An operating system (OS) is the fundamental software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources. It serves as an intermediary between the user and the computer, providing a user interface and controlling the execution of applications.
Core Functions of an Operating System:
Resource Management:
Manages the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices efficiently.
Allocates resources to different processes and applications.
Handles resource sharing and conflict resolution.
Process Management:
Controls the creation, execution, and termination of processes.
Manages the process lifecycle, including states like running, waiting, and ready.
Implements scheduling algorithms to determine which process gets the CPU.
Memory Management:
Allocates and deallocates memory to processes.
Handles memory protection to prevent unauthorized access.
Implements memory swapping and paging techniques.
File Management:
Organizes and stores data on storage devices.
Provides file creation, deletion, reading, and writing operations.
Implements file systems to structure and manage files.
Input/Output (I/O) Handling:
Manages communication between the computer and external devices.
Handles data transfer and device control.
Provides buffering and caching mechanisms for efficient I/O operations.
User Interface:
Provides a way for users to interact with the computer.
Can be command-line, graphical, or touch-based.
Handles user input and displays system information.
In essence, the operating system acts as the conductor of a complex orchestra, ensuring that all hardware and software components work together seamlessly to deliver the desired functionality to the user.