Chapter 9, Problem 1SG

Explanation of Solution

Operating System (OS):

• OS is the term that acts as an interface between the hardware and the user.
• It is the first program loaded into the computer memory whenever the computer starts up.
• It is responsible for the management and co-ordination of activities on a computer system.
• The most important program that runs on a computer is operating system.
• It shares the limited resources of a computer.
• There are different types of OS namely,
  • Single or Multi-user operating system
• Time sharing operating system
  • Real time operating system
  • Multiprocessing operating system
  • Multi-tasking operating system.

Explanation of Solution

Functions of an Operating System:

• OS is a collection of software that enables the computer resources to have communication with computer system.
• OS is used to control traffic in a computer, it schedules time for processing and allocates memory for each process.
• It acts as an interface between user and computer system.
• OS does basic operations such as getting input from the keyboard, displaying output in the monitor and monitoring the files.
• OS controls the peripheral devices like printers, hard drives and mouse.
• The responsibilities of OS are bound to get higher when it comes to security, because it provides the access rights for users.