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Unit-3: Operating system

Contents: Introduction, Functions and Types of Operating System and Open Source Operating System

Introduction
An operating system is a software that makes the computer hardware to work while the computer hardware
provides ‘raw computer power’, the operating system is responsible for making computer more useful for users.
The operating system provides an interface for users to communicate with computer. It also manages the use of
hardware, resources and enables proper implementation of application programs. In short, the operating system
is the master of control program of a computer.

The main function of operating system includes:

1. Operating CPU of the computer.
2. Controlling Input/ Output devices that provides interface between user and the computer.
3. Handling the working of application programs with the hardware and other software system.
4. Managing the storage and retrieval of information using storage devices such as disks.

Input/ CPU
Output
devices
controls operates

Operating
System
handles manages
Files and
Programs directories

Fig.: Functions of Operating system

Functions of Operating System

The main function of operating system is t manage the resources such as memory and files of the computer
system. The operating system also resolved the conflicts that arises when two users or programs request the
same resources at the same time. Therefore it is also called resource manager of computer. Some of the
important functions of operating system are:

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1. Process management
It manages the processes running in the computer system process. A process is basically a program that
is being currently run by user or a computer.
Example: A word processor application program such as MS Word runs processes in a computer system.

2. Memory Management.
It manages the memory resources of a computer system. There are various resources of computer
including primary memory or Random-Access Memory (RAM) and secondary memory like CDs and
HDs. All the programs are loaded in the main memory before their execution. It is the function of
operating system to determine how much memory should we provide at each process.

3. File Management
It manages the files and directories of a computer system. A file can be defined as a collection of
information or data that is stored in memory of computer system. Every file has a unique mane
associated with it. The organization of files and directories in a computer system is referred to as file
system. An operating system allows users to create, modify, save or delete files in a computer system.

4. Device Management
The operating system deals with the management of peripheral devices such as printer, mouse and
keyboard attached to a computer system. An operating system interacts with the hardware devices
through a specific device driver. The primary task of the operating system is to manage the input/ output
operation performed by end-users.

5. Security Management.
It ensures security for a computer system from various threats such as virus attack and unauthorized
access. An operating system uses various technique such as authentication, authorization, cryptography,
etc. for ensuring security of a computer system.

Functions of Operating System

Process Memory File Device Security

Management Management Management Management Management

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Types of Operating System

Based on the capabilities and the types of application supported, operating system can be divided into six major
categories viz.

1. Batch Processing Operating System

They are capable of executing only one job at a time. The jobs a program submitted by different users
are grouped into batches and one batch of job is provides as input to the computer system at a time. The
jobs in the batch are processed on first come first serve basis. After execution of one job is completed
the operating system automatically fetches the next job from the batch without any human intervention.

Advantages:
a) They were very efficient in their time as idle time for these computers are very less.
b) The OS facilitates execution of jobs in organized manner.

Disadvantages:
a) Jobs are processed only in the order they are places and not per user’s priority.
b) Debugging of a program at execution is not possible.
c) The executing jobs may enter an infinite loop as each job is not associated with proper times.

2. Multi user Operating System

The multi user operating system enables multiple users to use the resource of a computer system at the
same time. It allows number of users to work simultaneously on the same computer. It is usually
implemented by following multiterminal configuration. In the configuration, a single powerful computer
is connected to multiple terminals through serial ports. The computer system is responsible for
processing different requests generated by various terminals at a time. Control computer is equipped
with fast processor and a memory of large capacity for catering to multiple requests of end-users.
Example: Linux, Unix, VM-386, etc.

Advantages
a) Allows resources of computer to be utilized in efficient manner.
b) It enhances the overall productivity of various users by providing simultaneous access to various
computer resources.

Disadvantages
a) It is complex and hence difficult to handle and maintain.
b) It may result in inconsistent data if activities of a user aren’t protected from other users.
c) It is required to have robust security mechanism.

