Operating System: The Heart of

Technology
INTRODUCTION:

An operating system is the basis of all

computer work. As an intermediary
between hardware in a computer and the
user, an OS manages and coordinates all
the activities and resources within a
computer system. In this paper, we shall
discuss how to operate the functions of
the OS and types and describe commonly
used OS within the computer system and
mobile phones.
Functions of an Operating System

Operating systems serve a diverse range of purposes

including:

Process Management: There must be scheduling and

managing process execution. The OS has to decide which
process gets the right to use the CPU and in which order.
Thus, the OS helps execute tasks in an efficient way and
supports multitasking as well. Algorithms like FCFS and Round
Robin algorithms help in effective management of such
processes.

Memory Management: Proper Allocation and Deallocation of

Memory Spaces Prevent programs from interfering with each
other, and systems are optimized. The Operating System
manages physical and virtual memories to ensure that the
processes of the system are provided with the necessary
resources. Techniques like Paging and Segmentation are used
so that memory is utilized efficiently with applications having
the space they want without conflicts.

File System Management: It stores files and orders them in a

manner where they can readily be retrieved and processed
for information. The OS comprises means of storing,
accessing and managing files and directories in an organized
way so as to ensure integrity and security of the information.
It gives file permissions; thus only specific files are accessed
by authorized people hence security.
Device Management: Control and monitoring of hardware
devices allow peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners,
and other input/output devices, to work efficiently with the
computer system. The OS supplies drivers and interfaces for
the communication of hardware. This OS manages the
communication of the computer and peripheral devices using
device drivers for proper functionality and efficiency of
hardware parts.

Security and Access Control : Protecting data and resources

from unauthorized access is achieved by managing user
accounts, permissions, and encryption. The OS enforces
security protocols to fight viruses, malware, and other cyber
attacks. All critical information relates to such security
measures as user authentication, authorization, and data
encryption.
User Interface Management: The OS should offer an interface
for user-to-machine interaction. The forms it may take can
range from GUIs to CLIs. The OS provides users with intuitive
and efficient interaction with the machine. It gives users a
shell where they may input commands, run applications, and
control resources on a visual, interactive basis.
Types of Operating Systems

There are various kinds of operating systems based on their

features and uses:

Batch Operating System: It runs jobs in batches without any

intervention from the user. Historically used on mainframes,
it processes a series of jobs in a queue, thus reducing idle
time and maximizing resource utilization. It is suitable for
handling large volumes of data wherein interaction with the
user is very minimal.

Time-Sharing Operating System: It allows several users to

share system resources at the same time by giving each user
a time slot. It is responsive and supports multitasking, thus
ideal for environments with multiple users. Examples include
Unix and its many variants, which allow several users to
access the system at the same time.

Distributed Operating System: The distributed operating

system manages the group of independent computers so that
they appear as one computer. It allows the sharing of
resources and the distributed processing, which enhance
performance and fault tolerance in the network. Examples
include Amoeba and Plan 9. They distribute computational
tasks over several nodes to realize efficient processing.
Network Operating System: It has functions and services
related to networking that can make computers work
together to communicate over a network. File sharing, printer
access, and networking management tools are some of the
benefits. Some examples include Microsoft Windows Server
and Novell NetWare, which provide quite robust networking
capabilities for networked environments that manage
resources.
Real-Time Operating System: This operating system provides
fast and predictable response times for real-time
applications, which include embedded systems and industrial
automation. It ensures that tasks of utmost importance are
executed in a given time frame. Examples include VxWorks
and QNX, applied in mission-critical applications where
timing is of the essence.

Mobile OS: Designed from the bottom up for mobile devices,

maximizing touch interfaces, battery life, and mobile
connectivity. Examples: Android and iOS are used to power
most of the smartphones and tablets in the market today,
where seamless user experience in this medium is assured.

Common OS in Computer Systems

There are several operating systems in use today in computer
systems, serving the various needs and preferences.

Windows OS: This is developed by Microsoft, and Windows is

the most used OS for personal and business computers. The
OS boasts a user-friendly interface with wide software
compatibility and current installations, thus dominating the
desktop marketplace. There is wide versatility in usage from
basic home operations to enterprise usage, ranging from
products like Windows 10 to the newly released Windows 11.

macOS is the operating system from Apple, famous for sleek

designs, strong performance, and seamless integration with
other devices from Apple. Creative professionals and users of
stability and security often use macOS. The macOS
environment is also quite complete because it regularly
updates and integrates with iCloud.
Linux OS: Opensource, very secure, and highly customizable.
It is mainly used in servers and supercomputers but is now
increasingly used in desktop by the tech-savvy users.
Distributions of this OS include Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS
targeted at beginners, intermediate, and expert users.

UNIX: A powerful OS, mainly used in servers and

workstations, for its power, scalability, and multitasking. It has
inspired several other operating systems, like Linux. UNIX
systems are preferred in places where reliability and
performance are of paramount importance, such as in
academic and research institutions.

Chrome OS: Google product, developed for web applications

and lightweight computing. Chrome OS runs on
Chromebooks, and its users are cloud-based services users
that want an easy-to-use and affordable system. It is a simple,
secure platform that integrates well with Google's suite of
online tools and services.

Most commonly adopted OS for Smart Phones.

A handful of heavily influential operating systems rule the

roost:

Android OS: It is developed by Google, holding the largest

market share. It is open-source in nature, flexible, and has a
wide range of manufacturers supporting it. Customization is
quite extensive, along with a vast app ecosystem. It is also
quite good in terms of receiving frequent updates for better
performance and security. Android can be applied in almost
all types of devices, from smartphones to smart TVs and
wearables.
iOS: Apple's proprietary OS, renowned for its seamless
integration with Apple's ecosystem, user-friendly interface,
and security features. It's praised for its smooth performance
and regular updates, providing a consistently high-quality
user experience. With features like Face ID, Siri, and a rich
app ecosystem, iOS remains a popular choice among mobile
users.

HarmonyOS is Huawei's OS for working in a wide array of

devices. It includes both smartphone types and IoT devices,
giving a unified experience between these disparate
platforms. It was made to connect several smart devices
together in such a smooth way that their cohesion offers its
users a smooth working system. KaiOS: This is for feature
phones, bringing smartphone functionality at a lower cost. It
is very popular in developing markets and supports a variety
of apps and services, including WhatsApp and Facebook.
KaiOS brings smart features to affordable devices, bridging
the digital divide and offering internet access to a wider
audience. Conclusion Modern technology lives by the very
breath of its operating system; interaction between hardware
and users continues smoothly. The functions, types, and the
most used OS in computer systems and mobile phones
cannot be comprehended unless and until one digs deep into
this topic. This excursion does not only improve our
appreciation for technology but also throws light on the
brilliance behind the systems that help keep our digital world
working seamlessly.