An Operating System(OS) is a program designed to run other programs on a
computer. A computer’s operating system is its most important program.
It is considered the backbone of a computer, managing both software and
hardware resources. Operating systems are responsible for everything
from the control and allocation of memory to recognizing input from
external devices and transmitting output to computer displays. They
also manage files on computer hard drives and control peripherals, like
printers and scanners.
The operating system of a large computer
system has even more work to do. Such operating systems monitor
different programs and users, making sure everything runs smoothly,
without interference, despite the fact that numerous devices and
programs are used simultaneously. An operating system also has a vital
role to play in security. Its job includes preventing unauthorized
users from accessing the computer system.
There are multiuser, multiprocessing,
multitasking,
multithreading,
and real-time
operating systems. A multiuser operating system enables multiple users
to run programs simultaneously. This type of operating system may be
used for just a few people or hundreds of them. In fact, there are some
operating systems that are used to allow thousands of people to run
programs at the same time.
A multiprocessing operating system allows a program to run on
more than one Central Processing Unit (CPU) at a
time. This can come in very handy in some work environments, at
schools, and even for some home-computing situations. Multitasking
operating systems work a little differently; they make it possible to
run more than one program at a time. Multithreading operating systems
are even more different, allowing varied parts of one program to be used
simultaneously.
Real-time operating systems are designed to allow computers to
process and respond to input instantly. Usually, general-purpose
operating systems, such as disk operating system (DOS), are not
considered real time, as they may require seconds or minutes to respond
to input. Real-time operating systems are typically used when computers
must react to the consistent input of information without delay. For
example, real-time operating systems may be used in navigation.
Today’s operating systems tend to have Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)
that employ pointing devices for input. A mouse is an example of such a
pointing device, as is a stylus. Commonly used operating systems for
IBM-compatible Personal Computers include Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Unix variations.
For Macintosh computers, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD, and some Windows variants
are commonly used.
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