FUNCTION OF OS

The main functions of an OS are schematically shown below: Device management Storage management User interface House keeping Memory management Processor management Operating System The main functions of an OS include: In a multitasking operating system where multiple programs can be running at the same time, the operating system determines which applications should run in what order and how much time should be allowed for each application before giving another application a turn. It manages the sharing of internal memory among multiple applications. It handles and monitors input and output to and from attached hardware devices, such as hard disks, printers, and dial-up ports. [8] It sends messages to each application or interactive user (or to a system operator) about the status of operation and any errors that may have occurred. It can offload the management of what are called batch jobs (for example, printing) so that the initiating application is freed from this work. On computers that can provide parallel processing, an operating system can manage how to divide the program so that it runs on more than one processor at a time. Scheduling the activities of the CPU and resources to achieve efficiency and prevention of deadlock. [9] View additional jobs done by the OS All major computer platforms (hardware and software) require and sometimes include an operating system. Linux, Windows 2000, VMS, OS/400, AIX, and z/OS are all examples of operating systems. Page Aurthor: Gloria Adelowo

Last updated: 12/15/02. [ Home ] [ Group Members ] [ Introduction ] [ OS Functions ] [ Discussions ] [ References ]