An operating system (OS) serves as the intermediary between computer hardware and the user.
To
effectively fulfill this role, an OS must satisfy several fundamental needs to ensure proper functioning,
performance, and user satisfaction. Here are the primary needs that an operating system must satisfy:
1. Hardware Resource Management:
• CPU Management: The OS schedules tasks and processes, managing CPU time to ensure all
tasks are executed efficiently. It decides which processes to execute, when, and for how long.
• Memory Management: The OS manages the computer’s memory, including RAM, to allocate
and deallocate memory to processes as needed. It ensures that processes do not interfere with
each other's memory space.
• Storage Management: It handles data storage on hard drives or SSDs, managing file systems,
organizing files, and ensuring data security and integrity.
• Device Management: The OS manages I/O (Input/Output) devices like keyboards, printers, and
network cards, providing a communication bridge between hardware and software.
2. Process and Task Management:
• Multitasking: Modern OSs must be able to manage multiple processes at once, allowing users
to run several applications simultaneously without crashes or conflicts.
• Process Scheduling: Ensures fair and efficient allocation of the CPU to various processes. It
manages time-sharing between applications and background processes.
• Deadlock Prevention: Ensures that system resources are allocated in such a way that prevents
processes from entering a deadlock state (where two or more processes wait indefinitely for
resources).
3. User Interface:
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Provides a user-friendly environment where users can
interact with the system via graphical elements (windows, icons, buttons).
• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Provides advanced users and administrators the ability to
interact with the OS by typing commands.
• Accessibility: The OS needs to provide features that enhance accessibility for users with
disabilities, like screen readers and magnification tools.
4. Security and Access Control:
• Authentication: Ensures that only authorized users can access the system. This is often handled
via passwords, biometrics, or multi-factor authentication.
• Permission Management: Manages access to files and resources, ensuring that users can only
access what they are permitted to.
• Data Security: Protects the system and user data from threats like viruses, malware, and
unauthorized access through firewalls, encryption, and regular security updates.
• Auditing and Monitoring: Tracks user activities, system events, and accesses to detect any
malicious or unauthorized actions.
5. File and Disk Management:
• File System Management: The OS provides a file system that allows users to store, retrieve,
and organize files efficiently. It manages permissions, access control, and data retrieval.
• Data Backup: Ensures that users can back up their data to prevent loss in case of hardware
failure, corruption, or accidental deletion.
• Data Integrity: Ensures the consistency and reliability of stored data, minimizing the risk of
corruption and data loss.
6. Networking and Communication:
• Network Resource Access: The OS provides protocols for networking, enabling the computer
to connect to the internet or other computers for file sharing, data exchange, and
communication.
• Remote Access: Enables users or administrators to access and control a computer remotely,
crucial for distributed systems, cloud computing, and server management.
• Network Security: Manages secure connections through firewalls, VPNs, and secure sockets to
protect data during communication.
7. System Stability and Performance:
• Error Detection and Correction: The OS needs to monitor the system to detect errors or
malfunctions, and either correct them or alert the user.
• System Monitoring and Optimization: Manages system resources (CPU, memory, storage) to
ensure optimal performance and prevent system overloads or crashes.
• Performance Tuning: Allocates system resources efficiently based on workload demands,
ensuring smooth performance across applications.
8. User Convenience and Usability:
• Plug-and-Play: The OS should be able to automatically recognize and configure new hardware
(e.g., USB drives, printers) without requiring manual intervention.
• Application Support: Provides an environment where applications can run efficiently, offering
libraries and APIs that make it easier for software developers to write programs that run on the
system.
• Multi-User Capability: Supports multiple users on a single machine, managing their individual
files, settings, and processes securely and independently.
9. Multimedia Support:
• Audio/Video Management: An OS must support the playback, recording, and manipulation of
multimedia content. This includes support for multiple audio and video codecs, drivers, and
devices like microphones and speakers.
• Graphics Handling: Offers graphics support for 2D and 3D rendering, enabling a broad range
of applications from basic image editing to complex gaming and simulations.
10. Backup and Recovery:
• System Recovery Tools: Provides tools for recovering the system in case of failure, such as
booting into safe mode, restoring previous system states, and providing system repair utilities.
• Backup Solutions: The OS should offer or support software that allows users to create backups
of their files and system configurations in case of data loss or corruption.
