There two types of software i.e., Application Software and System Software. System software can also be sub divided into System Development and System Management software. Operating Systems usually referred to as OS is one of the entity that falls under the system management.
Even though there may be other software, the most important system software is the operating systems because the manage the overall operations of the computer system. An operating system, generally, is an integrated system of programs that manage the operations of the central processing unit, controls the input/output and storage resources and activities of the computer system and provides various support services as the computer executes the application program users.
Operating Systems provide the overall environment for humans to work with application software. OS also provide a bridge between application software and computer hardware.
Their main purpose is maximizing the productivity of a computer system by operating them in the most efficient manner. Some of the specific major operating system functions include:
Booting
The process of performing diagnostic routine test, Power On Self-Test (POST), and loading an operating system and other programs including application programs from disk into the computer’s memory, so that you can use them.
Formatting
Also called initializing a disk is a process of preparing a disk so that it can store data or programs.
Hardware Management
This function is of the operating system is for controlling and integrating printers, keyboards, modems, disk drives, and other devices attached to the computer; ensuring the efficient control and use of input/output peripherals and secondary devices
Memory and CPU Management
The operating systems are also responsible for managing the way data is stored on, and retrieved from disks, erasing and copying data files and programs, supporting various file organization methods; keeping track of where data and programs are stored, coordinating how programs work with CPU, RAM, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other hardware as well as with other software. Memory and CPU management may be treated as part of Hardware management, but it is separated for emphasis. Hardware management and Memory and CPU management may be considered under the broader Resource Management function of the Operating System. Resource is an operating system function that controls the use of computer system resources such as primary storage, secondary storage, CPU and processing time, and input/out devices by other system software and application packages.
File Management
Keeping track of the physical location of files on magnetic disks and other secondary storage devices; controlling the creation, deletion and access of files of data and programs; logging resource use such as the number of files stored, where they are kept how much storage space is free; maintaining directories of information about the location and characteristics of files stored on a computer system’s secondary storage devices are solely the functions of operating systems.
Task Management
A computer may invariably be required to perform different tasks or operations (such as printing, accepting data input, storing or processing calculations) at the same time and it is the operating system that aids in these processes. Methods or approaches employed by most operating systems include multitasking (for one user executing more than one program concurrently on a computer with one processor), multiprogramming (for multiple users executing different users’ programs concurrently on a computer with one processor), time-sharing (for multiple users executing different users’ programs in a round-robin fashion, especially in networked environment), and multiprocessing (for single or multiple users, simultaneously processing of two or more programs by multiple computers).
Security Management
Controlling access to a computer; maintaining security by checking ID’s and passwords; providing error messages to users when system fails to execute commands are the core functions of the operating system.
Providing User Interfaces
The user-controllable part of the OS that allows you to communicate, or interact with it; it is the public face of a computer operating system that enables people to interact with the computer. One way of classifying interfaces is by the style of communication they provide. Some are purely textual, while others replace some or all of the words by icons. 4 common types of user interfaces include:
- Command-driven interface – also referred to as character-based, command-line, or text-based interface. Allows you to enter a command by typing in codes or words
- Menu-driven interface - also referred to as menu-selection interface. Allows you to use cursor movement (arrow) keys, mouse, trackball etc. to choose a command from a menu
- Graphical User Interface (GUI) – allows you to use graphics (images) and menus as well as key strokes to choose commands, start programs and see list of files and other options.
- Network User Interface (NUI) – offers a browser-like interface that helps users interact with online programs and files.
With respect to the user interface, it is important to explain the following relevant terms:
- Icons – (Used in GUI) small pictorial figures that represent tasks procedures, and programs, small pictures or symbols with an easily understood meaning displayed on the screen as a method of offering a choice of activity.
- WIMP environment - acronym for Windows Icons Menus, Pointer; a method of accessing the computer making minimum use of the keyboard by using a mouse or similar device to move a pointer over icons or text menus displayed on the screen.
- Desktop – the system’s main interface screen displaying icons which provide quick access to programs and information; a combination of windows and icons is sometimes referred to as desktop.
The following two are terms used to describe the communication between people and computer systems.
- HCI – Human-Computer Interaction/Interface
- MMI – Man-Machine Interface
Principal examples of operating systems include the following:
- Microsoft Windows for PC (Windows 3X, 95, 98, NT, 2000, ME, XP, Vista, 7, 8 (8.1), and currently on the market is 10)
- Mac OS (Macintosh Operating Systems) for Apple Computers
- Netware
- UNIX (abbreviation for UNICS: Unified Information and Computer System)
- Linux (Solaris, RedHat, BackTrack, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Edubuntu, Fedora, Open Suse, Kali Linux etc.)
- DOS (Disk Operating System): IBM’s PC DOS, MS DOS
I hope this information was useful to you. Let’s get interactive by dropping your questions and suggestions in the comments box below. Enjoy!!!
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