UNIT-IV:
OPERATING SYSTEM:
Operating System- Functions,
Measuring System Performance,
Assemblers, Compilers and Interpreters.
Batch Processing, Multiprogramming, Multi -Tasking, Multiprocessing, Time
Sharing,
DOS,
Windows,
Unix/Linux
Important questions:
1. Discuss briefly Assembler, compilers, interpreters. 2021,22,24
2. batch processing system. 2019,2023
3. Operating system - types of operating systems2019,2022,24
4. What is OS? explain functions of OS? 2019,2021,2022,24
5. Difference between a complier, interpreters2019,
6. Multi-tasking, multi-processing 2021
7. What is DOS? Explain internal and External commands? 2023
8. Features of Windows operating system 2024
1|Page
Operating System-functions of Operating system.
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware
and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. It
acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, ensuring that
applications run smoothly and efficiently.
Functions of an Operating System
1. Memory Management: Manages the computer’s primary memory, keeping
track of each byte in a computer’s memory and allocating memory to processes
when they need it.
2. Processor Management: Allocates the CPU to a process and deallocates it
when it’s no longer needed. This includes scheduling processes to ensure
efficient CPU usage.
3. Device Management: Manages device communication via their respective
drivers. It keeps track of all devices connected to the system and ensures they
are used efficiently.
4. File Management: Organizes, stores, retrieves, and manages data on storage
devices. It handles file creation, deletion, and access control.
5. Security: Protects data and resources from unauthorized access and ensures
that only authorized users can access the system.
6. Control Over System Performance: Monitors system performance by
recording system response times and ensuring that the system runs efficiently.
7. Job Accounting: Keeps track of time and resources used by various jobs and
users.
8. Error Detection: Detects and corrects errors to ensure the system runs
smoothly.
9. Handling Input/Output Operations: Manages input and output operations,
ensuring that data is correctly transferred between the computer and its
peripherals.
10. Program Execution: Ensures that programs are executed efficiently by
managing the execution of user and system programs.
Some common operating systems include:
Microsoft Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS
Each operating system has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best operating
system for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
2|Page
Measuring System Performance
Measuring system performance is the process of collecting, analysing, and reporting
data on how well a system is meeting its goals and objectives.
It is an important part of any system management process, as it allows managers to
identify areas where the system is performing well and areas where improvement is
needed.
There are a variety of different ways to measure system performance, depending on
the specific system being measured. Some common metrics include:
Key Performance Metrics
Here are some of the most common metrics used to measure system performance:
CPU Utilization: The percentage of time a CPU is actively working. High utilization
indicates that the system is under heavy load.
Memory Usage: The amount of RAM being used by the system and its processes. Low
available memory can lead to performance degradation.
Disk I/O: The rate at which data is being read from or written to disk. High I/O activity
can slow down the system.
Network Throughput: The rate at which data is being transferred over the network.
Low throughput can affect network-intensive applications.
Response Time: The time it takes for the system to respond to user input or requests.
High response times can impact user experience.
Throughput: The number of tasks or requests a system can handle per unit of time.
Low throughput can indicate a bottleneck.
By regularly monitoring system performance and implementing optimization techniques, we
can ensure that our computing environment operates efficiently and effectively, meeting the
needs of users and applications.
3|Page
Assemblers, Compilers and Interpreters.
Assemblers, compilers, and interpreters are language processors that help translate
programs written in high-level or low-level languages into machine code that a
computer can understand. Here’s a brief overview of each:
1. Assembler:
An assembler is a tool that translates assembly language (a low-level,
human-readable language) into machine code (binary code that a CPU
can directly execute).
Assembly language uses mnemonics to represent machine instructions,
and each assembly instruction typically corresponds to a specific machine
code instruction.
Assemblers are often used for programming tasks that require precise
control over hardware, such as embedded systems and device drivers.
2. Compiler:
A compiler is a program that translates code written in a high-level
programming language (e.g., C, C++, Java) into machine code or
bytecode.
