Unit - I Overview of Operating System

1.1 Operating System

Concept of an Operating System: An operating system (OS) is a software program that acts as
an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware. It manages computer resources,
provides an environment for running applications, and ensures proper communication between
software and hardware components. The primary goal of an OS is to provide a user-friendly and
efficient interface for users to interact with the computer.
Components of an Operating System: An operating system consists of several components,
each with its specific role:
1. Kernel: The kernel is the core component of the OS responsible for essential functions,
such as managing memory, handling system calls, managing processes, and coordinating
hardware interactions.
2. File System: This component manages how data is stored, organized, and accessed on
storage devices. It provides a hierarchical structure to organize files and directories.
3. Process Management: It controls the creation, execution, and termination of processes.
The OS allocates resources and CPU time to processes to ensure efficient multitasking.
4. Memory Management: The memory manager allocates and deallocates memory to
running processes, handles virtual memory, and optimizes memory usage.
5. Device Drivers: Device drivers enable communication between the OS and hardware
devices, facilitating data exchange and device control.
6. User Interface: The user interface allows users to interact with the computer system. It
can be a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI).
7. Security Manager: This component ensures system security by controlling user access,
authenticating users, and protecting data from unauthorized access.
Operations performed by an Operating System:
1. Program Management: The OS manages the execution of programs. It loads programs
into memory, schedules their execution, and terminates them after completion.
2. Resource Management: The OS efficiently allocates system resources like CPU,
memory, and I/O devices among competing processes to ensure optimal performance.
3. Security and Protection: The OS enforces security policies, controls access to
resources, and protects the system from malicious activities to maintain data integrity and
system stability.
4. User View and System View of an Operating System:
 User View: From the user's perspective, the operating system provides an interface
through which users can interact with the system. This interface can be CLI or GUI.
Users can launch applications, manage files, and perform various tasks without worrying
about the underlying hardware details.
 System View: From the system's perspective, the operating system manages hardware
resources and provides services to applications. It abstracts hardware complexities,
provides APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and ensures that resources are used
efficiently.
1.2 Different Types of Operating Systems
Batch Operating System:
 Definition: A batch operating system processes a collection of similar jobs together
without any user intervention. Jobs are submitted as batches, and the OS executes them in
sequence.
 Characteristics:
1. No User Interaction: User interaction is minimal or absent as jobs are executed
automatically.
2. Sequenced Execution: Jobs are processed in the order they are submitted.
3. Efficient Resource Utilization: The system can efficiently use resources, as there
is no idle time between job executions.
4. Limited Interactivity: Lack of interactivity limits user control over job
execution.
 Advantages:
1. High resource utilization.
2. Suitable for large-scale processing of similar tasks.
 Disadvantages:
1. Lacks interactivity and user control.
2. Troubleshooting and debugging are challenging.
Multi-Programmed Operating System:
 Definition: A multi-programmed operating system allows multiple programs to reside in
memory simultaneously, and the CPU switches between them for efficient resource
utilization.
 Characteristics:
1. Concurrent Execution: Multiple programs run concurrently, utilizing CPU time
efficiently.
2. Time Sharing: CPU time is divided into small time slices and shared among
multiple programs.
3. Dynamic Resource Allocation: New programs are loaded into memory as others
complete, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
4. Enhanced Throughput: It maximizes throughput by minimizing idle time.
 Advantages:
1. Better resource utilization.
2. Improved system efficiency and throughput.
 Disadvantages:
1. Complexity in managing concurrent processes.
2. Scheduling overhead.
Time Shared OS (Time-Sharing Operating System):
 Definition: Time-sharing OS allows multiple users to interact with the system
simultaneously by dividing CPU time into small time slots.
 Characteristics:
1. Interactive Processing: Users can execute commands and receive immediate
responses from the system.
2. Fair CPU Allocation: CPU time is shared equitably among users, ensuring a
responsive system.
3. Terminal Handling: The OS manages user terminals and allocates time slices for
user interactions.
4. Supports Multi-Programming: Similar to multi-programmed OS, enabling
concurrent execution.
 Advantages:
1. Enables multiple users to work simultaneously.
2. Fair resource allocation among users.
 Disadvantages:
1. Overhead of context switching between users.
2. Susceptible to performance degradation when too many users are active.
Multiprocessor Systems:
 Definition: A multiprocessor system has two or more CPUs that share the same memory
and peripheral devices, working cooperatively to execute tasks.
 Characteristics:
1. Parallel Processing: Multiple CPUs work on different tasks simultaneously,
enhancing performance.
2. High Processing Power: Increased computing power for computationally
intensive tasks.
3. Scalability: System performance can be scaled up by adding more processors.
4. Interprocessor Communication: Processors communicate and synchronize their
activities to avoid conflicts.
