Understanding Operating Systems: The Basics

Understanding Operating Systems: The Basics



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Operating Systems (OS) are fundamental to the functioning of modern computers and mobile devices. In this blog, we'll explore the basics of what an OS is, the services it provides, its history, various architectures, and important concepts that help us understand this crucial software better.


What is an Operating System (OS)?

An OS is a software that acts as an interface between the end user and computer hardware. Every computer must have at least one OS to run other programs. Applications like Chrome, MS Word, and games need an environment provided by the OS to run and perform tasks.

The OS allows communication with the computer without needing to understand the machine's language, making it essential for using any computer or mobile device.


OS vs Kernel

The OS operates in two modes:

Kernel Mode: The OS runs in kernel mode, giving it complete access to all hardware and allowing it to execute any instruction the machine can perform. It has full access to resources.

User Mode: User programs and applications, like MS Word, run in user mode. This mode has limited capabilities, with only a subset of machine instructions available, restricting access to resources.


OS vs User Programs

OS: Runs in kernel mode and is designed to provide general services required by user programs and to manage hardware resources. The OS acts as an intermediary between programs and hardware, is huge, complex, and long-lived.

User Programs: Run in user mode, designed to perform related functions for the user's benefit. These programs run on top of the OS and are not as complex or huge, and may even be modifiable by the user, unlike the OS.


Main Functions of an OS

The OS provides application programmers with a clean, abstract set of resources instead of hardware ones and manages the hardware resources.

Real-World Example :

Consider making coffee with a coffee machine. You need to provide water and coffee beans, switch it on, and select the kind of coffee you want. However, you don't need to know how the coffee machine works internally to brew a fresh cup of coffee. This abstraction is similar to how an OS simplifies hardware management for the user.


Services Provided by OS

Operating systems provide a range of services that are crucial for the smooth operation of a computer

  • Program Development: Provides facilities like editors and debuggers to assist programmers in creating programs.
  • Program Execution: The OS loads programs into memory and runs them, handling scheduling duties for the user.
  • Access to I/O Devices: The OS provides a uniform interface to the user, hiding the details of each I/O device, which may require its own set of instructions or control signals for operation.
  • Controlled Access to Files: Enables programs to read, write, create, and delete files, often including protection mechanisms to control access.
  • System Access: In shared or public systems, the OS protects resources and data from unauthorized users and resolves conflicts for resource allocation.
  • Error Detection and Response: Ensures correct computing by detecting errors in the CPU, memory hardware, I/O devices, or user programs.
  • Accounting: Keeps track of and records which users utilize resources for account billing or accumulating usage statistics.
  • Resource Allocation: Allocates resources to multiple users or multiple jobs running simultaneously.


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