The translation is done all at once, producing an executable file that can
run independently of the source code.
Compilers check for syntax and semantic errors before execution and
often optimize the code for better performance.
Compiled programs generally run faster than interpreted ones because
the translation is done beforehand.
3. Interpreter:
An interpreter translates and executes high-level programming code
line by line at runtime, without producing a standalone executable file.
Languages like Python, Ruby, and JavaScript use interpreters.
Interpreters are slower compared to compilers because the translation
occurs while the program is running.
However, they allow for easier debugging and faster development cycles,
as code can be executed immediately without the need for compilation.
These language processors play crucial roles in software development, enabling
programmers to write code in higher-level languages and facilitating communication
between humans and machines
4|Page
Batch Processing, Multiprogramming, Multi -Tasking, Multiprocessing,
Time Sharing:
Batch processing, multiprogramming, multitasking, multiprocessing, and time-sharing
are all operating system concepts that help manage computer resources and
improve system performance.
1. Batch processing:
Batch processing is a technique in which a computer processes a large
number of similar jobs in a single batch.
The jobs are collected over time and then processed together without any
user interaction.
Batch processing is useful for tasks that require little or no user
interaction, such as payroll processing or report generation.
2. Multiprogramming:
Multiprogramming is the technique of keeping multiple programs in the
main memory at the same time ready for execution.
When one program needs to wait for I/O operations, the CPU can switch to
another program that is ready to execute.
This technique helps to keep the CPU busy and improve system
performance.
3. Multitasking:
Multitasking is similar to multiprogramming but with a key difference: it
allows multiple programs to run simultaneously on a single CPU by
dividing the CPU time between them.
The CPU switches between programs so quickly that it appears as if they
are running simultaneously.
This technique is useful for interactive applications that require user input,
such as word processors or web browsers.
4. Multiprocessing:
Multiprocessing is the use of more than one CPU in a computer system.
Each CPU can execute different programs or parts of the same program
simultaneously, which can significantly improve system performance.
5. Time-sharing:
Time-sharing is a technique that allows multiple users to access a
computer system simultaneously by dividing the CPU time between them.
Each user has the illusion of having exclusive use of the system, even
though they are sharing it with others.
This technique is useful for systems that need to support multiple users,
such as mainframe computers or web servers.
These concepts are fundamental to modern operating systems and play crucial roles
in managing computer resources and improving system performance.
DOS- (Disk Operating System)
DOS is a command-line operating system, meaning that users interact with it by
entering commands at a prompt.
5|Page
DOS provides basic functions for managing files and directories, running
programs, and controlling hardware devices.
MS-DOS Internal Commands:
Internal commands are loaded into the system memory during system booting.
1. CLS: To clear the screen.
Syntax: C:\> CLS
2. DIR: To view the directory and files
Syntax: C:\>Dir
3. DATE: To View and change the date
Syntax C:\>Date
4. TIME: To view and change the time.
Syntax: C:\>Time
5. Exit: To exit from DOS screen.
Syntax: C:\>Exit
6. Cd\ To go to the root (or) main directory
Syntax: C:\computer\moniter> cd\
7. Cd To change the directory.
Syntax : CD <Directory Name>
8. Cd.. To go one directory back.
Syntax: cd..
10. Md: To make a new directory
Syntax: MD <Directory Name>
11. Rd: To remove any existing directory
Syntax: RD <Directory Name>
12. Copy Con: To create a file.
Syntax: COPY CON <FILE NAME>
13. COPY: To copy the file.
Syntax: Copy <source File Name> <New File Name>
14. Del: To delete a file
Syntax: DEL <File Name>
15. Ren: To rename the file
Syntax: REN <OLD FILE NAME> <NEW FILE NAME>
6|Page
16. Ver: To check the version of DOS
Syntax: VER
17. Type: To display the contents.
Syntax: TYPE <File Name>
18. Vol: To check DOS volume.
Syntax: Vol
19. Label: To apply label to any drive.
Syntax: Label <Name>
External Commands:
There are various external disk operating system commands:
1. DELTREE- Short for delete tree, deltree is a command used to delete files and
directories permanently from the computer.
