OPERATING  SYSTEM

Topics-

• What is Operating System

• User Interface

• Functions of Operating system

 Operating System

An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer user and computer hardware. An operating system is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

Some popular Operating Systems include Linux Operating System, Windows Operating System, VMS, OS/400, AIX, z/OS, etc.

Definition

An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.

User Interface

• A program that controls a display for the user (usually on a computer monitor) and that allows the user to interact with the system) .
• The user interface allows the user to communicate with the operating system.
• The user interface provides means of:
  – Input - allowing the users to manipulate a system
  – Output - allowing the system to indicate the effects of the users' manipulation.

Types of User Interface

The user interface (UI) is the point of human-computer interaction and communication in a device. This can include display screens, keyboards, a mouse and the appearance of a desktop. It is also the way through which a user interacts with an application or a website. The growing dependence of many businesses on web applications and mobile applications has led many companies to place increased priority on UI in an effort to improve the user's overall experience.

Types of user interfaces

The various types of user interfaces include:

Command line interface (CLI)

Graphical user interface (GUI)

 Command line interface

A command-line interface is a mechanism for interacting with a computer operating system or software by typing commands to perform specific tasks.  This method of instructing a computer to perform a given task is referred to as "entering" a command. In command line interfcae system accept sinput via keyboard only.  This type of system is complicated and not suitable for beginners. 

Example of CLI are DOS , Unix etc.

Graphical user interface

• This Is a type of user interface which allows people to interact with computer with images rather than text commands.
• Accept input via keyboard and pointing devices
• .Easy to learn.

Elements of Graphical User Interface

• Pointer
• Icons
• Desktop
• Windows
• Menus

Functions Of Operating System

Following are some of important functions of an operating System.

• Memory Management
• Processor Management
• Device Management
• File Management
• Security
• Control over system performance
• Job accounting
• Error detecting aids
• Coordination between other software and users

Memory Management

Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is a large array of words or bytes where each word or byte has its own address.

Main memory provides a fast storage that can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it must in the main memory. An Operating System does the following activities for memory management −

• Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in use by whom, what part are not in use.

• In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get memory when and how much.

• Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.

• De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it or has been terminated.

Processor Management

In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which process gets the processor when and for how much time. This function is called process scheduling. An Operating System does the following activities for processor management −

• Keeps tracks of processor and status of process. The program responsible for this task is known as traffic controller.

• Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process.

• De-allocates processor when a process is no longer required.

Device Management

An Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does the following activities for device management −

• Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for this task is known as the I/O controller.

• Decides which process gets the device when and for how much time.

• Allocates the device in the efficient way.

• De-allocates devices.

File Management

A file system is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain files and other directions.

An Operating System does the following activities for file management −

• Keeps track of information, location, uses, status etc. The collective facilities are often known as file system.

• Decides who gets the resources.

• Allocates the resources.

• De-allocates the resources.

Other Important Activities

Following are some of the important activities that an Operating System performs −

• Security − By means of password and similar other techniques, it prevents unauthorized access to programs and data.

• Control over system performance − Recording delays between request for a service and response from the system.

• Job accounting − Keeping track of time and resources used by various jobs and users.

• Error detecting aids − Production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and error detecting aids.

• Coordination between other softwares and users − Coordination and assignment of compilers, interpreters, assemblers and other software to the various users of the computer systems.

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

Operating systems are there from the very first computer generation and they keep evolving with time. In this chapter, we will discuss some of the important types of operating systems which are most commonly used.

Batch operating system

The users of a batch operating system do not interact with the computer directly. Each user prepares his job on an off-line device like punch cards and submits it to the computer operator. To speed up processing, jobs with similar needs are batched together and run as a group. The programmers leave their programs with the operator and the operator then sorts the programs with similar requirements into batches.

The problems with Batch Systems are as follows −

• Lack of interaction between the user and the job.
• CPU is often idle, because the speed of the mechanical I/O devices is slower than the CPU.
• Difficult to provide the desired priority.

Multiprocessing System

A multiprocessing operating system (OS) is one in which two or more central processing units (CPUs) control the functions of the computer. Each CPU contains a copy of the OS, and these copies communicate with one another to coordinate operations. The use of multiple processors allows the computer to perform calculations faster, since tasks can be divided up between processors.

PRINCIPAL TERMS

• Central processing unit (CPU): sometimes described as the “brain” of a computer, the collection of circuits responsible for performing the main operations and calculations of a computer.
• Communication architecture: the design of computer components and circuitry that facilitates the rapid and efficient transmission of signals between different parts of the computer.
• Parallel processing: the division of a task among several processors working simultaneously, so that the task is completed more quickly.
• Processor coupling: the linking of multiple processors within a computer so that they can work together to perform calculations more rapidly. This can be characterized as loose or tight, depending on the degree to which processors rely on one another.
• Processor symmetry: multiple processors sharing access to input and output devices on an equal basis and being controlled by a single operating system.

MULTIPROCESSING VERSUS SINGLE-PROCESSOR OPERATING SYSTEMS

Multiprocessing operating systems (OSs) perform the same functions as single-processor OSs. They schedule and monitor operations and calculations in order to complete user-initiated tasks. The difference is that multiprocessing OSs divide the work up into various subtasks and then assign these subtasks to different central processing units (CPUs). Multiprocessing uses a distinct communication architecture to accomplish this.

