Unit V
Protection and security: policy and mechanism, authentication, authorization.
Mobile OS: Concepts, history, features, architecture, future scope.
Mobile ope-rating systems (Mobile OS) manage mobile- gadgets like phones and table-ts. These systems
run apps. The-y are not like desktops as mobile-s have different ne-eds. An operating syste-m (OS) for
mobile devices manage-s the basic functions. It runs apps, controls memory, and connects to
ne-tworks. These systems provide- an easy-to-use interface-.
They're designe-d for smartphones, tablets, and wearable- tech. Mobile OSes le-t you multitask, browse
the web and download apps. Popular options include- iOS from Apple, Android from Google, and
Huawei's HarmonyOS. Mobile- operating systems power mode-rn gadgets. With them, phones be-come
portable computers, communication tools, and e-ntertainment hubs.
Key Feature-s of a Mobile Operating System
1. User Interface (UI): Touch inputs of Graphical User Interface (GUI) provided by mobile OS are
optimized. This is where users can use touch gestures, in other words, swiping, tapping, and pinching, to
interact with their gadgets.
2. Multitasking: It helps in running of many apps at the same time but what is more we can quickly
switch between them without any hindrance. Such offloading is for applications that are not currently
used actively.
3. Connectivity: It provides a variety of connections such as cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field
Communication) and others to facilitate the communication of the device with other devices and
networks.
4. Application Management: Is a platform that has its own app marketplace or store which the users
utilize to browse, install, run and updates the applications exclusively for that platform.
5. Resource Management: Efficiently allocates hardware resources like the CPU ,ram , and battery by
achieving a balance between performance and battery life.
A Mobile OS is designed specifically for mobile devices, considering factors like:
• Power Efficiency – Optimized for battery usage.
• Touchscreen Interface – Designed for touch-based input.
• Connectivity – Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.
• Security – Includes app permissions and encryption.
• App Ecosystem – Provides an environment for third-party apps.
History of Mobile OS
Early Mobile OS (1990s - 2000s)
• Palm OS (1996) – One of the first OS for PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).
• Symbian OS (1998) – Popular in Nokia phones, supported multitasking.
• Windows Mobile (2000) – Microsoft's OS for early smartphones.
• BlackBerry OS (2002) – Focused on business users with secure email services.
Modern Mobile OS (2007 - Present)
• iOS (2007) – Apple introduced iOS with the iPhone, revolutionizing mobile computing.
• Android (2008) – Open-source OS by Google, now the most widely used mobile OS.
• Windows Phone (2010 - 2017) – Microsoft's attempt in mobile but was discontinued.
• HarmonyOS (2019) – Huawei’s OS as an alternative to Android.
Features of Mobile OS
• Multitasking – Runs multiple apps simultaneously.
• Touch & Gesture Controls – Supports swiping, pinching, tapping.
• App Store Integration – Access to millions of apps.
• Cloud Syncing – Syncs data across devices.
• Voice Assistants – AI-powered assistants like Siri, Google Assistant.
• Security Features – Biometric authentication, encryption.
• Power Management – Optimized battery usage.
• Customizability – Themes, widgets, and UI tweaks (especially in Android).
Architecture of Mobile OS
The architecture of a Mobile Operating System (Mobile OS) is designed to manage hardware resources
efficiently while providing a smooth user experience. It consists of multiple layers, each responsible for
different functionalities.
Layers of Mobile OS Architecture
A typical Mobile OS has the following five layers:
1. Hardware Layer
This is the foundation of the Mobile OS and includes:
• Processor (CPU & GPU) – Executes tasks and processes graphical operations.
• Memory (RAM & Storage) – Stores temporary and permanent data.
• Battery Management – Ensures efficient power consumption.
• Communication Components – Includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and cellular network support.
• Sensors & Input Devices – Touchscreen, accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, GPS, fingerprint
sensor, etc.
The Mobile OS interacts with the hardware via device drivers.
2. Kernel Layer (Core of the OS)
The kernel is the core of the Mobile OS, managing communication between hardware and software.
Most modern Mobile OS (Android, iOS) use a Linux-based kernel.
Key Responsibilities of the Kernel Layer
• Process Management – Handles multitasking and process scheduling.
• Memory Management – Allocates RAM efficiently to avoid crashes.
• Device Management – Controls hardware components like CPU, camera, and sensors.
• Power Management – Optimizes battery consumption.
• Security & Protection – Enforces app sandboxing, permission handling, and encryption.
Example:
• Android Kernel – Uses a modified Linux kernel with features like low power consumption and
enhanced security.
• iOS Kernel (XNU Kernel) – A hybrid kernel based on Mach and BSD Unix.
3. Middleware Layer
The middleware layer provides essential services to applications and acts as a bridge between the
kernel and user applications.
Key Components of Middleware
• Libraries – Pre-installed libraries for functions like graphics rendering (OpenGL, Vulkan),
database access (SQLite), and web browsing (WebKit).
