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IGCSE Computer Science: OS Functions

The operating system performs several key functions: - It controls hardware and allows users to communicate with the computer. It also provides multitasking capabilities to run multiple programs simultaneously. - Some of its main functions include managing memory, allowing multitasking, providing a user interface, managing files and peripherals, and providing security and user accounts. - It handles interrupts from devices to ensure important tasks are prioritized and processes are paused and resumed appropriately.

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188 views1 page

IGCSE Computer Science: OS Functions

The operating system performs several key functions: - It controls hardware and allows users to communicate with the computer. It also provides multitasking capabilities to run multiple programs simultaneously. - Some of its main functions include managing memory, allowing multitasking, providing a user interface, managing files and peripherals, and providing security and user accounts. - It handles interrupts from devices to ensure important tasks are prioritized and processes are paused and resumed appropriately.

Uploaded by

collen
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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IGCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE (0478) BY AWAB AQIB

CHAPTER 1.3: HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE


1.3.6 Operating Systems

WHY IS THERE A NEED OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM IN COMPUTERS


-it performs a number of basic tasks, including controlling hardware/file handling
-it allows the user to communicate with the computer using hardware
-it provides the user with a user interface
-PC’s are often used to perform many complex tasks at a time and the OS
-is needed to handle this multitasking
-provides the ability to handle interrupts

FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING SYSTEM

1. Interrupt
-A signal that causes the operating system to attend to a specified task
-tells the processor that its attention is required
-ensures that important tasks are dealt with on priority basis
-can be generated by peripherals like keyboard, mouse, printer
-can be generated by software currently running on computer
-will cause the Operating System to pause the current task
-different interrupts have different levels of priority
-after an interrupt is dealt with, the previous process is continued

2. Utility 8. Manages peripherals


-A program that performs a specific task -keeping peripherals in sync and
required for the operation of a computer giving/getting input/output

3. Memory Management 9. Provides security methods


-A process of assigning blocks of memory -to secure the operations being performed
to programs running on the computer

4. Spooling 10. Allows multitasking


-Data are temporarily held in a buffer -to allow multiple tasks and programs
waiting for an output device to access it being executed at once

5. Multitasking 11. Manages application software


-Many processes appear to run -to add or delete application software of
simultaneously choice

6. Provides a user interface 12. Allows creation of multiple


-to send instructions for performing a accounts
specific task, to computer -for the purposes of multiple users using
computer
7. File management
-saving, creating, merging, copying of data
and files

awabaqibb@gmail.com https://www.youtube.com/c/awabaqib/

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