Operating Systems Study Notes

Operating System (OS)

A crucial piece of system software that manages the execution of application programs and acts as an interface between users and computer hardware.

Memory Management

The function of an OS that oversees the allocation and deallocation of memory to ensure efficient execution of programs.

Process Management

Responsible for scheduling processes on the CPU and managing their state transitions to ensure efficient application execution.

Device Management

Manages communication between the OS and hardware devices, ensuring proper functionality and coordination.

File Management

Organizes and maintains the storage and retrieval of files and directories, ensuring access control and data integrity.

Virtual Memory

A capability that allows systems to use disk space as an extension of RAM, providing the illusion of a larger available memory space.

Bootstrapping

The initial loading process of the OS upon computer startup, including running diagnostic tests and loading the kernel into memory.

CLI (Command Line Interface)

A method for users to interact with the computer system by typing commands directly.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

An interface designed for user-friendliness, utilizing windows, icons, and menus for interaction.

Deadlock

A situation where multiple processes are waiting indefinitely for resources held by each other, leading to system freeze states