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OPERATING SYSTEMS. Group 6 Comp 129 Chapter 4. The basics about operating systems. An operating system s a set of programs made to manage the resources of a computer. The OS performs five basic functions: Starts the computer Manages applications Manages memory
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OPERATING SYSTEMS Group 6 Comp 129 Chapter 4
The basics about operating systems • An operating system s a set of programs made to manage the resources of a computer. • The OS performs five basic functions: • Starts the computer • Manages applications • Manages memory • Handles messages from input and output devices • Provides a means of communicating with the user
Examples of Operating Systems • Linux • Windows XP • Unix • Windows 2000 • Mac OS 8-10 • Mac OS X • BSD
Function #1 Starting the computer • When your operating system starts the computer, the OS gets loaded into the RAM. • The process of load the OS s called booting. • The central part of the operating system, called the kernel gets copied from hard disk into memory during booting. • The smaller parts of the OS are kept on hard disk unless needed. These parts are called nonresident.
Function #2 Manages Applications • This is the most important function of an operating system when it comes to the quality of your OS. • Nowadays, operating systems can load and run more than on application at one time, making it much more convenient for users. • Operating systems are able to run more than one application at a time because it constantly switches between whichever application is being used. The other application s known as inactive.
Function #3 Managing Memory • Memory is used so the OS does not need to go back to the hard disk to get instructions every time you use a program. • The job of the OS is to keep each program’s instructions in it’s own piece of memory so it does not get mixed up with another program. • The more RAM you have, the more real memory the operating system can use for your programs.
Function #4 Handling Input and Output • Operating systems come with drivers for input and output devices. These drivers allow communication between the OS and the device. • For devices that aren’t already set up with the operating system, they can usually detect and automatically install the drivers needed. • The devices send interrupts, or notices to the OS that something has been connected or changed.
Function #5 Providing the User Interface • This function allows the user to communicate with other computer users. • This involves even graphics, written communication, and programs communicating to each other.
Types of Operating Systems • GUI (Graphic User Interface) • Multi-user OS • Multiprocessing OS • Multitasking OS • Multithreading OS
GUI • The Graphics User Interface Operating System includes graphics and icons that are usually maneuvered by the mouse. • Examples: • System 7.x • Windows 98 • Windows CE
Multi-user Operating System • The multi-user operating system allows multiple people to use the same computer at the same or different times • Examples: • Linux • Unix • Windows 2000
Multiprocessing OS • The multiprocessing operating systems are capable of using and supporting more than one computer processor. • Examples • Linux • Unix • Windows 2000
Multitasking Operating System • This system can allow multiple software processes to run at one time. • Examples: • Unix • Windows 2000
Multithreading OS • A multithreading operating system allows different parts of the software program to run at the same time. • Examples: • Linux • Unix • Windows 2000
Future Improvements • The operating system will be able to start up the computer and programs in less time. • Systems will begin to come with more memory so users do not have to purchase separate memory. • Drivers will continue to advance. There will become more new drivers that can be downloaded from the internet. • Computers will allow more than one user to use the same system at the same time.
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