Functions of an Operating System
Acts as an interface between the user and computer hardware.
Provides a platform for executing programs conveniently and efficiently.
Manages the allocation of hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage, I/O devices).
Coordinates hardware to ensure smooth and correct operation.
Prevents user programs from interfering with each other or the system.
Goals of an Operating System
Primary Goal:
o Make the computer environment easy, friendly, and convenient for users.
Secondary Goal:
o Ensure that hardware resources are used in the most efficient way possible.
detailed flowchart: it shows not only the layers (User → Applications → Operating System →
Hardware) but also the internal modules of the OS like the traffic controller, scheduler, memory
management, I/O programs, and file system.
Internal Modules of the Operating System
Traffic Controller
o Manages the flow of data and processes in the system.
o Ensures orderly execution by keeping track of program status and preventing
conflicts.
Scheduler
o Decides the order in which processes are executed.
o Allocates CPU time fairly and efficiently among running tasks.
Memory Management
o Allocates memory space to programs and keeps track of usage.
o Ensures no program interferes with another’s memory space.
o Frees memory when programs are no longer running.
I/O Programs
o Manage input and output operations between hardware devices (keyboard, mouse,
printers, etc.) and applications.
o Provide a buffer so programs don’t directly deal with hardware complexity.
File System
o Organizes, stores, and retrieves data on storage devices.
o Maintains file security, access permissions, and hierarchical structure (folders,
directories).
Comparison of Popular Operating Systems
Operating
Type Main Use / Users Key Features (Modules in Action)
System
General users, - Strong scheduler for multitasking- File
Proprietary
Windows businesses, system: NTFS, FAT32- GUI-focused with
(Microsoft)
gaming wide hardware/software support
Developers, - Uses Linux kernel for memory & process
Open-source
Ubuntu servers, desktop management- File system: ext4- Popular for
Linux distro
users programming, security, and servers
Open-source - Cutting-edge Linux features- Strong
Developers,
Fedora Linux distro (Red package management (dnf)- Focus on
enterprise testing
Hat–sponsored) security modules (SELinux)
- Based on UNIX (Darwin kernel)- File
Creative
Proprietary system: APFS- Optimized memory
macOS professionals,
(Apple) management and I/O handling for Apple
Mac users
hardware
- Designed for mobile devices- Strong I/O
Open-source
Mobile users, programs for touch, sensors, cameras- File
Android (Google, Linux-
tablets, IoT system: ext4 or f2fs- Power-efficient
based)
scheduler for battery saving
Desktop OS → Windows, Ubuntu, Fedora, macOS
Mobile OS → Android
Server/Enterprise OS → Ubuntu, Fedora
Major Functions of an Operating System
1. Process Management
Handles creation, scheduling, and termination of processes.
Ensures fair CPU time allocation and smooth multitasking.
Manages synchronization, communication, and deadlock prevention.
2. Memory Management
Manages RAM allocation and deallocation.
Moves processes between main memory and disk using virtual memory.
Prevents memory conflicts and ensures efficient use.
3. File Management
Creates, organizes, and manages files and directories.
Controls access permissions (read, write, execute).
Ensures file security, integrity, and recovery options.
4. Device Management
Manages input/output devices through device drivers.
Coordinates communication between hardware devices and applications.
Examples: printer management, USB device handling.
5. Security
Protects system resources and user data from unauthorized access.
Uses passwords, encryption, firewalls, and access control mechanisms.
Prevents system misuse or malicious attacks.
6. Job Accounting
Tracks system resource usage (CPU time, memory, I/O operations).
Helps in performance monitoring, billing, and optimization.
Identifies heavy resource users.
7. Secondary Storage Management
Manages disks and other long-term storage devices.
Ensures efficient storage allocation and access.
Uses disk scheduling algorithms to optimize read/write performance.
8. Networking
Provides network connectivity for data sharing and communication.
Manages protocols, IP addressing, and resource sharing across systems.
Enables client-server communication and internet access.
9. Coordination Between Software and Users
Assigns and manages software like compilers, assemblers, interpreters, and utility
programs.
Ensures smooth interaction between system software, applications, and users.
Coordinates tasks to improve productivity and usability.
📊 Summary of Operating System Functions
Function Description Example in Real OS
Creates, schedules, and terminates Windows Task Manager
Process
processes; manages multitasking and handling multiple apps; Linux
Management
synchronization. process scheduler.
Allocates/deallocates RAM; swaps
Memory macOS managing RAM with
processes between main memory and
Management inactive apps stored on disk.
disk (virtual memory).
Creates, organizes, secures, and retrieves NTFS in Windows, ext4 in
File Management
files on storage devices. Ubuntu, APFS in macOS.
Manages I/O devices through device Printer drivers in Windows;
Device Management
drivers; coordinates hardware access. USB device handling in Linux.
Protects system resources and user data
Login passwords, firewalls,
Security via authentication, access control, and
biometric security on Android.
encryption.
Tracks CPU time, memory, and
Server OS logging resource
Job Accounting resources used by tasks/users for
usage per user.
monitoring or billing.
Disk Defragmenter in
Manages disk storage, allocation, and
Secondary Storage Windows; Linux disk
retrieval; uses disk scheduling for
Management scheduling algorithms (C-
efficiency.
SCAN).
Provides connectivity and manages Windows managing Wi-Fi;
Networking communication between computers and Ubuntu handling TCP/IP
networks. protocols.
Coordination Assigns and manages compilers, Linux using GCC (compiler);
Between Software & interpreters, assemblers, and system OS coordinating software
Users utilities for users. execution for developers.
📌 Completed Acronyms in OS Functions
NTFS → New Technology File System (Windows file system)
ext4 → Fourth Extended File System (default Linux file system)
APFS → Apple File System (used in macOS and iOS)
USB → Universal Serial Bus (standard for connecting external devices)
GCC → GNU Compiler Collection (compiler for Linux and other OS)
TCP/IP → Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (fundamental networking
protocols)
Wi-Fi → Wireless Fidelity (wireless networking technology)