A multiprocessing OS needs a mechanism for the processors to interact with one another as they schedule tasks and coordinate their completion. Because multiprocessing OSs rely on parallel processing, each processor involved in a task must be able to inform the others about how its task is progressing. This allows the work of the processors to be integrated when the calculations are done such that delays and other inefficiencies are minimized.

Multitasking System 

Multitasking is when multiple jobs are executed by the CPU simultaneously by switching between them. Switches occur so frequently that the users may interact with each program while it is running. An OS does the following activities related to multitasking −

• The user gives instructions to the operating system or to a program directly, and receives an immediate response.

• The OS handles multitasking in the way that it can handle multiple operations/executes multiple programs at a time.

• Multitasking Operating Systems are also known as Time-sharing systems.

• These Operating Systems were developed to provide interactive use of a computer system at a reasonable cost.

• A time-shared operating system uses the concept of CPU scheduling and multiprogramming to provide each user with a small portion of a time-shared CPU.

• Each user has at least one separate program in memory.

• A program that is loaded into memory and is executing is commonly referred to as a process.

• When a process executes, it typically executes for only a very short time before it either finishes or needs to perform I/O.

• Since interactive I/O typically runs at slower speeds, it may take a long time to complete. During this time, a CPU can be utilized by another process.

• The operating system allows the users to share the computer simultaneously. Since each action or command in a time-shared system tends to be short, only a little CPU time is needed for each user.

• As the system switches CPU rapidly from one user/program to the next, each user is given the impression that he/she has his/her own CPU, whereas actually one CPU is being shared among many users.

Time-sharing operating systems

Time-sharing is a technique which enables many people, located at various terminals, to use a particular computer system at the same time. Time-sharing or multitasking is a logical extension of multiprogramming. Processor's time which is shared among multiple users simultaneously is termed as time-sharing.

The main difference between Multiprogrammed Batch Systems and Time-Sharing Systems is that in case of Multiprogrammed batch systems, the objective is to maximize processor use, whereas in Time-Sharing Systems, the objective is to minimize response time.

Multiple jobs are executed by the CPU by switching between them, but the switches occur so frequently. Thus, the user can receive an immediate response. For example, in a transaction processing, the processor executes each user program in a short burst or quantum of computation. That is, if n users are present, then each user can get a time quantum. When the user submits the command, the response time is in few seconds at most.

The operating system uses CPU scheduling and multiprogramming to provide each user with a small portion of a time. Computer systems that were designed primarily as batch systems have been modified to time-sharing systems.

Advantages of Timesharing operating systems are as follows −

• Provides the advantage of quick response.
• Avoids duplication of software.
• Reduces CPU idle time.

Disadvantages of Time-sharing operating systems are as follows −

• Problem of reliability.
• Question of security and integrity of user programs and data.
• Problem of data communication.

Distributed operating System

Distributed systems use multiple central processors to serve multiple real-time applications and multiple users. Data processing jobs are distributed among the processors accordingly.

The processors communicate with one another through various communication lines (such as high-speed buses or telephone lines). These are referred as loosely coupled systems or distributed systems. Processors in a distributed system may vary in size and function. These processors are referred as sites, nodes, computers, and so on.

The advantages of distributed systems are as follows −

• With resource sharing facility, a user at one site may be able to use the resources available at another.
• Speedup the exchange of data with one another via electronic mail.
• If one site fails in a distributed system, the remaining sites can potentially continue operating.
• Better service to the customers.
• Reduction of the load on the host computer.
• Reduction of delays in data processing.

Network operating System

A Network Operating System runs on a server and provides the server the capability to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The primary purpose of the network operating system is to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network, typically a local area network (LAN), a private network or to other networks.

Examples of network operating systems include Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, Novell NetWare, and BSD.

The advantages of network operating systems are as follows −

• Centralized servers are highly stable.
• Security is server managed.
• Upgrades to new technologies and hardware can be easily integrated into the system.
• Remote access to servers is possible from different locations and types of systems.

The disadvantages of network operating systems are as follows −

• High cost of buying and running a server.
• Dependency on a central location for most operations.
• Regular maintenance and updates are required.

Real Time operating System

A real-time system is defined as a data processing system in which the time interval required to process and respond to inputs is so small that it controls the environment. The time taken by the system to respond to an input and display of required updated information is termed as the response time. So in this method, the response time is very less as compared to online processing.

Real-time systems are used when there are rigid time requirements on the operation of a processor or the flow of data and real-time systems can be used as a control device in a dedicated application. A real-time operating system must have well-defined, fixed time constraints, otherwise the system will fail. For example, Scientific experiments, medical imaging systems, industrial control systems, weapon systems, robots, air traffic control systems, etc.

There are two types of real-time operating systems.

Hard real-time systems

Hard real-time systems guarantee that critical tasks complete on time. In hard real-time systems, secondary storage is limited or missing and the data is stored in ROM. In these systems, virtual memory is almost never found.

Soft real-time systems

Soft real-time systems are less restrictive. A critical real-time task gets priority over other tasks and retains the priority until it completes. Soft real-time systems have limited utility than hard real-time systems. For example, multimedia, virtual reality, Advanced Scientific Projects like undersea exploration and planetary rovers, etc.