The basic unit of work for a processor
Thread
This a process within another process that uses the resources of the processor its in.
Kernel
The most vital component of the operating system.
Icon
A graphical object used to represent commonly used features.

Characteristics of the OS
Multiprocessing
The use of multiple processing to process users tasks.
Multitasking
The processing of multiple tasks simultaneously

Multi-user

This allows more than one user to run programs simultaneously

Multithreading
This is the ability of an application to execute in two or more locations in a program using multiple threads

Examples of OS
Unix
Released in 1971, designed to work efficiently in a secure, centrally administered computer network.
Linus OS
Released in 1991,
Mac OS
Released in 1984
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating system)
Released in 1982
Windows
Released in 1990, this OS was revolutionary and remains as the most used GUI Interface.
Modes of Processing

Batch Processing

Commands or jobs are collected in groups and processed in the order in which they were placed in the group. ie. in a first in first out
sequence.
Runs completely or until an error occurs
Examples of BP systems utility bills, credit card companies
Advantages
Batch may be left to run without human intervention
Computer is only used for a period of time
Jobs can be schedule to run when the computer is not busy
Disadvantages
There are always delays for processing large batches
Requires a large computer and well trained staf

Time Sharing Multi Processing

These systems allow the CPU to switch between diferent programs rapidly so that users are unaware that they were time-sharing the CPU
with others.
Examples of TS systems a bankcard machine for using debit/credit card

Online / Real-time Processing

These systems allow data to be processed immediately on input and the result communicated to the user.
Online means peripheral devices such as when a printer is turned on and connected to a processor. You are also online when you are on
the Internet
Real-time processes data without significant delay, hence real-time systems must be online
Examples of real-time processing system flight simulation systems, electronic fund transfer & ticket reservation systems
Advantages
No significant delay for response
Information is always up-to-date
Disadvantages
The computer must be dedicated only to the task
The computer must be continually on-line

User Interface
What is a user interface?
A User Interface is the part of the computer that interacts with the user. The term user friendly is used to describe an interface
that is easy to use and or navigate

Command Driven Interface

This involves the use of commands that are typed by the user to instruct the computer what task to perform.
E.g.
Del sales.doc (this would delete the file sales)
Advantage
User can quickly enter commands if they are familiar with them.
Commands are executed faster by the processor.
Command Driven Interface
Disadvantages
Requires knowing the commands to work quickly and efficiently
Not suitable for novice users
Limited choice in input devices. Input is usually limited to keyboard.
Menu Driven Interface
This interface allows the user to select from a list of options that are displayed. There are diferent types of menus namely pull-down and
pop-up.
Pull down menus drops down when selected.
E.g. the menu bar in MS Word
Pop-up menus pops-up when the main item is selected.

E.g. The start menu in Windows.

There are 2 types of menu
1. Pull Down Menu
2. Pop-up Menu

Advantages
Commands can be entered from a variety of input devices.
User does not need to remember commands as they are selected from a list of options.
Disadvantages
To execute a command the user may be required to go through many steps.
Though commands do not have to be memorized users must know the menu under which the desired commands are located in order to
move quickly and efficiently.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
GUI pronounced gooey, uses a graphical display with a combination of WIMP which means Windows, Icons, Menus and
Pointers.
OPERATING SYSTEM TABLE

Last modified: Monday, 14 January 2013, 06:28 AM