 Advantages:
1. Enhanced processing power and performance.
2. Improved system reliability through redundancy.
 Disadvantages:
1. Increased complexity in hardware and software design.
2. Software must be designed to take advantage of multiple processors.
Distributed Systems:
 Definition: A distributed system consists of multiple interconnected computers that
communicate and collaborate to achieve a common goal.
 Characteristics:
1. Resource Sharing: Computers share resources like files, printers, and processing
power.
2. Fault Tolerance: System continues to function even if some computers fail.
3. Scalability: Easily expandable by adding more computers to the network.
4. Concurrency: Multiple tasks can be executed simultaneously on different
computers.
 Advantages:
1. Resource sharing and efficient utilization.
2. Improved fault tolerance and reliability.
 Disadvantages:
1. Complexity in design and management.
2. Network communication overhead.
Real-Time Systems:
 Definition: Real-time systems respond to external events within a specified time frame,
ensuring timely execution of critical tasks.
 Characteristics:
1. Predictable Response Time: Tasks have strict deadlines that must be met for
proper functioning.
2. Task Prioritization: Critical tasks are given higher priority to meet deadlines.
3. Continuous Monitoring: Constantly monitors and responds to external events.
4. Hard Real-Time and Soft Real-Time: Hard real-time systems have strict
deadlines, while soft real-time systems have more relaxed constraints.
 Advantages:
1. Crucial for time-sensitive applications like medical devices and industrial control
systems.
2. Predictable and reliable task execution.
 Disadvantages:
1. Complexity in design and testing.
2. Less flexibility due to stringent time constraints.
Mobile Operating Systems (Android, iOS)
 Definition: Mobile operating systems are designed for smartphones, tablets, and other
mobile devices.
 Characteristics:
1. Touch-Based Interface: Interaction through touch gestures.
2. Mobile App Ecosystem: Support for app stores and a wide range of applications.
3. Power and Resource Management: Efficiently manage battery life and
hardware resources.
4. Mobile Security: Focus on securing user data and privacy.
 Advantages:
1. User-friendly and intuitive interface.
2. Access to a vast array of mobile applications.
 Disadvantages:
1. Limited customization compared to desktop OS.
2. Platform-specific restrictions for app development.
1.3 Command Line-Based OS (DOS, UNIX)
DOS (Disk Operating System):
 Definition: DOS is a single-user, command-line-based operating system that was popular
in the early days of personal computing.
 Characteristics:
1. Command-Line Interface: Users interact with the system by typing commands.
2. Single-Tasking: Executes one task at a time.
3. Limited Memory Support: Primarily 16-bit architecture with limited memory
addressing.
4. Compatibility: Many legacy applications were developed for DOS.
 Advantages:
1. Simple and lightweight.
2. Well-suited for running specific applications and games.
 Disadvantages:
1. Lack of multitasking capability.
2. Limited support for modern hardware and applications.
UNIX:
 Definition: UNIX is a multi-user, command-line-based operating system known for its
stability, security, and networking capabilities.
 Characteristics:
1. Multi-User and Multi-Tasking: Supports concurrent execution of multiple tasks
by multiple users.
2. Hierarchical File System: Organizes files and directories in a tree-like structure.
3. Networking Support: Built-in networking protocols for communication between
computers.
4. Portability: UNIX can run on various hardware platforms.
 Advantages:
1. Powerful and robust operating system.
2. Extensive support for programming and scripting.
 Disadvantages:
1. Steeper learning curve for beginners.
2. Some versions may not be user-friendly.
GUI-Based OS (WINDOWS, LINUX)
WINDOWS:
 Definition: Windows is a popular GUI-based operating system developed by Microsoft.
 Characteristics:
1. Graphical User Interface: Interaction through windows, icons, menus, and
pointers (WIMP).
2. Multi-Tasking and Multi-User Support: Supports running multiple tasks
simultaneously for multiple users.
3. Plug and Play: Automatic detection and installation of hardware devices.
4. Extensive Software Support: A vast library of software available for Windows.
 Advantages:
1. User-friendly interface.
2. Excellent software compatibility.
 Disadvantages:
1. Resource-intensive compared to some other operating systems.
2. Security vulnerabilities may be exploited.
LINUX:
 Definition: Linux is a free and open-source GUI-based operating system based on the
UNIX kernel.
 Characteristics:
1. Open Source: The source code is freely available and can be modified and
redistributed.
2. Customizability: Users can choose from various desktop environments and
customize the system.
3. Stability and Security: Known for its stability and robust security features.
4. Package Management: Advanced package managers simplify software
installation and updates.
 Advantages:
1. Free and open-source.
2. Highly customizable and secure.
 Disadvantages:
1. Some hardware may not have optimal driver support.
2. May require more technical knowledge for advanced configurations.