The Indian International School, DSO

Grade 6
2025-26
Operating Systems

What is an Operating System?

The Operating System (OS) acts as the central control hub, managing all the hardware
(physical components) and software (programs) that work together. The OS acts like the
conductor, managing all the instruments (hardware) and musicians (software) to create a
harmonious symphony. It manages all the resources of your computer – the CPU (central
processing unit), memory, storage devices, and peripherals like printers and keyboards.
It's the essential software that:
 Talks to Hardware: The OS acts as a translator, allowing programs to communicate
with your computer's components like the keyboard, mouse, and memory.
 Manages Resources: It allocates resources like memory and processing power to
different programs running on your computer, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
 Provides User Interface: The OS provides the interface you interact with, whether
it's a familiar desktop or a touch screen.

Examples of Operating Systems (and their Companies)

 Microsoft Windows (Microsoft): The most popular OS for personal computers,
known for its user-friendly interface.
 macOS (Apple): Exclusively used on Apple computers (Macs), known for its sleek
design and user experience.
 Linux (various distributions – RedHat, Ubuntu, Fedora): An open-source OS
(freely available and customizable), widely used for servers.
 Android (Google): Dominates the mobile OS market, powering most smartphones
and tablets.
 iOS (Apple): Exclusive to Apple iPhones and iPads, known for its stability and user-
friendliness.

Basic Functions of an OS:

 Hardware Management: Controls how the computer interacts with its physical
components like the keyboard, mouse, memory, and storage.
 User Interface: Provides a user-friendly interface for interacting with the computer
(desktop, icons, windows, etc.). There are 2 types of User Interface
 o Graphical User Interface (GUI): This is the most common type of interface
today. It uses visual elements like windows, icons, menus, and a mouse or
trackpad for navigation. Think of your desktop screen, with folders, programs,
and a taskbar. It's designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to
interact with your computer without needing to know any complex commands.
o Command Line Interface (CLI): This is a text-based interface where you
type commands to interact with the computer. You type special words
(commands) to give instructions. It's powerful, but harder to learn at first.
 Security: Protects the computer from unauthorized access and harmful programs.
 Resource Management: Allocates memory, processing power, and other resources
efficiently among running programs.
 File Management: Organizes and keeps track of all your files and folders on the
computer's storage.
 Process Management: Controls the execution of programs on your computer,
ensuring they don't conflict with each other.
 Device Management: Controls how your computer interacts with peripherals like
printers and mouse.

Types of Operating Systems

There are different types of OS designed for specific purposes:
a) Single User Single Tasking OS:
o Early OSes that could only handle one user and one program at a time.
o This is the simplest type, allowing only one user to run one program at a time
o Example: MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)
b) Single User Multitasking OS:
o Allows a single user to run multiple programs simultaneously, but only one
program can be actively used at a time (others run in the background).
o One user can run multiple programs simultaneously. The OS manages
switching between them.
o Example: Windows and macOS
c) Multi User Multitasking OS:
o Supports multiple users accessing the computer simultaneously, each running
their own programs.
o These OSes are typically found on network servers that allow many users to
share resources.
o Examples: Windows Server, Linux Server versions
d) Real-Time OS (RTOS):
 o Designed for systems that require very fast response times, often used in
industrial control systems, medical equipment, and self-driving cars.
o Designed for tasks requiring precise timing and immediate response.
o They are used in devices like industrial robots, medical equipment, and self-
driving cars, where even a slight delay can have critical consequences.
o Example: VxWorks, QNX

Remember: The operating system is the hidden maestro that keeps your computer running
smoothly. By understanding its functions and types, you gain a deeper appreciation for the
technology that powers our digital world!

Tasks
1. Which of the following is NOT a basic function of an operating system?
a) Running programs
b) Browsing the internet
c) Managing memory
2. What type of operating system is typically used on smartphones and tablets?
a) Windows
b) Android or iOS
c) macOS
3. What does "UI" stand for in the context of operating systems?
4. Explain the concept of multitasking in an operating system. How does it benefit
users?
5. Imagine you are designing a new operating system for smartwatches. What are some
key features you would prioritize, considering the limitations of a smartwatch
compared to a personal computer?
6. Think of a real-world scenario where a real-time operating system might be used.
Explain why a real-time OS is important in this specific situation.