Important Topics In Operating System

It’s a bunch of clever software that handles everything inside your computer and makes it work smoothly. Think of it as the middleman between you and the computer’s hardware.

So, when you switch on your computer, the OS steps in to help you communicate with the computer’s brain and ensure everything runs as it should. This operating system is a special kind of software. It’s part of System Software; its main job is to take care of the computer’s basic functions.

These functions include managing the computer’s memory, juggling tasks so everything gets done correctly, and keeping an eye on all the gadgets and gizmos connected to your computer. In a nutshell, the OS is like the unsung hero of your computer, quietly working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.

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Introduction to Operating System?

An Operating System (OS) serves as a crucial bridge between a computer user and the physical hardware of a computer. It’s essentially software that handles fundamental tasks such as organizing files, managing memory, overseeing processes, dealing with input and output operations, and controlling external devices like hard drives and printers.

When we talk about a Computer System, it’s composed of several key parts:

Computer Users: These people interact with the computer system, using it for various tasks and purposes.

Application Software

This category includes user-friendly software applications that individuals directly use to perform specific activities. Examples are web browsers, word processors like Microsoft Word, spreadsheet software like Excel, various text editors, and games. These applications are typically developed using high-level programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++ to make them user-friendly and accessible.

System Software

Unlike application software, system software is more complex and is closely tied to the computer’s hardware. It’s responsible for managing the hardware resources efficiently. System software includes Operating Systems like Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as tools like compilers and assemblers. These pieces of software are usually written in low-level programming languages like assembly language, allowing them to interact directly with the hardware and optimize its performance.

Computer Hardware

This encompasses the physical components of the computer system, such as the monitor, keyboard, central processing unit (CPU), storage disks, memory (RAM), and other essential hardware components.

In summary, an Operating System is a crucial intermediary between computer users and the computer’s hardware. It’s just one part of the larger computer system, including user-friendly application software, complex system software, and the physical hardware components that make up the computer. This setup allows users to interact with and make the most of their computer systems for various tasks and purposes.

Important Topics in Operating System

CPU Scheduling

This is like managing a queue at a busy store checkout. It’s about deciding which tasks or processes on a computer’s to-do list should get CPU time and in what order.

Round Robin, SJF, FCFS

Different strategies or methods for deciding who goes next in the CPU queue. Round Robin is like taking turns; SJF picks the shortest task first, and FCFS is first-come, first-served.

Schedulers

Think of schedulers as the traffic cops of a computer. They control when and how processes get to use the CPU.

Synchronization

Imagine two people working on the same document simultaneously; synchronization ensures they don’t overwrite each other’s changes. It’s about coordinating actions in a way that avoids conflicts.

Semaphores

Semaphores are like digital flag programs used to signal each other. They help synchronize, ensuring only one process accesses a resource simultaneously.

Deadlock

Picture two people in a narrow hallway who can’t move because they’re each waiting for the other to step aside. Deadlock is when processes get stuck because they’re all waiting for something that can’t happen.

Banker’s Algorithm

This is like a bank deciding whether to approve multiple loan applications simultaneously. It’s a method for avoiding deadlock in a resource allocation scenario.

Memory Management

Consider this a librarian arranging books on shelves efficiently. Memory management organizes a computer’s memory to store and retrieve data effectively.

Paging is like dividing a large book into smaller, equal-sized pages. It’s a memory management technique that makes managing and accessing data easier.

Segmentation

Segmentation is similar to organizing a library by categorizing books into different sections based on their topic or type. It’s another memory management approach.

Multilevel Paging

Imagine a library with several levels of categorization. Multilevel paging is a more complex memory management system that uses multiple layers of organization.

Virtual Memory

Consider virtual memory a computer’s expandable workspace. It allows the computer to use part of its disk storage like additional RAM.

Page Replacement Techniques

These are strategies for deciding which pages of data should stay in RAM and which should be moved to virtual memory or storage to make room for new data.

File System

This is like organizing files in a filing cabinet. It’s how a computer organizes and stores data on its storage devices.

UNIX File System

The UNIX file system is a specific way of organizing and managing files on UNIX-like operating systems, like Linux.

Disk Scheduling

Disk scheduling is like deciding which cars should be allowed on a one-lane road at what time. It’s about optimizing the order in which data is read from or written to a storage disk to minimize delays.

Operating System Examples

When it comes to operating systems, there’s a wide variety available, ranging from paid options to open-source ones. Here are some examples of the most well-known operating systems:

Windows

Windows is perhaps one of the most popular operating systems created and marketed by Microsoft. You’ll find different versions like Windows 8 and 10, but most have a price tag.

Linux

Linux is a beloved operating system that’s based on Unix. Linus Torvalds first introduced it on September 17, 1991. Today, you have more than 30 variants to choose from, such as Fedora, OpenSUSE, CentOS, and Ubuntu, to name a few. The best part? Many of these are free, although some offer enterprise versions for a small license fee. 3 MacOS is another Unix-based operating system developed and marketed by Apple Inc. since 2001, MacOS is another Unix-based operating system. It’s the backbone of Apple’s desktop and laptop computers.

iOS

If you own an iPhone or iPad, you’re likely familiar with iOS. Apple Inc. exclusively created and developed this mobile operating system for their mobile devices. It powers the apps and functions you use on your Apple mobile gadgets.

Android

Android is the go-to operating system for most touchscreen mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets. It’s based on a modified Linux kernel version and relies heavily on open-source software. Android offers a versatile platform for a wide range of mobile applications. These are just a few examples of the many operating systems available in today’s tech world. Each has unique features and purposes, catering to various user needs and preferences.