An operating system is a software program required to manage and operate a computing device for communication between a user and a system to take place with the help of operating systems. Windows, Linux, and Android smartphones, tablets, computers, supercomputers, web servers, cars, network towers, smartwatches, etc. It is the operating system that eliminates the need to know coding language to interact with computing devices. An operating system is a construct that allows the user application programs to interact with the system hardware. Since the operating system is such a complex structure, it should be created with utmost care so it can be used and modified easily. An easy way to do this is to create the operating system in parts.
As the name suggests, an operating system is a type of software without which you cannot operate or run a computer. It acts as an intermediary or translation system between computer hardware and application programs installed on the computer. In other words, you cannot directly use computer programs with computer hardware without having a medium to establish a connection between them.
Besides this, it is also an intermediary between the computer user and the computer hardware as it provides a standard user interface that you see on your computer screen after you switch on your computer. For example, the Windows and the Mac OS are also operating systems that provide a graphical interface with icons and pictures to enable users to access multiple files and applications simultaneously.
So, although the operating system is itself a program or software, it allows users to run other programs or applications on the system. We can say that it works behind the scenes to run your computer.
Major Functions of Operating System
An operating system has three main functions: (1) manage the computer’s resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and printers, (2) establish a user interface, and (3) execute and provide services for applications software.
- Memory management: It manages both the primary and secondary memory such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, pen drive, etc. It checks and decides the allocations and deallocation of memory space to different processes. When a user interacts with a system, the CPU is supposed to read or write operations, in this case, OS decides the amount of memory to be allocated for loading the program instructions and data into RAM. After this program is terminated, the memory area is again free and is ready to be allocated to other programs by the OS.
- Processor Management: It facilitates processor management, where it decides the order for the processes to access the processor as well as decides the processing time to be allocated for each process. Besides this, it monitors the status of processes, frees the processor when a process is executed then allocates it to a new process.
- Device/ hardware management: The operating system also contains drivers to manage devices. A driver is a type of translation software that allows the operating system to communicate with devices, and there are different drivers for different devices as each device speaks a different language.
- Run software applications: It offers the environment to run or use software applications developed to perform specific tasks, for example, Ms. Word, Ms. Excel, Photoshop, etc.
- Data management: It helps in data management by offering and displaying directories for data management. You can view and manipulate files, and folders, e.g., you can move, copy, name, rename, or delete a file or a folder.
- Evaluates the system’s health: It gives us an idea about the performance of the hardware of the system. For example, you can see how busy the CPU is, how fast the data is retrieved from the hard disk, etc.
- Provides user interface: It acts as an interface between the user and the hardware. It can be a GUI where you can see and click elements on the screen to perform various tasks. It enables you to communicate with the computer even without knowing the computer’s language.
- I/O management: It manages the input-output devices and makes the I/O process smooth and effective. For example, it receives the input provided by the user through an input device and stores it in the main memory. Then it directs the CPU to process this input and accordingly provides the output through an output device such as a monitor.
- Security: It has a security module to protect the data or information stored in the memories of the computer against malware and unauthorized access. Thus, it not only manages your data but also helps to protect it.
- Time Management: It helps the CPU in time management. The Kernel OS keeps checking the frequency of processes that requests CPU time. When two or more processes that are equally important compete for the CPU time, then the CPU time is sliced into segments and allocated to these processes in a round-robin fashion to prevent a single process from monopolizing the CPU.
- Deadlock Prevention: Sometimes a resource that is supposed to be shared by two or more processes is held by one process due to which the resource cannot continue. This situation is known as deadlock. The OS does not let this situation arise by carefully distributing the resources among the different processes.
- Interrupt Handling: OS also responds to interrupts, which are signals generated by a program or a device to seek the attention of the CPU. The OS checks the priority of the interrupt, and if it is more important than the currently running process, it stops the execution of the current process and preserves this state of CPU then executes the requested process. Thereafter the CPU returns to the same state where it was stopped.
Types of Operating System
1) Batch Processing Operating System
The interaction between a user and the computer does not occur in this system. The user is required to prepare jobs on punch cards in the form of batches and submit them to the computer operator. The computer operator sorts the jobs or programs and keeps similar programs or jobs in the same batch and runs them as a group to speed up processing. It is designed to execute one job at a time. Jobs are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, i.e., in the order of their submission without any human intervention
For example, the credit card bill generated by banks is an example of batch processing. A separate bill is not generated for each credit card purchase, rather a single bill that includes all purchases in a month is generated through batch processing. The bill details are collected and held as a batch, and then it is processed to generate the bill at the end of the billing cycle. Similarly, in a payroll system, the salaries of employees of the company are calculated and generated through the batch processing system at the end of each month.
