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Operating Systems Foundations and Functions

An operating system (OS) serves as the intermediary between user applications and computer hardware, focusing on efficient program execution and resource management. It encompasses various types, including batch, multi-tasking, real-time, and distributed OS, each with distinct characteristics and goals. Key functions include process, memory, resource, and file management, along with system calls that provide essential OS services to user programs.

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36 views1 page

Operating Systems Foundations and Functions

An operating system (OS) serves as the intermediary between user applications and computer hardware, focusing on efficient program execution and resource management. It encompasses various types, including batch, multi-tasking, real-time, and distributed OS, each with distinct characteristics and goals. Key functions include process, memory, resource, and file management, along with system calls that provide essential OS services to user programs.

Uploaded by

Vikash kumar singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Operating Systems: Foundations and Functions

An operating system (OS) acts as the crucial intermediary between user applications and computer hardware. It facilitates program
execution and resource management, ensuring an efficient and secure computing environment.

What is an OS? Goals Key Functions


Interface for user applications and Ease of use, efficient resource Process, memory, resource, and file
hardware. allocation, modularity, abstraction, management; protection and security.
debuggability.

Types of Operating Systems

Batch OS Multi-programmed/Multi-tasking OS
Groups similar jobs; sequential execution. Multiple jobs in memory; time-sharing.

Increased CPU idleness. Increased CPU utilization.


Decreased throughput. Improved throughput and response time.

Real-time OS Distributed OS
Strict time constraints (hard/soft). Jobs across networked processors.

System failure if constraints violated. Resource sharing, speed, reliability.

Dual Mode Operations & System Calls

Dual Mode Operations System Calls


Processor supports User and Kernel modes for protection. Provide OS services to user programs, acting as kernel entry
points.
Mode bit 0: Kernel mode: Direct hardware access, privileged
instructions (I/O, context-switching). fork() system call: Creates child processes.
Mode bit 1: User mode: No hardware access, limited Returns 0 to child.
instructions (read clock, generate trap). Returns child PID to parent on success.

Returns negative on failure.


Number of child processes: For 'n' fork() calls, 2^n - 1.

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