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Functions of Operating System

Last Updated : 01 Jul, 2024
An Operating System acts as a communication bridge (interface)
between the user and computer hardware. The purpose of an operating
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system is to provide a platform on which a user can execute programs
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An operating system is a piece of software that manages the allocation

of Computer Hardware. The coordination of the hardware must be
appropriate to ensure the correct working of the computer system and to
prevent user programs from interfering with the proper working of the
system.

The main goal of the Operating System is to make the computer

environment more convenient to use and the Secondary goal is to use the
resources most efficiently.

What is an Operating System?

An operating system is a program that manages a computer’s hardware.
It also provides a basis for application programs and acts as an
intermediary between the computer user and computer hardware. The
main task an operating system carries out is the allocation of resources
and services, such as the allocation of memory, devices, processors, and
information. The operating system also includes programs to manage
these resources, such as a traffic controller, a scheduler, a memory
management module, I/O programs, and a file system. The operating
system simply provides an environment within which other programs can
do useful work.

Why are Operating Systems Used?

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Operating System is used as a communication channel between the

Computer hardware and the user. It works as an intermediate between
System Hardware and End-User. Operating System handles the
following responsibilities:

It controls all the computer resources.

It provides valuable services to user programs.
It coordinates the execution of user programs.
It provides resources for user programs.
It provides an interface (virtual machine) to the user.
It hides the complexity of software.
It supports multiple execution modes.
It monitors the execution of user programs to prevent errors.

Functions of an Operating System

Memory Management

The operating system manages the Primary Memory or Main Memory.

Main memory is made up of a large array of bytes or words where each
byte or word is assigned a certain address. Main memory is fast storage
and it can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed,
it should be first loaded in the main memory. An operating system
manages the allocation and deallocation of memory to various processes
and ensures that the other process does not consume the memory
allocated to one process. An Operating System performs the following
activities for Memory Management:

It keeps track of primary memory, i.e., which bytes of memory are used
by which user program. The memory addresses that have already
been allocated and the memory addresses of the memory that has not
yet been used.
In multiprogramming, the OS decides the order in which processes are
granted memory access, and for how long.

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It Allocates the memory to a process when the process requests it and

deallocates the memory when the process has terminated or is
performing an I/O operation.

Memory Management

Processor Management

In a multi-programming environment, the OS decides the order in which

processes have access to the processor, and how much processing time
each process has. This function of OS is called Process Scheduling. An
Operating System performs the following activities for Processor
Management.

An operating system manages the processor’s work by allocating various

jobs to it and ensuring that each process receives enough time from the
processor to function properly.
Keeps track of the status of processes. The program which performs this
task is known as a traffic controller. Allocates the CPU that is a processor
to a process. De-allocates processor when a process is no longer
required.

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Processor Management

Device Management

An OS manages device communication via its respective drivers. It

performs the following activities for device management.

Keeps track of all devices connected to the system. Designates a

program responsible for every device known as the Input/Output
controller.
Decide which process gets access to a certain device and for how long.
Allocates devices effectively and efficiently. Deallocates devices when
they are no longer required.
There are various input and output devices. An OS controls the
working of these input-output devices.
It receives the requests from these devices, performs a specific task,
and communicates back to the requesting process.

File Management

A file system is organized into directories for efficient or easy navigation

and usage. These directories may contain other directories and other
files. An Operating System carries out the following file management
activities. It keeps track of where information is stored, user access
settings, the status of every file, and more. These facilities are
collectively known as the file system. An OS keeps track of information
regarding the creation, deletion, transfer, copy, and storage of files in an

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organized way. It also maintains the integrity of the data stored in these
files, including the file directory structure, by protecting against
unauthorized access.

File Management

User Interface or Command Interpreter

The user interacts with the computer system through the operating
system. Hence OS acts as an interface between the user and the
computer hardware. This user interface is offered through a set of
commands or a graphical user interface (GUI). Through this interface, the
user makes interacts with the applications and the machine hardware.

Command Interpreter

Booting the Computer

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The process of starting or restarting the computer is known as booting. If

the computer is switched off completely and if turned on then it is called
cold booting. Warm booting is a process of using the operating system to
restart the computer.

Security

The operating system uses password protection to protect user data and
similar other techniques. it also prevents unauthorized access to
programs and user data. The operating system provides various
techniques which assure the integrity and confidentiality of user data.
The following security measures are used to protect user data:

Protection against unauthorized access through login.

Protection against intrusion by keeping the firewall active.
Protecting the system memory against malicious access.
Displaying messages related to system vulnerabilities.

Control Over System Performance

Operating systems play a pivotal role in controlling and optimizing

system performance. They act as intermediaries between hardware and
software, ensuring that computing resources are efficiently utilized. One
fundamental aspect is resource allocation, where the OS allocates CPU
time, memory, and I/O devices to different processes, striving to provide
fair and optimal resource utilization. Process scheduling, a critical
function, helps decide which processes or threads should run when
preventing any single task from monopolizing the CPU and enabling
effective multitasking.

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Control Over System Performance

Job Accounting

The operating system Keeps track of time and resources used by various
tasks and users, this information can be used to track resource usage for
a particular user or group of users. In a multitasking OS where multiple
programs run simultaneously, the OS determines which applications
should run in which order and how time should be allocated to each
application.

Error-Detecting Aids

The operating system constantly monitors the system to detect errors

and avoid malfunctioning computer systems. From time to time, the
operating system checks the system for any external threat or malicious
software activity. It also checks the hardware for any type of damage.
This process displays several alerts to the user so that the appropriate
action can be taken against any damage caused to the system.