Advantages of Batch processing operating system
- Repeated jobs can be completed easily without any human intervention
- Hardware or system support is not required to input data in batch systems
- It can work offline, so it causes less stress on the processor as it knows which task to process next and how long the task will last.
- It can be shared among multiple users.
- You can set the timing of batch jobs so that when the computer is not busy, it can start processing the batch jobs such as at night or any other free time.
Disadvantages of batch processing operating systems
- You need to train the computer operators for using the batch system.
- It is not easy to debug this system.
- If any error occurs in one job, the other jobs may have to wait for an uncertain time.
2) Time Sharing Operating System
As the name suggests, it enables multiple users located at different terminals to use a computer system and to share the processor’s time simultaneously. In other words, each task gets time to get executed, and thus all tasks are executed smoothly.
Each user gets the processor’s time as they get while using a single system. The duration of time allocated to a task is called quantum or time slice; when this duration is over, OS starts the next task.
Advantages of the time-sharing operating system
- It reduces CPU idle time and thus makes it more productive.
- Each process gets the chance to use the CPU.
- It allowed different applications to run simultaneously.
Disadvantages of the time-sharing operating system
- It requires a special operating system as it consumes more resources.
- Switching between tasks may hang up the system as it serves lots of users and runs lots of applications at the same time, so it requires hardware with high specifications.
- It is less reliable.
3) Distributed Operating System
It uses or runs on multiple independent processors (CPUs) to serve multiple users and multiple real-time applications. The communication between processors is established through many communication lines such as telephone lines and high-speed buses. The processors may differ from each other in terms of size and function.
The availability of powerful microprocessors and advanced communication technology have made it possible to design, develop, and use the distributed operating system. Besides this, it is an extension of a network operating system that supports a high level of communication and integration of machines on the network.
Advantages of the distributed operating system
- Its performance is higher than a single system as resources are being shared.
- If one system stops working, malfunctions, or breaks down, other nodes are not affected.
- Additional resources can be added easily.
- Shared access to resources like printers can be established.
- Delay in processing is reduced to a greater extent.
- Data sharing or exchange speed is high, owing to the use of electronic mail.
Disadvantages of the distributed operating system
- Security issues may arise due to sharing of resources
- Few messages may be lost in the system
- Higher bandwidth is required in case of handling a large amount of data
- Overloading issues may arise
- The performance may be low
- The languages which are used to set up a distributed system are not well defined yet
- They are very costly, so they are not easily available.
4)Network Operating System
As the name suggests, this OS connects computers and devices to a local area network and manages network resources. The software in a NOS enables the devices of the network to share resources and communicate with each other. It runs on a server and allows shared access to printers, files, applications, files, and other networking resources and functions over a LAN. Besides this, all users in the network are aware of each other’s underlying configuration and individual connections. Examples: Ms. Windows Server 2003 and 2008, Linux, UNIX, Novell NetWare, Mac OS X, etc.
Advantages of network operating system
- The servers are centralized that can be accessed remotely from distant locations and different systems.
- It is easy to integrate advanced and recent technologies and hardware into this system.
Disadvantages of network operating system:
- The servers used in the system may be expensive.
- The system depends on the central location and requires regular monitoring and maintenance.
5) Real-Time Operating System
It is developed for real-time applications where data should be processed in a fixed, small duration of time. It is used in an environment where multiple processes are supposed to be accepted and processed in a short time. RTOS requires quick input and immediate response, e.g., in a petroleum refinery, if the temperate gets too high and crosses the threshold value, there should be an immediate response to this situation to avoid the explosion. Similarly, this system is used to control scientific instruments, missile launch systems, traffic lights control systems, air traffic control systems, etc.
This system is further divided into two types based on the time constraints:
Hard Real-Time Systems
These are used for applications where timing is critical or response time is a major factor; even a delay of a fraction of the second can result in a disaster. For example, airbags and automatic parachutes that open instantly in case of an accident. Besides this, these systems lack virtual memory.
Soft Real-Time Systems
These are used for applications where timing or response time is less critical. Here, the failure to meet the deadline may result in a degraded performance instead of a disaster. For Example, video surveillance (CCTV), video players, virtual reality, etc. Here, the deadlines are not critical for every task every time.
Advantages of the real-time operating system
- The output is more and quick owing to the maximum utilization of devices and system
- Task shifting is very quick, e.g., 3 microseconds, due to which it seems that several tasks are executed simultaneously
- Gives more importance to the currently running applications than the queued application
- It can be used in embedded systems like in transport and others.
- It is free of errors.
- Memory is allocated appropriately.
Disadvantages of the real-time operating system
- A fewer number of tasks can run simultaneously to avoid errors.
- It is not easy for a designer to write complex and difficult algorithms or proficient programs required to get the desired output.
- Specific drivers and interrupt signals are required to respond to interrupts quickly.
