Week 1: Introduction to Operating Systems

1. Overview of Operating Systems

Dfn 1:

 An operating system (OS) is software that acts as an intermediary between computer

hardware and the computer user. It provides a user interface and manages computer
resources efficiently.

In other words, the operating system acts as an intermediary between the user of a
computer and computer hardware. The purpose of an operating system is to provide an
environment in which a user can execute programs conveniently and efficiently.

 A more common definition is that the operating system is the one program running at all
times on the computer (usually called the kernel), with all else being application programs.

 Dfn 2: n Operating System (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware
resources and provides common services for computer programs. When you start using a
Computer System then it's the Operating System (OS) which acts as an interface between
you and the computer hardware. The operating system is a low-level Software which is
categorised as System Software and supports a computer's basic functions, such as file
management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and
controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers etc.

Generally, a Computer System consists of the following components:

 Computer Users - are the users who use the overall computer system.

 Application Software - are the software which users use directly to perform different
activities. These software are simple and easy to use like Browsers, Word, Excel, different
Editors, Games etc. These are usually written in high-level languages, such as Python, Java
and C++.

 System Software - are the software which are more complex and they are more near to
computer hardware. These software are usually written in low-level languages like assembly
language and include Operating Systems (Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux),
Compilers, Assemblers etc.

 Computer Hardware includes Monitor, Keyboard, CPU, Disks, Memory, etc.

Operating System - Examples

There are many operating systems available, both commercial and open-source. Below are examples
of some of the most popular operating systems, including recent ones:

a) Windows

 Description - One of the most widely used commercial operating systems developed and
marketed by Microsoft e.g., Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11.

 Key Features: User-friendly interface, extensive software support, regular updates, and
strong security features. Most versions are paid.
b) Linux

 Description: A Unix-based open-source operating system first released on September 17,

1991, by Linus Torvalds. It is highly customizable and known for its stability and security e.g.,
Fedora, OpenSUSE, CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux.

 Key Features: Open-source, free to use (with some enterprise versions available for a fee),
large community support, and extensive use in servers and supercomputers.

c) MacOS

 Description: A Unix-based operating system developed and marketed by Apple Inc. since
2001, known for its sleek design and seamless integration with other Apple products, e.g.,
MacOS Big Sur, MacOS Monterey, MacOS Ventura.

 Key Features: User-friendly interface, strong security, exclusive to Apple hardware,

optimized performance for Apple devices.

d) iOS

 Description: A mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for
its mobile devices e.g., iOS 14, iOS 15, iOS 16.

 Key Features: Optimized for touchscreen devices, high security, regular updates, exclusive to
iPhones and iPads.

e) Android

 Description: A mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and
other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices e.g., Android
10, Android 11, Android 12.

 Key Features: Open-source, highly customizable, extensive app ecosystem, supported by a

wide range of devices from different manufacturers.

f) Unix:

 Description: A powerful, multiuser operating system originally developed in the 1960s and
1970s at AT&T's Bell Labs e.g., AIX (IBM), HP-UX (Hewlett-Packard), Solaris (Oracle).

 Key Features: Stability, multitasking, multiuser capabilities, and strong security features.
Primarily used in enterprise and academic environments.

g) Chrome OS

 Description: A Linux-based operating system designed by Google, primarily for use in web-
based applications e.g., Chrome OS.

 Key Features: Lightweight, fast boot times, seamless integration with Google services, and
primarily designed for Chromebooks.

h) FreeBSD

 Description: An advanced open-source Unix-like operating system used for a variety of

purposes, including servers and embedded systems e.g., FreeBSD.

 Key Features: Robust networking, security features, and extensive documentation.

i) Solaris

 Description: A Unix-based operating system originally developed by Sun Microsystems, now

owned by Oracle Corporation e.g., Oracle Solaris 11.

 Key Features: Scalability, reliability, and security features, often used in enterprise
environments.

j) Raspberry Pi OS

 Description: A Debian-based operating system specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi

hardware e.g., Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian).

 Key Features: Optimized for Raspberry Pi devices, lightweight, and educational purposes.

Functions/Characteristics of an Operating System

An operating system (OS) performs a wide range of functions that are crucial for the operation of a
computer system. Below is a consolidated and refined list of key functions of an operating system:

a) Process Management

 Manages the execution of processes, including their creation, scheduling, and

termination.
 Ensures efficient execution of processes and manages process synchronization and
communication.

b) I/O Device Management

 Manages input and output devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, and storage
devices.
 Coordinates the operation of these devices to ensure smooth functioning.

c) File Management

 Handles the creation, deletion, reading, writing, and organization of files.

 Manages directories and provides a file system that allows users to access files
easily.

d) Network Management

 Manages network connections and resources.

 Ensures data communication between different systems over a network.

e) Main Memory Management

 Manages primary memory or RAM.

 Allocates and deallocates memory space as needed by processes.
 Ensures efficient use of memory and prevents memory leaks.

f) Secondary Storage Management:

 Manages secondary storage devices like hard drives and SSDs.

 Organizes data storage and retrieval, and manages disk space.

g) Security Management
  Ensures the protection of data and resources from unauthorized access.
 Implements user authentication, access control mechanisms, and encryption.

h) Command Interpreter System

 Provides an interface for users to interact with the system through commands.
 Executes user commands and scripts.

i) Control over System Performance

 Monitors system performance to ensure efficient operation.

 Adjusts system parameters to optimize performance.

j) Job Accounting

 Tracks system usage by different users and processes.

 Provides data for billing and analysis of resource usage.

k) Error Detection and Correction

 Detects and handles errors within the computer system.

 Takes corrective actions to maintain system stability and reliability.

l) Coordination Between Software and Users

 Facilitates communication and coordination between different software applications

and users.
 Ensures that applications can work together efficiently.

m) Resource Management

 Manages all the hardware resources of a computer system, including CPU, memory,
disk drives, and other peripheral devices.
 Ensures that resources are allocated and utilized efficiently.

n) Many Other Important Tasks

 Manages power usage, updates and patches, logs system activities, and performs
system diagnostics.
 Provides support for multitasking, multiprocessing, and other advanced computing
capabilities.

Types of Operating Systems:

1. Batch Operating System:

o Executes batches of jobs without manual intervention.

2. Time-Sharing Operating System:

o Allows multiple users to use the system concurrently.

3. Distributed Operating System:

o Manages a group of distinct computers and makes them appear as a single

computer.

4. Network Operating System:

 o Manages network resources and provides services to computers connected in a
network.

5. Real-Time Operating System:

o Provides immediate processing and response to input, suitable for real-time

applications.
2. Historical Perspective of Operating Systems

Early Computers

 Early computers did not have operating systems. Users interacted directly with the
hardware.

First Generation (1940-1950)

 Machines were programmed in machine language.

 No operating systems.

Second Generation (1950-1960)

 Introduction of batch processing systems.

 IBM's first operating system, IBSYS, was created.

Third Generation (1960-1980)

 Development of multi-programming and time-sharing systems.

 Introduction of UNIX by AT&T Bell Labs.

Fourth Generation (1980-Present)

 Advent of personal computers and operating systems like MS-DOS and Windows.

 Development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs).