Functions of Operating System

Prerequisite – Introduction of Operating System 

An Operating System acts as a communication bridge (interface) between the user and computer hardware. The purpose of an operating system is to provide a platform on which a user can execute programs conveniently and efficiently.

An operating system is a piece of software that manages the allocation of Computer Hardware. The coordination of the hardware must be appropriate to ensure the correct working of the computer system and to prevent user programs from interfering with the proper working of the system. 

The main goal of the Operating System is to make the computer environment more convenient to use and the Secondary goal is to use the resources most efficiently. 

What is an Operating System?

An operating system is a program on which application programs are executed and acts as a communication bridge (interface) between the user and the computer hardware. The main task an operating system carries out is the allocation of resources and services, such as the allocation of memory, devices, processors, and information. The operating system also includes programs to manage these resources, such as a traffic controller, a scheduler, a memory management module, I/O programs, and a file system.

Why are Operating Systems Used?

Operating System is used as a communication channel between the Computer hardware and the user. It works as an intermediate between System Hardware and End-User. Operating System handles the following responsibilities:

• It controls all the computer resources.
• It provides valuable services to user programs.
• It coordinates the execution of user programs.
• It provides resources for user programs.
• It provides an interface (virtual machine) to the user.
• It hides the complexity of software.
• It supports multiple execution modes.
• It monitors the execution of user programs to prevent errors.

Functions of an Operating System

Memory Management

The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is made up of a large array of bytes or words where each byte or word is assigned a certain address. Main memory is fast storage and it can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it should be first loaded in the main memory. An Operating System performs the following activities for Memory Management:

• It keeps track of primary memory, i.e., which bytes of memory are used by which user program. The memory addresses that have already been allocated and the memory addresses of the memory that has not yet been used. 
• In multiprogramming, the OS decides the order in which processes are granted memory access, and for how long. 
• It Allocates the memory to a process when the process requests it and deallocates the memory when the process has terminated or is performing an I/O operation. 

Memory Management

Processor Management

In a multi-programming environment, the OS decides the order in which processes have access to the processor, and how much processing time each process has. This function of OS is called Process Scheduling. An Operating System performs the following activities for Processor Management. 
Keeps track of the status of processes. The program which performs this task is known as a traffic controller. Allocates the CPU that is a processor to a process. De-allocates processor when a process is no more required.

Processor Management

Device Management

An OS manages device communication via its respective drivers. It performs the following activities for device management. Keeps track of all devices connected to the system. designates a program responsible for every device known as the Input/Output controller. Decides which process gets access to a certain device and for how long. Allocates devices effectively and efficiently. Deallocates devices when they are no longer required. 

File Management

A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain other directories and other files. An Operating System carries out the following file management activities. It keeps track of where information is stored, user access settings, the status of every file, and more. These facilities are collectively known as the file system. 

File Management

User Interface or Command Interpreter

The user interacts with the computer system through the operating system. Hence OS act as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. This user interface is offered through a set of commands or a graphical user interface (GUI). Through this interface, the user makes interaction with the applications and the machine hardware.

Command Interpreter

Booting the Computer

The process of starting or restarting the computer is known as booting. If the computer is switched off completely and if turned on then it is called cold booting. Warm booting is a process of using the operating system to restart the computer.

Security

The operating system uses password protection to protect user data and similar other techniques. it also prevents unauthorized access to programs and user data.  

Control Over System Performance

Monitors overall system health to help improve performance. records the response time between service requests and system response to having a complete view of the system’s health. This can help improve performance by providing important information needed to troubleshoot problems. 

Control Over System Performance

Job Accounting

The operating system Keeps track of time and resources used by various tasks and users, this information can be used to track resource usage for a particular user or group of users. 

Error-Detecting Aids

The operating system constantly monitors the system to detect errors and avoid malfunctioning computer systems. 

Coordination Between Other Software and Users

Operating systems also coordinate and assign interpreters, compilers, assemblers, and other software to the various users of the computer systems. 

Performs Basic Computer Tasks

The management of various peripheral devices such as the mouse, keyboard, and printer is carried out by the operating system. Today most operating systems are plug-and-play. These operating systems automatically recognize and configure the devices with no user interference.

Network Management

The OS provides network connectivity and manages communication between computers on a network. It also manages network security by providing firewalls and other security measures.

Services Provided by an Operating System

The Operating System provides certain services to the users which can be listed in the following manner: 

• Program Execution: The Operating System is responsible for the execution of all types of programs whether it be user programs or system programs. The Operating System utilizes various resources available for the efficient running of all types of functionalities.
• Handling Input/Output Operations: The Operating System is responsible for handling all sorts of inputs, i.e., from the keyboard, mouse, desktop, etc. The Operating System does all interfacing most appropriately regarding all kinds of Inputs and Outputs. 
  For example, there is a difference between all types of peripheral devices such as mice or keyboards, the Operating System is responsible for handling data between them.
• Manipulation of File System: The Operating System is responsible for making decisions regarding the storage of all types of data or files, i.e., floppy disk/hard disk/pen drive, etc. The Operating System decides how the data should be manipulated and stored.
• Error Detection and Handling: The Operating System is responsible for the detection of any type of error or bugs that can occur while any task. The well-secured OS sometimes also acts as a countermeasure for preventing any sort of breach of the Computer System from any external source and probably handling them.
• Resource Allocation: The Operating System ensures the proper use of all the resources available by deciding which resource to be used by whom for how much time. All the decisions are taken by the Operating System.
• Accounting: The Operating System tracks an account of all the functionalities taking place in the computer system at a time. All the details such as the types of errors that occurred are recorded by the Operating System.
• Information and Resource Protection: The Operating System is responsible for using all the information and resources available on the machine in the most protected way. The Operating System must foil an attempt from any external resource to hamper any sort of data or information.
• System Services: The operating system provides various system services, such as printing, time and date management, and event logging.

All these services are ensured by the Operating System for the convenience of the users to make the programming task easier. All different kinds of Operating Systems more or less provide the same services.

Characteristics of Operating System

• Virtualization: Operating systems can provide Virtualization capabilities, allowing multiple operating systems or instances of an operating system to run on a single physical machine. This can improve resource utilization and provide isolation between different operating systems or applications.
• Networking: Operating systems provide networking capabilities, allowing the computer system to connect to other systems and devices over a network. This can include features such as network protocols, network interfaces, and network security.
• Scheduling: Operating systems provide scheduling algorithms that determine the order in which tasks are executed on the system. These algorithms prioritize tasks based on their resource requirements and other factors to optimize system performance.
• Interprocess Communication: Operating systems provide mechanisms for applications to communicate with each other, allowing them to share data and coordinate their activities.
• Performance Monitoring: Operating systems provide tools for monitoring system performance, including CPU usage, memory usage, disk usage, and network activity. This can help identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system performance.
• Backup and Recovery: Operating systems provide backup and recovery mechanisms to protect data in the event of system failure or data loss.
• Debugging: Operating systems provide debugging tools that allow developers to identify and fix software bugs and other issues in the system.