- It may be very expensive due to the involvement of the resources required to work.
For desktop and laptop computers, Windows is the most used at 75%, followed by Apple’s macOS at 16%, and Linux-based operating systems, including Google’s Chrome OS, at 5% (thereof “desktop Linux” at 2.35%).
What is Kernel in Operating System?
The kernel is the central component of a computer operating system. The only job performed by the kernel is to manage the communication between the software and the hardware. A Kernel is at the nucleus of a computer. It makes the communication between the hardware and software possible. While the Kernel is the innermost part of an operating system, a shell is the outermost one
Features of Kernel
- Low-level scheduling of processes
- Inter-process communication
- Process synchronization
- Context switching
Types of Kernel
There are many types of kernels that exist, but among them, the two most popular kernels are:
1. Monolithic
A monolithic kernel is a single code or block of the program. It provides all the required services offered by the operating system. It is a simplistic design that creates a distinct communication layer between the hardware and software.
2. Microkernels
Microkernel manages all system resources. In this type of kernel, services are implemented in different address spaces. The user services are stored in user address space, and kernel services are stored under kernel address space. So, it helps to reduce the size of both the kernel and operating system.
Difference between Firmware and Operating System
Below are the Key Differences between Firmware and Operating systems:
| Firmware | Operating System |
|---|---|
| Define Firmware: Firmware is one kind of programming that is embedded on a chip in the device which controls that specific device. | Define Operating System: OS provides functionality over and above that which is provided by the firmware. |
| Firmware is programs that have been encoded by the manufacturer of the IC or something and cannot be changed. | OS is a program that can be installed by the user and can be changed. |
| It is stored on non-volatile memory. | OS is stored on the hard drive. |
Difference between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Operating System
Below are the Key Differences between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Operating systems:
| Parameters | 32. Bit | 64. Bit |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Software | Allow 32 bit of data processing simultaneously | Allow 64 bit of data processing simultaneously |
| Compatibility | 32-bit applications require 32-bit OS and CPUs. | 64-bit applications require a 64-bit OS and CPU. |
| Systems Available | All versions of Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP, Linux, etc. | Windows XP Professional, Vista, 7, Mac OS X and Linux. |
| Memory Limits | 32-bit systems are limited to 3.2 GB of RAM. | 64-bit systems allow a maximum 17 Billion GB of RAM. |
Generations of Operating System
The first generation (1945 to 1955)
It was the time before the Second World War when the digital computer was not developed, and there were calculating engines with mechanical relays at this point. Later mechanical relays were replaced by vacuum tubes as they were very slow. But, the performance issue was not resolved even with vacuum tubes, besides these machines were too bulky and large as there were made of tens of thousands of vacuum tubes.
Furthermore, each of the machines was designed, programmed, and maintained by a single group of people. The programming languages and operating systems were not known, and absolute machine language was being used for programming.
These systems were designed for numerical calculations. The programmer was required to sign up for a block of time and then insert his plug board into the computer. In the 1950s, punch cards were introduced, which improved computer performance. It allowed programmers to write programs on punch cards and read them into the system; the rest of the procedure was the same.
The second generation (1955 to 1965)
This generation started with the introduction of transistors in the mid-1950s. The use of transistors made the computers more reliable, and they began to be sold to customers. These machines were called mainframes. Only big organizations and government corporations could afford it. In this machine, the programmer was required to write the program on paper and then punch it on cards. The card would be taken to the input room and handed over to an operator to get the output. The printer provides the output which was taken to the output room. These steps made it a time-consuming task. So, the batch system was adopted to address this issue.
In a batch system, the tasks were collected in a tray in the form of batches in the input room and read onto a magnetic tape, which was taken to the machine room, where it was mounted on a tape drive. Then using a special program, the operator was to read the first task or job from the tape and run it, and the output was generated onto a second tape. OS automatically read the next job from the tape, and Jobs were completed one by one. After the completion of the batch, the input and output tapes were taken off, and the next batch was started. The printouts were taken from the output tape. It was mainly used for engineering and scientific calculations. The first OS used in this generation of computers was called FMS (Fortran Monitor System), and IBMSYS and FORTRAN were used as high-level languages.
The third generation (1965 to 1979)
This generation began with the introduction of 360 families of computers by IBM in 1964. In this generation, transistors were replaced by silicon chips, and the operating system was developed for multiprogramming, some of them even supported batch processing, time-sharing, and real-time processing, at the same time.
The fourth-generation operating system (1979 to Present)
This generation of OS started with the introduction of personal computers and workstations. Chips that contain thousands of transistors were introduced in this generation which made possible the development of personal computers that supported the growth of networks and thus the development of network operating systems and distributed operating systems. DOS, Linux, and window operating systems are a few examples of OS of this generation.
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