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3. Multitasking Operating System

Multitasking operating system allow user to carry out multiple tasks at the same time on a single
computer system. The multitasking OS are also known as several other names such as multi-processing,
multi-programming, concurrent, or process scheduling operating system. In this type of operating
system, different processes are executed simultaneously by implementing the concept of time slicing.
According to this concept, a regular slice of CPU time is provided to each of the processes running in
the computer system. It can be of two types, viz.

a) Preemptive Multitasking Operating System

In this OS, slice of CPU time is allocated on some priority basis.

b) Co-operative Multitasking Operating System

In this OS, time slices of CPU are assigned to the process depending on whether or not to give up
CPU control for other running processes.
Example: UNIX, Windows 2000, Linux, Windows XP.

Advantages:
a) It helps in increasing the overall performance of the system.
b) It helps in increasing overall productivity of user by performing number of tasks at the same
time.

Disadvantages
a) Large amount of memory is required to execute several programs at a time.
b) Some mechanisms need to be implemented to ensure that the activity of one process do not
interfere with the activities of other processes.

4. Rest- time Operating System

The real-time operating system is similar to multi-tasking operating system in their functionality.
However, these OS are specially designed and developed for handling real time applications or
embedded applications. The real time applications are those critical application that are required to be
executed within a specific period of time.
Example of real time applications are; industrial robots, space-crafts, industrial control applications.

It is of two types, viz.

a) Head Real- time OS
It is a type of OS where it is necessary to perform a task in a specified amount of time.

b) Soft Real-time OS
In Soft Real-time OS, a task can be performed even after its allocated time has elapsed.
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Example: M tox, Lynx, RTX

Advantages:
a) It is easy to design, develop and execute real-time application under real-time OS.
b) It is usually more compact as compared to other operating system hence requires less memory.

Disadvantages:
a) It is primarily focused on optimizing the execution time of an application and thus it sometimes
overlooks some of other critical factor related to overall efficiency of the computer system.
b) It is used only for providing some dedicated functionality and cannot be used as a general-
purpose OS.

5. Multiprocessor Operating System

Multiprocessor OS allow the use of multiple CPUs in a computer system for execution of multiple
processes at the same time. The processes are executed faster compared to single processor.
Example: Linux, UNIX, Windows 2000, etc.

Advantages
a) It helps in improving the overall efficiency and through put of a computer system.
b) It helps in increasing reliability of a computer. If one CPU fails, other CPU takes control and
execute the currently running processes.

Disadvantages:
a) Cost is very high.
b) A large amount of memory is required for running and executing several users program.

6. Embedded Operating System

It is somewhat similar to real-time OS. The embedded OS is installed on an embedded computer system
which is used for performing computational task in electronic devices. This OS provides limited
functionality that is required for corresponding embedded computer system.
Example: Palm OS, Window CE.

Advantages:
a) It allows implementation of embedded system in efficient manner.
b) System with embedded OS is easy to use and maintain.

Disadvantages:
a) It is possible to perform some specific operation with those OS.
b) This OS cannot be used in frequently changing environment.

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Open Source Operating System

Open Source is a methodology or approach towards the design and development of software with the intention
of giving user the access to the code. If we use open source software, not only we will be able to use it but also
be able to see how it works, debug it, modify it and redistribute it. Open source software is licensed in a way
that marked it legal to use as many copies as user wants. There’s a core difference between open source and free
software, both represent the same core idea but the open resource allows the commercial utilization of code with
the motive of profit.
Example: Red hat gains significant revenue from sales, distribution, maintenance and consulting service
provided by Open Source Software.

Being an open source program, program code of an open source operating system are available. The user can
modify these codes and develop a new application according to their requirement. Example: Linux

Linux
It is an open source powerful UNIX based OS which runs on varieties of platforms including Intel, SPARCE
and Power PC. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking, multi-programming operating system mainly popular for server
OS. It is distributed through different distributors such as Red Hat, Mandrate, Open Suse, Ubuntu, Slackware,
Sobayon, Debian, Mandriva, Fedora, Genten, Granular Linux.

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