2. TREE- Allows the user to view a listing of files and folders in an easy to read the
listing.
3. PRINT – The print command allows users to print a text file to a line printer, in the
background.
4. FIND – Allows you to search for text within a file.
5. XCOPY – xcopy is a powerful version of the copy command with additional features;
has the capability of moving files, directories, and even whole drives from one
location to another.
6. DISK COMP- Compares the contents of a floppy disk in the source drive to the
contents of a floppy disk in the target drive.
7|Page
7. FORMAT – Format is used to erase information off of a computer diskette or fixed
drive.
8. ATTRIB – Attrib allows a user to change the attributes of a file or files.
9. SORT- Sorts the input and displays the output to the screen.
10.CHKDSK- Chkdsk is a utility that checks the computer’s hard drive status for any
cross-linked or any additional errors with the hard drive.
11.MOVE- Allows you to move files or directories from one folder to another, or from
one drive to another.
What is Windows Operating System? -explain its features.
Windows Operating System (OS) is a graphical user interface (GUI)-based operating
system developed by Microsoft. It is the most popular operating system in the world,
running on over 75% of all personal computers.
Here are some of the features of Windows Operating System:
1. Desktop: It is a GUI-based screen that provides users with a place where all
software application icons are available on a screen. Users can customize it
according to their preferences, such as changing the background, deleting
application icons, creating folders, and customizing the taskbar.
2. Taskbar: It is an area where users can check which applications in their
PC/laptop are currently open or not.
3. Task Manager: It allows users to view and manage the processes and
applications running on their computer .
4. Control Panel: It contains many tools that help in managing the computer’s
settings and hardware .
5. Command Prompt: It is a command-line interpreter that allows users to
execute commands and scripts.
6. Recycle Bin: It stores deleted files temporarily so that users can restore them if
needed.
7. Settings: It allows users to customize various settings related to their
computer, such as display settings, sound settings, network settings, etc.
8|Page
8. Registry Editor: It allows users to view and edit the Windows registry, which
contains configuration information for the operating system and installed
applications.
9. Cortana: It is a virtual assistant that helps users perform various tasks using
voice commands or text input.
10. System Information: It provides detailed information about the
computer’s hardware and software configuration.
11. Start Menu: It provides quick access to frequently used applications and
settings
Unix / Linux Operating System
Unix and Linux are popular operating systems that are widely used in servers,
supercomputers, and mobile devices. Here are some of the features of Unix/Linux
Operating System:
1. Open Source: Unix/Linux is an open-source operating system, which means
that its source code is freely available to the public. This allows developers to
modify and distribute the operating system as they see fit .
2. Multiuser Capability: Multiple users can access the same system resources
like memory, hard disk, etc. But they have to log in with their own user ID and
password.
3. Multitasking: More than one function can be performed simultaneously by
dividing the CPU time intelligently.
4. Portability: Unix/Linux can work on different types of hardware platforms,
making it a portable operating system.
5. Shell & Command Line Interface: Unix/Linux provides a powerful command-
line interface (CLI) that allows users to interact with the operating system using
text commands.
6. Graphical User Interface: Unix/Linux also provides a graphical user interface
(GUI) that makes it easy for users to interact with the operating system using
icons and menus.
9|Page
7. End-to-end Encryption: Unix/Linux provides strong encryption capabilities
that help protect data from unauthorized access.
8. Configure Keyboards in Different Languages: Unix/Linux supports multiple
languages and allows users to configure their keyboards accordingly.
9. Frequent New Updates: Unix/Linux is constantly updated with new features
and security patches, making it a secure and reliable operating system.
10 | P a g e
