Information Technology

what is operating system

An Operating System (OS) is a type of system software that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer1 . It serves as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware, ensuring that all parts of the system function together smoothly and efficiently.

what is the primary purpose of an operating system

The primary purpose of an operating system is to provide a convenient, stable, and efficient environment for the execution of application programs1 . It enables communication between the user and the hardware by providing a user interface.

name three examples of os

Examples of Operating Systems include Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS2 . Other examples are Android and iOS

What is process management in an operating system?

Process management in an operating system handles the creation, scheduling, and termination of processes . The OS ensures that each process receives adequate CPU time and that multiple processes can run simultaneously without interference.

What is memory management in an operating system?

Memory management involves the efficient management of the computer’s main memory or RAM . The OS keeps track of each byte in memory and allocates memory to processes when required . It also deallocates memory when a process is no longer in use

What is file management in an operating system?

File management involves the OS managing all operations related to file creation, storage, naming, reading, writing, and deletion . It maintains information about file locations, size, and access permissions

What is device management in an operating system?

Device management involves the operating system managing input and output devices such as the keyboard, mouse, printer, and disk drives4 . It uses device drivers as communication tools between the devices and the system

What is Input/Output management in an operating system?

Input/Output management involves the OS coordinating input from devices such as keyboards and mice, and output to devices like monitors and printers. It ensures that data flows smoothly and accurately between the system and peripheral devices

How does an operating system provide security and access control?

Operating systems provide mechanisms for securing the system from unauthorized access by managing user authentication, data encryption, and file permissions to protect both system resources and user data.

What is the user interface of an operating system?

The operating system provides a user interface that allows users to interact with the system . It can be in the form of a Command Line Interface (CLI) or a Graphical User Interface (GUI)

What is error detection and handling in an operating system?

The OS constantly monitors the system for any hardware or software errors and takes steps to resolve them, such as displaying warning messages or shutting down affected programs to maintain system stability

What is a Batch Operating System?

In a batch operating system, users do not interact directly with the computer. Instead, they prepare jobs (programs) and submit them to the system operator. The jobs are collected into batches and executed sequentially

Give an example and a use case of a Batch Operating System.

IBM OS/3607 . Use Case: Early mainframe computers used in large data processing centers

What is a Time-Sharing Operating System?

Time-sharing operating systems allow multiple users to access a computer system at the same time. The CPU time is divided among the users in small time slots, giving the impression that each user has their own dedicated system

Give an example and a use case of a Time-Sharing Operating System.

Example: UNIX7 . Use Case: Multi-user academic and research institutions

What is a Distributed Operating System?

A distributed operating system manages a collection of independent computers and makes them appear to the user as a single system. Tasks and resources are distributed across the network of computers

Give an example and a use case of a Distributed Operating System.

Example: LOCUS. Use Case: Data centers, cloud computing, and high-performance clusters

What is a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)?

Real-time operating systems are used in environments where tasks must be completed within a fixed and limited time. They are designed to process data quickly and reliably

Give two examples and a use case of a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS).

QNX, VxWorks. Use Case: Medical devices, air traffic control systems, robotics

What is a Network Operating System?

Network operating systems are used in systems that manage network resources such as servers. They enable computers on a network to share files, printers, and applications

Give two examples and a use case of a Network Operating System.

Examples: Windows Server, Novell NetWare . Use Case: Business organizations and local area networks (LANs).

What is a Mobile Operating System?

Mobile operating systems are specifically developed for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. They are optimized for touch input, mobile applications, and wireless communication

Give two examples and a use case of a Mobile Operating System.

Examples: Android, iOS. Use Case: Mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches

What are the three classifications of computers based on technology?

The three classifications of computers based on technology are Analog Computers, Digital Computers, and Hybrid Computers

What type of data do Analog Computers process?

Analog Computers process data in a continuous form . They measure physical quantities such as temperature, speed, voltage, and pressure

Give an example of an Analog Computer.

Examples of Analog Computers include a thermometer and a speedometer

What type of data do Digital Computers process?

Digital computers work with data that is in discrete or binary form (0s and 1s)

Give two examples of Digital Computers.

Examples of Digital Computers include desktop computers and laptops . Mobile phones are also digital computers

What type of data do Hybrid Computers process?

Hybrid Computers combine the features of both analog and digital computers and are used in situations where both types of data need to be processed

Give an example of a Hybrid Computer.

Hospital machines like ECG and blood pressure monitors are examples of Hybrid Computers

What are the four classifications of computers based on processing power?

The four classifications of computers based on processing power are Microcomputers, Minicomputers, Mainframe Computers, and Supercomputers

What is an advantage of Microcomputers?

Advantages of Microcomputers include affordability, portability, ease of use, and lower maintenance compared to larger systems

Give an example of a Minicomputer.

Systems like the IBM AS/400 are classic examples of minicomputers

What is an advantage of Minicomputers?

Minicomputers provide a good balance between performance and cost, making them ideal for growing organizations.

Give an example of a Mainframe Computer.

Systems like IBM zSeries are used as Mainframe Computers

What is a key feature of Mainframe Computers?

Mainframe computers are known for their high reliability, data security, and ability to operate 24/7 without failure.

Give an example of a Supercomputer.

Indian supercomputers like PARAM and internationally known systems like Cray are examples of Supercomputers

What is a key capability of Supercomputers?

Supercomputers are capable of performing billions or even trillions of operations per second, making them essential for solving highly complicated problems