Operating System of Computer

An operating system is a set  of programs that manages all computer components and operations. A computer cannot do anything without operating system. Operating system must be installed on every computer. Users interact with computer via operating system. When computer is turned on, the operating system runs and checks that all parts of the computer are functioning properly. Operating system runs and checks that all parts of the after loading. The following figure shows that an operating system is a set of program that acts as an interface between a user of a computer and computer hardware. Some popular operating system are DOS, windows, Unix, OS/2, Linux etc.
Functions of Operating System

Operating system performs the following functions:
  • Booting: Booting is a process of starting the computer. Operating system starts the computer to work. It checks the computer and makes it ready to work. 

  • Memory Management: The memory cannot be managed without an operating system. Different programs and data execute in memory at one time. If there is no operating system, the programs may mix with each other.
  • Loading and Execution: A program is loaded in memory before it can be executed. Operating system provides the facility to load and execute programs.
 
  • Data Security :Data is an important part of computer system. The operating system protects the data stored on the computer from illegal use, modification or deletion. 

  •  Disk Management:Operating system manages the disk space. It manages the stored files and folders in a proper way.

  •  Process Management:CPU can perform one task at one time. If there are many tasks, operating system decides which task should get the CPU.
  • Device Controlling:Operating system controls all devices attached to computer.The hardware devices are controlled with the help of device drivers. 
  • Printing Controlling:Operating System also controls printing function. If a user issues two print commands at a time, it does not mix data of these files and prints them separately.
  • Providing Interface: User interface is used to interact with computer . It controls how a user enters data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen.