Operating System — Overview

An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer user and computer hardware. An operating system is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

Some popular Operating Systems include Linux Operating System, Windows Operating System, VMS, OS/400, AIX, z/OS, etc.

Definition

An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.

Following are some of important functions of an operating System.

• Memory Management
• Processor Management
• Device Management
• File Management
• Security
• Control over system performance
• Job accounting
• Error detecting aids
• Coordination between other software and users

Memory Management

Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is a large array of words or bytes where each word or byte has its own address.

Main memory provides a fast storage that can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it must in the main memory. An Operating System does the following activities for memory management −

Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in use by whom, what part are not in use.

In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get memory when and how much.

Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.

De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it or has been terminated.

Processor Management

In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which process gets the processor when and for how much time. This function is called process scheduling. An Operating System does the following activities for processor management −

Keeps tracks of processor and status of process. The program responsible for this task is known as traffic controller.

Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process.

De-allocates processor when a process is no longer required.

Device Management

An Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does the following activities for device management −

Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for this task is known as the I/O controller.

Decides which process gets the device when and for how much time.

Allocates the device in the efficient way.

File Management

A file system is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain files and other directions.

An Operating System does the following activities for file management −

Keeps track of information, location, uses, status etc. The collective facilities are often known as file system.

Decides who gets the resources.

Allocates the resources.

De-allocates the resources.

Other Important Activities

Following are some of the important activities that an Operating System performs −

Security − By means of password and similar other techniques, it prevents unauthorized access to programs and data.

Control over system performance − Recording delays between request for a service and response from the system.

Job accounting − Keeping track of time and resources used by various jobs and users.

Error detecting aids − Production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and error detecting aids.

Coordination between other softwares and users − Coordination and assignment of compilers, interpreters, assemblers and other software to the various users of the computer systems.

Operating system, its Functions and Characteristics

Operating System

Operating System (OS) is one of the core software programs that runs on the hardware and makes it usable for the user to interact with the hardware so that they can send commands (input) and receive results (output). It provides a consistent environment for other software to execute commands. So we can say that the OS acts at the center through which the system hardware, other softwares, and the user communicate. The following figure shows the basic working of the operating system and how it utilizes different hardware or resources.

Operating system serves many functions but I will discuss about the major functions which all operating systems have.

Basic Functions of the Operating system

The key five basic functions of any operating system are as following

1. Interface between the user and the hardware : An OS provides an interface between user and machine. This interface can be a graphical user interface (GUI) in which users click onscreen elements to interact with the OS or a command-line interface (CLI) in which users type commands at the command-line interface (CLI) to tell the OS to do things.

2. Coordinate hardware components :An OS enables coordination of hardware components. Each hardware device speaks a different language, but the operating system can talk to them through the specific translational softwares called device drivers. Every hardware component has different drivers for Operating systems. These drivers make the communication successful between the other softwares and the hardware.

3. Provide environment for software to function: An OS provides an environment for software applications to function. An application software is a specific software which is used to perform specific task. In GUI operating systems such as Windows and macOS, applications run within a consistent, graphical desktop environment.

4. Provide structure for data management : An OS displays structure/directories for data management. We can view file and folder listings and manipulate on those files and folders like (move, copy, rename, delete, and many others).

5. Monitor system health and functionality: OS monitors the health of our system’s hardware, giving us an idea of how well (or not) it’s performing. We can see how busy our CPU is, or how quickly our hard drives retrieve data, or how much data our network card is sending etc. and it also monitors system activity for malware.

Operating System Characteristics

The Operating systems are different according to the three primary characteristics which are licensing, software compatibility, and complexity.

Licensing

There are basically three kinds of Operating systems. One is Open Source OS, another is Free OS and the third is Commercial OS.

Linux is an open source operating system which means that anyone can download and modify it for example Ubuntu etc.

A free OS doesn’t have to be open source. They are free to download and use but cannot modify them. For example, Google owns Chrome OS and makes it free to use.

Commercial operating systems are privately owned by companies that charge money for them. Examples include Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS. These require to pay for the right (or license) to use their Operating systems.

Software Compatibility

The developers make the softwares which may be compatible or incompatible in different versions within the same operating system’s type but they can’t be compatible with the other OS types. Every OS type have their own software compatibility.

