How Operating Systems Works with core functionality

HOW OPERATING
SYSTEMS WORK
A Comprehensive Guide for Computer
Science Undergraduate Students

Introduction
 Operating systems (OS) are essential software
powering every modern computing device.
 Understanding operating systems provides
foundational knowledge for managing
resources, process control, memory
management, file systems, and security.

What is an Operating System?
 An OS is system software that manages
hardware and software resources, providing
services for applications.
 Acts as an intermediary between users and
hardware, facilitating seamless interaction.
 Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.

Core Functions of an Operating
System
 1. Process Management
 2. Memory Management
 3. File System Management
 4. Device Management
 5. User Interface
 6. Security and Protection

Process Management
 Involves creating, scheduling, and terminating
processes.
 Key Concepts:
 - Scheduling: Decides order of process execution.
 - Multitasking: Allows concurrent process
execution.
 - Context Switching: Enables efficient process
transitions.
 - Process States: Ready, running, or waiting states.

Memory Management
 Controls and coordinates the computer’s RAM.
 Key Concepts:
 - Virtual Memory: Expands usable memory via
disk swapping.
 - Paging and Segmentation: Organize memory
allocation.
 - Memory Protection: Ensures stability across
processes.

File System Management
 Enables data storage and retrieval in a
structured format.
 Key Concepts:
 - File Types and Access Methods.
 - Permissions: Control data accessibility.
 - Directory Structure: Organizes files
efficiently.

Device Management
 Handles communication between hardware
devices and the OS.
 Key Concepts:
 - Device Drivers: Facilitate hardware-software
communication.
 - I/O Scheduling and Interrupts: Manage and
optimize device usage.

User Interface
 The interface allows users to interact with the
OS.
 Two main types:
 - GUI: Graphical interface with icons and
menus.
 - CLI: Command-line interface for textual
commands.

Security and Protection
 Protects resources and data from unauthorized
access.
 Key Concepts:
 - Authentication and Authorization: Verifies
user identity.
 - Encryption and Firewalls: Secure data
transmission.

Types of Operating Systems
 1. Batch OS
 2. Time-Sharing OS
 3. Distributed OS
 4. Real-Time OS (RTOS)
 5. Embedded OS
 Each type is designed for specific operational
requirements.

How an Operating System Works in
Practice
 1. Booting: Loading OS into memory and
initializing hardware.
 2. User Login: Grants access to resources.
 3. Running Applications: Allocates resources to
programs.
 4. File Management: Organizes data storage.
 5. System Shutdown: Releases resources
gracefully.

Conclusion
 Operating systems are crucial for efficient
hardware and software management.
 Understanding OS functions is foundational
for advanced topics like systems programming
and cybersecurity.

Compiled by:
 Engr. Asim Aziz
 Lecturer SST/ CS
 UMT, Lahore

How Operating Systems Works with core functionality

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