work.
Allocating resources: An os act as manager resources like CPU, memory I/O devices and allocates
them to specific programs and users necessary for programs.
Act as a control program: os controls the execution of a user program to prevent errors and improper
use o computer system. It is especially concerned about operation and I/O devices.
Convenient for the user: the primary goal of an os is to make it easier to use the system.
Efficient of operation: it is particularly important for large, shared, multi user system. Since the
systems are expensive it is desirable to make them as efficient as possible.
Operating system
Operating system goals:
Execute user programs and make solving user problems easier
Make the computer system convenient to use
Use the computer hardware in an efficient manner
One set of operating-system services provides functions that are helpful to the user:
User interface - Almost all operating systems have a user interface (UI).
o Varies between Command-Line (CLI), Graphics User Interface (GUI), Batch
Program execution - The system must be able to load a program into memory and to run that
program, end execution, either normally or abnormally (indicating error)
I/O operations - A running program may require I/O, which may involve a file or an I/O device
File-system manipulation - The file system is of particular interest. Programs need to read and write
files and directories, create and delete them, search them, list file Information, permission management.
Communications – Processes may exchange information, on the same computer or between
computers over a network. Communications may be via shared memory or through message passing
(packets moved by the OS)
Error detection – OS needs to be constantly aware of possible errors
o May occur in the CPU and memory hardware, in I/O devices, in user program
o For each type of error, OS should take the appropriate action to ensure correct and consistent
computing
o Debugging facilities can greatly enhance the user9s and programmer9s abilities to efficiently use the
system
Another set of OS functions exists for ensuring the efficient operation of the system itself via resource
sharing
Resource allocation - When multiple users or multiple jobs running concurrently, resources must be
allocated to each of them
o Many types of resources - CPU cycles, main memory, file storage, I/O devices.
Accounting - To keep track of which users use how much and what kinds of computer resources
Protection and security - The owners of information stored in a multiuser or networked computer
system may want to control use of that information, concurrent processes should not interfere with each
other
o Protection involves ensuring that all access to system resources is controlled
o Security of the system from outsiders requires user authentication, extends to defending external
I/O devices from invalid access attempts
Fig : A view of operating system services