Complexity

Operating systems come in basically two editions one is 32-bit and other is 64-bit editions. The 64-bit edition of an operating system best utilizes random access memory (RAM). A computer with a 64-bit CPU can run either a 32-bit or a 64-bit OS, but a computer with a 32-bit CPU can run only a 32-bit OS.

Which version of Windows operating system am I running?

Find operating system info in Windows 10

To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.

Here’s how to learn more:

Select the Start button > Settings > System > About .

Under Device specifications > System type, see if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

Under Windows specifications, check which edition and version of Windows your device is running.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate in Windows 10.

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Find operating system info in Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1

To find out which version of Windows your device is running, press the Windows logo key + R, type winver in the Open box, and then select OK.

If your device is running Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, here’s how to learn more:

If you’re using a touch device, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings. Continue to step 3.

If you’re using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.

Select PC and devices > PC info.

Under Windows you’ll see which edition and version of Windows your device is running.

Under PC > System type you’ll see if you’re running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Find operating system info in Windows 7

Select the Start button, type Computer in the search box, right-click on Computer, and then select Properties.

Under Windows edition, you’ll see the version and edition of Windows that your device is running.

Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020

We recommend you move to a Windows 10 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft.

Related links

If you’re having a problem with activation, see Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

If you forgot the password you use to sign in to Windows devices or email, see How to reset your Microsoft password.

For info about updating Windows, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Экзамен 98-349: Windows Operating System Fundamentals

Кандидаты на прохождение этого экзамена должны знать базовые понятия в отношении операционной системы Windows в среде Windows 10.

Связанные экзамены: нет

Запланировать экзамен

98-349: Windows Operating System Fundamentals

Языки: Английский, Китайский (упрощенное письмо), Китайский (традиционное письмо), Французский, Немецкий, Итальянский, Японский, Корейский, Португальский (Бразилия), русском языке, Испанский, Испанский (Мексика)

Дата выбытия: нет

Кандидаты на прохождение этого экзамена должны знать базовые понятия в отношении операционной системы Windows в среде Windows 10.

Цена зависит от того, в какой стране проводится контроль экзамена.

Все задания рассмотрены достаточно подробно, чтобы на экзамене вы были готовы к любым вопросам.

Оцениваемые навыки

• Сведения о конфигурациях операционной системы (15-20%)
• Установка и обновление клиентских систем (15-20%)
• Управление приложениями (15-20%)
• Управление файлами и папками (15-20%)
• Управление устройствами (15-20%)
• Сведения об обслуживании операционной системы (15-20%)

Два способа подготовки

Схемы обучения для приобретения навыков, необходимых для получения сертификата

Для этого экзамена доступных схем обучения пока нет

Курсы под руководством инструктора для приобретения навыков, необходимых для получения сертификата

Windows Operating System Fundamentals: MTA Exam 98-349

Этот трехдневный учебный курс MTA поможет вам подготовиться к экзамену Microsoft Technology Associate 98-349 и получить представление о следующих темах: конфигурации операционной системы, установка и обновление клиентских систем, управление приложениями, управление файлами и папками, управление устройствами и техническое обслуживание операционной системы. В этом курсе используется то же содержимое, что и в официальном академическом курсе Microsoft (MOAC) для этого экзамена. Этот курс обновлен для поддержки Windows 10.

Профиль аудитории

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) — это новейший набор сертификационных экзаменов Microsoft, подтверждающих фундаментальные знания, необходимые для начала карьеры с использованием технологий Microsoft. Эта программа обеспечивает подходящую отправную точку для будущей карьеры в области технологий и предполагает некоторые навыки или обучение, но не предполагает практического опыта.

Operating system

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An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs.

The operating system is a vital component of the system software in a computer system. Application programs usually require an operating system to function. Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also include accounting for cost allocation of processor time, mass storage, printing, and other resources.

Early computers were built to perform a series of single tasks, like a calculator. Basic operating system features were developed in the 1950s, such as resident monitor functions that could automatically run different programs in succession to speed up processing.

Operating systems did not exist in their modern and more complex forms until the early 1960s. Hardware features were added, that enabled use of runtime libraries, interrupts , and parallel processing. When personal computers became popular in the 1980s, operating systems were made for them similar in concept to those used on larger computers.