Summary Comprehensive Overview of Operating Systems Basics
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Course
BSc CS (SCS3207)
Institution
University Of Nairobi
This document provides a quick yet comprehensive summary of key concepts, mechanisms, and algorithms related to operating systems. Whether you want to understand CPU scheduling, process management, or memory management, you'll find essential points and definitions that make grasping these topics ea...
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Content Overview
Note : The notes present in the PDF are primarily summaries of various
operating system topics. They provide concise overviews of key concepts,
mechanisms, and algorithms related to operating systems without going into
extensive detail or in-depth explanations. Each section highlights important
points and definitions, making it suitable for a quick understanding of the
subject matter.
Topic Subtopics
1. Introduction to - Definition and purpose of an operating system (OS).
Operating Systems - Functions of OS
- Examples and types of OS
2. CPU Scheduling - What is CPU Scheduling
- Key components of CPU Scheduling
3. Process Management - What is a process?
- Process States
- Process Scheduling, advantages and disadvantages
of scheduling algorithms
- Cooperating Processes
- Inter-Process Communication
4. OS Structure - Components typically present in an OS
- Virtual Machines
5. Threads - What are threads
- Multi Threaded Programming
- Single-threaded vs. Multi-threaded processes
,1. Introduction to Operating System
What is an Operating System?
An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages a computer's hardware and software
resources. It serves as an intermediary between the hardware and the user, providing a platform for
applications to run.
Key functions of an operating system include:
• Resource management: Allocates and manages system resources like CPU, memory,
storage, and input/output devices.
• Process management: Creates, schedules, and terminates processes (running programs).
• Memory management: Handles the allocation and deallocation of memory to processes.
• File system management: Organizes and manages files and directories on storage devices.
• Input/output (I/O) handling: Controls the interaction between the computer and external
devices.
• User interface: Provides a way for users to interact with the computer, such as through a
graphical user interface (GUI) or command-line interface (CLI).
Common examples of operating systems include:
• Windows: Developed by Microsoft, it's widely used for personal computers.
• macOS: Developed by Apple for its Macintosh computers.
• Linux: An open-source operating system available in various distributions like Ubuntu,
Debian, and Fedora.
• Android: Based on Linux, it's primarily used for smartphones and tablets.
• iOS: Developed by Apple for its iPhone and iPad devices.
In essence, an operating system is the foundation upon which a computer's functionality is built. It
ensures that hardware and software components work together seamlessly, providing a user-friendly
environment for applications to run.
Types of Operating Systems
Type of Operating Introduction Key Points
System
1. Simple Operating Designed for embedded systems and - Basic functionality to
System devices with limited resources. manage hardware.
- Used in microcontrollers,
IoT devices.
- Streamlined for specific
tasks.
2. Batch Operating Processes batches of tasks without user - Jobs executed sequentially.
System interaction. - Common in early
mainframe computing.
, - Efficient for large-scale data
processing.
3. Multi- Builds on batch systems, maximizing CPU - Overlaps CPU and I/O
Programmed Batch utilization by loading multiple jobs into operations.
OS memory. - Enhances system
throughput.
- More efficient than simple
batch systems.
4. Time-Sharing Enables multiple users to interact with the - Users share resources, and
Operating System system simultaneously, providing each a CPU switches between tasks.
small time slice. - Facilitates interactive
computing.
- Common in Unix systems.
5. Personal Designed for personal computers with a - GUI for easy interaction.
Computer OS user-friendly interface and resource - Supports a wide range of
management. applications.
- Examples: Windows,
MacOS, Linux.
6. Parallel Tailored for parallel computing, where - Coordinates tasks across
Operating System multiple processors work together to solve multiple processors.
complex problems. - Used in scientific/high-
performance computing.
- Example: AIX.
7. Distributed Manages tasks across multiple - Facilitates resource sharing.
Operating System interconnected computers, treating them as - Enhances reliability and
a unified resource. scalability.
- Example: Amoeba.
8. Real-Time Designed to provide immediate and - Used in aerospace,
Operating System predictable responses to events in mission- healthcare, industrial control.
critical applications. - Guarantees timely task
execution.
- Examples: VxWorks,
FreeRTOS.
9. Mobile Designed for smartphones and tablets with - Optimized for touchscreens
Operating System a mobile-friendly interface. and mobile hardware.
- Examples: Android, iOS.
- App-centric architecture.
Each type of operating system caters to specific requirements and computing environments, reflecting
the diverse needs of users and the evolution of technology.
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