Coordination Between Other Software and Users

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Operating systems also coordinate and assign interpreters, compilers,

assemblers, and other software to the various users of the computer
systems. In simpler terms, think of the operating system as the traffic cop
of your computer. It directs and manages how different software
programs can share your computer’s resources without causing chaos. It
ensures that when you want to use a program, it runs smoothly without
crashing or causing problems for others. So, it’s like the friendly officer
ensuring a smooth flow of traffic on a busy road, making sure everyone
gets where they need to go without any accidents or jams.

Performs Basic Computer Tasks

The management of various peripheral devices such as the mouse,

keyboard, and printer is carried out by the operating system. Today most
operating systems are plug-and-play. These operating systems
automatically recognize and configure the devices with no user
interference.

Network Management

Network Communication: Think of them as traffic cops for your

internet traffic. Operating systems help computers talk to each other
and the internet. They manage how data is packaged and sent over
the network, making sure it arrives safely and in the right order.
Settings and Monitoring: Think of them as the settings and security
guard for your internet connection. They also let you set up your
network connections, like Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and keep an eye on how
your network is doing. They make sure your computer is using the
network efficiently and securely, like adjusting the speed of your
internet or protecting your computer from online threats.

Services Provided by an Operating System

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The Operating System provides certain services to the users which can
be listed in the following manner:

User Interface: Almost all operating systems have a user interface

(UI). This interface can take several forms. One is a command-line
interface(CLI), which uses text commands and a method for entering
them (say, a keyboard for typing in commands in a specific format with
specific options). Another is a batch interface, in which commands and
directives to control those commands are entered into files, and those
files are executed. Most commonly, a graphical user interface (GUI) is
used. the interface is a window system with a pointing device to direct
I/O, choose from menus, and make selections and a keyboard to enter
text.
Program Execution: The Operating System is responsible for the
execution of all types of programs whether it be user programs or
system programs. The Operating System utilizes various resources
available for the efficient running of all types of functionalities.
Handling Input/Output Operations: The Operating System is
responsible for handling all sorts of inputs, i.e., from the keyboard,
mouse, desktop, etc. The Operating System does all interfacing most
appropriately regarding all kinds of Inputs and Outputs.
For example, there is a difference between all types of peripheral
devices such as mice or keyboards, the Operating System is
responsible for handling data between them.
Manipulation of File System: The Operating System is responsible for
making decisions regarding the storage of all types of data or files, i.e.,
floppy disk/hard disk/pen drive, etc. The Operating System decides
how the data should be manipulated and stored.
Resource Allocation: The Operating System ensures the proper use of
all the resources available by deciding which resource to be used by
whom for how much time. All the decisions are taken by the Operating
System.

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Accounting: The Operating System tracks an account of all the

functionalities taking place in the computer system at a time. All the
details such as the types of errors that occurred are recorded by the
Operating System.
Information and Resource Protection: The Operating System is
responsible for using all the information and resources available on
the machine in the most protected way. The Operating System must
foil an attempt from any external resource to hamper any sort of data
or information.
Communication: The operating system implements communication
between one process to another process to exchange information.
Such communication may occur between processes that are executing
on the same computer or between processes that are executing on
different computer systems tied together by a computer network.
System Services: The operating system provides various system
services, such as printing, time and date management, and event
logging.
Error Detection: The operating system needs to be detecting and
correcting errors constantly. Errors may occur in the CPU and memory
hardware ( for eg. a memory error or a power failure), in I/O devices
(such as a parity error on disk, a connection failure on a network, or a
lack of paper in the printer), and in the user program ( an arithmetic
overflow, an attempt to access an illegal memory location or a too-
great use of CPU time). For each type of error, the operating system
should take the appropriate action to ensure correct and consistent
computing.

All these services are ensured by the Operating System for the
convenience of the users to make the programming task easier. All
different kinds of Operating Systems more or less provide the same
services.

Characteristics of Operating System

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Virtualization: Operating systems can provide Virtualization

capabilities, allowing multiple operating systems or instances of an
operating system to run on a single physical machine. This can
improve resource utilization and provide isolation between different
operating systems or applications.
Networking: Operating systems provide networking capabilities,
allowing the computer system to connect to other systems and
devices over a network. This can include features such as network
protocols, network interfaces, and network security.
Scheduling: Operating systems provide scheduling algorithms that
determine the order in which tasks are executed on the system. These
algorithms prioritize tasks based on their resource requirements and
other factors to optimize system performance.
Interprocess Communication: Operating systems provide mechanisms
for applications to communicate with each other, allowing them to
share data and coordinate their activities.
Performance Monitoring: Operating systems provide tools for
monitoring system performance, including CPU usage, memory usage,
disk usage, and network activity. This can help identify performance
bottlenecks and optimize system performance.
Backup and Recovery: Operating systems provide backup and
recovery mechanisms to protect data in the event of system failure or
data loss.
Debugging: Operating systems provide debugging tools that allow
developers to identify and fix software bugs and other issues in the
system.

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Characteristics of Operating System

Conclusion
In simple terms, the operating system performs essential functions like
managing computer hardware, running applications, handling file
systems, and providing a user interface. It ensures smooth interaction
between software and hardware, making computers easier to use and
more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions on Functions of Operating

System – FAQs

What does an operating system do?

An operating system manages computer hardware and software,

coordinates tasks, and provides a user interface for interacting with
the computer.

What are the 5 main functions of an operating system?

Five main function of operating system include:

Process Management
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Device Management
Security and Privacy
Memory Management
File Systems Management

How does an operating system manage memory?

It allocates memory to programs, ensures efficient use of available

memory, and handles virtual memory to extend available space
when needed.

What is the role of an operating system in file management?

It organizes files on storage devices, handles file access and

storage, and ensures data integrity and security.

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