• Runtime Environment – Runs applications efficiently. Example: Android Runtime (ART) or
Dalvik Virtual Machine in Android.
• Networking & Communication Services – Manages cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
• Media Framework – Handles audio and video playback, recording, and streaming.
This layer ensures that applications can run without directly interacting with the hardware.
4. Application Framework Layer
This layer provides essential APIs and tools that developers use to build mobile applications.
Key Responsibilities
• Activity Manager – Manages app lifecycle and user interactions.
• Window Manager – Handles UI rendering and screen layout.
• Location Services – Provides GPS and mapping functionalities.
• Telephony Manager – Handles calls, messages, and network connections.
• Notification Manager – Manages system and app notifications.
• Security Manager – Enforces permission handling for apps.
Each app interacts with this layer to access system resources in a secure and controlled manner.
5. Application Layer (User Interface Layer)
This is the topmost layer where users interact with the Mobile OS.
Key Components
• Pre-installed Apps – Phone, Messages, Camera, Browser, Settings.
• Third-Party Apps – Apps installed from Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) – Provides touchscreen interaction, gestures, and animations.
• Widgets & Notifications – Allow quick access to important information.
Future Scope of Mobile OS
• AI Integration – Smarter AI-powered assistants and predictive analytics.
• 5G & Beyond – Faster, low-latency internet will enhance mobile experiences.
• Extended Reality (XR) – Support for AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality).
• Improved Security – More secure OS with AI-driven threat detection.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility – Integration with desktops, wearables, and IoT devices.
• Cloud-Based OS – Cloud-powered mobile OS for lightweight and fast performance.
Case studies: Android, UNIX kernel and Microsoft Windows NT (concepts only).
▪ Android OS (Mobile Operating System)
Concepts
Android is an open-source mobile operating system developed by Google, primarily designed for
smartphones, tablets, and smart devices.
• Based on Linux Kernel – Uses a modified Linux kernel to manage device resources efficiently.
• Android Runtime (ART) – Executes Android applications, replacing the older Dalvik Virtual
Machine.
• Application Framework – Provides APIs for app development using Java/Kotlin.
• Security Model – Uses sandboxing to isolate apps and permission-based access to hardware.
• Customizability – Highly customizable UI and features, used by manufacturers like Samsung,
Xiaomi, etc.
• App Ecosystem – Apps are distributed via the Google Play Store.
• Multitasking – Supports running multiple apps simultaneously.
Use Cases
• Smartphones and tablets.
• Smart TVs (Android TV), wearables (Wear OS).
• Automotive systems (Android Auto).
▪ UNIX Kernel (Multiuser and Multitasking OS)
Concepts
UNIX is a multiuser, multitasking OS originally developed in the 1970s at AT&T Bell Labs. It has
influenced many modern OS like Linux, macOS, and BSD.
• Modular Kernel Design – Provides efficient process management, memory management, and file
system handling.
• Multiuser and Multitasking – Supports multiple users and processes at the same time.
• Security and Permissions – Uses a file-based permission system to control access.
• Command-Line Interface (CLI) – Provides powerful scripting capabilities through shell
commands.
• Portable and Scalable – Runs on various hardware architectures, from servers to embedded
systems.
• Networking Capabilities – Strong built-in networking features, widely used in servers.
Use Cases
• Enterprise and cloud servers (Linux, BSD-based OS).
• macOS (derived from UNIX).
• Embedded systems and supercomputers.
▪ Microsoft Windows NT (Secure and Scalable OS)
Concepts
Windows NT (New Technology) is a hybrid kernel OS developed by Microsoft, introduced in 1993 as a
business-oriented OS with improved security and stability.
• Hybrid Kernel – Combines features of microkernel (modularity) and monolithic kernel
(performance).
• Preemptive Multitasking – Efficiently schedules multiple running processes.
• Security & Access Control – Uses NTFS (New Technology File System) with user permissions and
encryption.
• Win32 API – Supports legacy applications while maintaining backward compatibility.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) – Provides an intuitive interface for users.
• Multiuser and Networking – Supports domain-based authentication and enterprise network
management.
Use Cases
• Business and enterprise workstations (Windows 10, 11).
• Servers (Windows Server editions).
• Gaming and personal computing.
Comparison
Feature Android OS (Mobile) UNIX Kernel (Multiuser OS) Windows NT (Enterprise OS)
Kernel Type Modified Linux Kernel Monolithic Kernel Hybrid Kernel
Target Smartphones, tablets Servers, workstations PCs, servers
Devices
Security Sandboxing, app File permissions, user NTFS-based encryption and
Model permissions authentication access control
User Touch-based GUI CLI & GUI GUI-based
Interface
Primary Use Consumer devices Enterprise, cloud, embedded Business, gaming, enterprise
Case systems
