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Introduction

The document provides an overview of operating systems, detailing their role as intermediaries between users and computer hardware, and outlining their goals of efficiency and user convenience. It describes the basic structure of computer systems, which includes hardware, operating systems, application programs, and users. Additionally, it explains the functions of operating systems, including resource allocation and control, as well as the process of computer startup through a bootstrap program.

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21 views10 pages

Introduction

The document provides an overview of operating systems, detailing their role as intermediaries between users and computer hardware, and outlining their goals of efficiency and user convenience. It describes the basic structure of computer systems, which includes hardware, operating systems, application programs, and users. Additionally, it explains the functions of operating systems, including resource allocation and control, as well as the process of computer startup through a bootstrap program.

Uploaded by

banshiart83
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Operating System

Introduction
Objectives

• To describe the basic organization of


computer systems
• To provide a grand tour of the major
components of operating systems
• To give an overview of the many types of
computing environments
• To explore several open-source operating
systems
What is an Operating System?

• A program that acts as an intermediary


between a user of a computer and the
computer hardware
• Operating system goals:
– Execute user programs and make solving user
problems easier
– Make the computer system convenient to use
– Use the computer hardware in an efficient
manner
Computer System Structure

• Computer system can be divided into four components:


– Hardware – provides basic computing resources
• CPU, memory, I/O devices
– Operating system
• Controls and coordinates use of hardware among various
applications and users
– Application programs – define the ways in which the system
resources are used to solve the computing problems of the
users
• Word processors, compilers, web browsers, database systems,
video games
– Users
• People, machines, other computers
Four Components of a Computer System
What Operating Systems Do

• Depends on the point of view


• Users want convenience, ease of use and good
performance
– Don’t care about resource utilization
• But shared computer such as mainframe or minicomputer
must keep all users happy
• Users of dedicate systems such as workstations have
dedicated resources but frequently use shared resources
from servers
• Handheld computers are resource poor, optimized for
usability and battery life
• Some computers have little or no user interface, such as
embedded computers in devices and automobiles
Operating System Definition

• OS is a resource allocator
– Manages all resources
– Decides between conflicting requests for
efficient and fair resource use
• OS is a control program
– Controls execution of programs to
prevent errors and improper use of the
computer
Operating System Definition (Cont.)

• “The one program running at all times


on the computer” is the kernel.
• Everything else is either
– a system program (ships with the
operating system) , or
– an application program.
Computer Startup

• bootstrap program is loaded at power-up


or reboot
– Typically stored in ROM or EPROM, generally
known as firmware
– Initializes all aspects of system
– Loads operating system kernel and starts
execution

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