BCA / B.Tech 13 min read

Operations of an Operating System

Operations of an Operating System:


The Operating System is a vital component of a computer that acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and software. It facilitates various tasks for users and efficiently manages computer resources. The operations of an operating system are based on several important functions aimed at improving system efficiency and user experience. Let's understand the different operations and their functions in detail:

1. Process Management:

Process management is a primary function of the OS, where it decides which process should use the CPU, for how long, and in what order. It includes:
  • Process Scheduling: Distributes CPU time among multiple processes, enabling multitasking.
  • Process Synchronization: Ensures that concurrent processes do not interfere with each other when using shared resources.
  • Process Creation and Termination: The OS creates a process when a program starts and terminates it when the task is complete.

2. Memory Management:

The main task of memory management is to manage the system's main memory (RAM).
  • Memory Allocation: The OS allocates memory to programs and deallocates it when the program finishes.
  • Virtual Memory: Uses parts of the hard drive as memory when physical RAM is low, allowing large programs to run smoothly.
  • Swapping: Moves processes between RAM and the hard disk to manage memory usage.

3. File Management:

Involves the management of files and directories.
  • File Creation and Deletion: Allows users to create, edit, and delete files.
  • File Access Control: Controls access to files to ensure security.
  • Directory Structure: Provides a directory structure to organize files.

4. Device Management:

Manages various hardware devices like printers, keyboards, and mice.
  • Device Driver Management: Manages drivers to ensure proper communication between hardware and software.
  • I/O Management: Coordinates with input and output devices.
  • Device Allocation and Deallocation: Decides which process gets to use a device and when.

5. Security and Protection Operations:

Aims to protect the system and user data from unauthorized access and damage.
  • User Authentication: Ensures only authorized users can access the system using passwords, biometrics, etc.
  • Access Control: Restricts access to system resources.
  • Data Encryption: Encrypts user data to keep it secure.

6. User Interface:

Provides a simple and intuitive interface for the user to interact with the computer.
  • Graphical User Interface (GUI): Uses windows, icons, and menus.
  • Command-Line Interface (CLI): A text-based interface where users enter commands.

7. Network Management:

Modern OS provides networking capabilities for data sharing.
  • Data Transmission: Ensures correct and secure data exchange over the network.
  • Network Protocols: Supports various network protocols like TCP/IP.

8. Error Management:

Detects and manages errors in the computer system to minimize damage. This includes both hardware and software errors.

In this Chapter

Operations of an Operating System
Distributed System in Operating System
Real-Time System in Operating System
System Calls in Operating System
System Programs in Operating System
Structure of an Operating System
Layered Design of an Operating System Structure
UNIX in Operating System
Virtual Machine in Operating System
Kernel-Based Operating System
Process Concept in Operating System
Interacting Processes in Operating System
Threads in Operating System
Fundamentals of Scheduling in Operating System
Scheduling Criteria in Operating System
Long, Medium, and Short-Term Scheduling
Scheduling Algorithms in Operating System
Structure of a Concurrent System
Critical Region in Operating System
Critical Section in Operating System
Inter-process Communication (IPC) in Operating System
Monitors in Operating System
Semaphores in Operating System
Semaphore Implementation & Uses in Operating System
Logical and Physical Address in Operating System
Swapping in Operating System
Contiguous Allocation in Operating System
Segmentation in Operating System
Paging in Operating System
Virtual Memory using Segmentation in Operating System
Interprocess Communication Protocol in Operating System
Network Operating System
Design Issues in Distributed File System
Network Structure in Operating System
Structure of a Distributed System
File System and Coordination in Operating System
History of Linux in Operating System
Linux Commands
Programmer Interface & File Manipulation in Linux
Process Control in Linux
Kernel & Signals in Linux
File System in Linux
Blocks and Inodes in Linux
System Editors in Linux
Character Transliteration in Linux
The `ed` Line Editor in Linux
The `vi` Editor and Its Commands
Shell Scripting in Linux
Looping & Decision Making in Linux Shell Scripting
Variables & File Name Expansion in Linux
Arrays in Linux Shell Scripting
Subprograms (Functions) in Linux Shell Scripting
C Interface with Linux
Simple Shell Programs in Linux
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Types of Operating Systems
Goals of an Operating System
Resource Allocation & Functions in an Operating System
Classes of Operating System
Batch Processing in Operating System
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Time-Sharing in Operating System