Lesson:

Introduction to OS
Topics Covered
Introduction
Operating system
What is the need for an OS
Kernel
Development of first OS
Types of OS
Features of OS.
An Operating System (OS) is one of the most important pieces of software that runs on any computer
system. It is responsible for managing the hardware resources and providing a layer of abstraction that
enables users to interact with the machine.

An OS is a complex and multifaceted piece of software that has evolved over decades to become the
powerful tool that it is today. From the earliest days of computing to the modern era of cloud-based systems
and mobile devices, the OS has played a critical role in shaping the way we interact with technology, and its
importance only continues to grow as we rely more and more on computers in our daily lives.

In this lecture, we will delve into the fascinating world of OS and explore how it has evolved over time to
become the backbone of modern computing. We will examine the various types of OS, including desktop,
server, mobile, and embedded systems, and learn about their unique features and capabilities. We will also
discuss the key concepts and principles that underpin OS design and explore the latest trends and
developments in this fast-moving field.

Operating system.

An Operating System (OS) is a software program that serves as a bridge between a computer's hardware
and software, enabling the efficient use of system resources and providing an interface for users to interact
with the machine. An OS manages system resources such as memory, CPU, storage, and input/output
devices, and provides services such as process management, file management, and security. It also
abstracts hardware details, providing a layer of abstraction that enables software applications to run on
different types of hardware without requiring modification.

There are several types of OS, including desktop, server, mobile, and embedded systems. Desktop OS, such as
Microsoft Windows and macOS, are designed to run on personal computers and provide a graphical user
interface (GUI) for users to interact with. Server OS, such as Linux and Microsoft Windows Server, is designed to
run on servers and provide services such as web hosting, file sharing, and database management.

Mobile OS, such as Android and iOS, is designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets and
provides a touch-based interface for users to interact with. Embedded OS, such as VxWorks and QNX, is
designed for embedded systems such as routers, medical equipment, and industrial control systems.

The design of an OS is based on several key principles and concepts, including process management,
memory management, file management, and security. Process management involves managing the
execution of multiple programs or processes simultaneously, ensuring that each process gets a fair share of
the system resources. Memory management involves managing the allocation and deallocation of memory,

Full Stack Web Development

ensuring that each process has access to the required amount of memory.

The OS is a constantly evolving field, and new trends and developments are emerging all the time. Cloud-
based OS, such as Google's Chrome OS, are becoming increasingly popular, offering a lightweight, web-based
interface that allows users to access applications and data from anywhere with an internet connection.
Virtualization is also a growing trend, enabling multiple OS to run on a single physical machine, improving
resource utilization, and reducing hardware costs.

What is the need for an OS?

Operating Systems (OS) is a crucial component of modern computing, providing a platform for running
software applications and managing hardware resources. Without an OS, a computer system would be unable
to function, as there would be no way to manage and control the underlying hardware components. The need
for an OS arises from the fact that computer systems are complex machines that require a sophisticated layer
of software to manage their various components and provide a user-friendly interface.

One of the primary functions of an OS is to manage memory and CPU resources. The OS allocates memory and
CPU time to different software applications running on the system, ensuring that they run efficiently and without
interference. It also manages input/output devices such as keyboards, mice, and printers, providing a standard
interface for these devices that software applications can use.

Another critical function of an OS is to provide a layer of abstraction between hardware and software. This
abstraction allows software applications to run on different types of hardware without modification, making it
possible to develop software that can run on a wide range of devices. For example, an application developed
for a Windows desktop can also run on a Windows laptop, as the underlying OS provides a consistent interface
to the hardware components. This abstraction also makes it possible to develop software that is independent
of the underlying hardware, reducing development costs and increasing portability.

Kernel.

The kernel is a critical component of any operating system, responsible for managing the system's resources
and providing a platform for running software applications. It acts as a bridge between the hardware
components of the system and the software applications that run on it. The kernel is a complex piece of
software that is often described as the "brain" of the operating system.

The relationship between the kernel and the operating system is a close one, with the kernel acting as the core
of the operating system. The kernel provides a standard interface to the system's hardware components,
allowing software applications to interact with them without needing to know the details of the hardware. The
operating system provides a layer of software that sits on top of the kernel, providing additional functionality
such as user interfaces, file systems, and networking capabilities.

The kernel and the operating system are often developed together, with the kernel providing the core
functionality that is needed to support the operating system's features. The design of the kernel is closely tied to
the design of the operating system, as the two components need to work together seamlessly to provide a
stable and reliable platform for running software applications.

The design of the kernel is critical to the performance and stability of the operating system. A well-designed
kernel can provide a stable and reliable platform for running software applications, while a poorly designed
kernel can lead to instability and poor performance. The kernel needs to be designed with scalability in mind, as
modern operating systems need to support a wide range of hardware configurations and software
applications.

Full Stack Web Development

First OS.

The mid-1950s marked the emergence of the first Operating System. Prior to this, computers were only able to
execute one program at a time. The early Operating Systems were responsible for enabling multiple
applications to run concurrently while accurately tracking the CPU's billing expenses. They acted as supervisors,
overseeing the single-stream batch processing system. Along with program management, they were also
responsible for I/O operations.

General Motors' GMOS for IBM 701 was the first Operating System. It paved the way for other early Operating
Systems such as IBM OS/360 and DEC's TOPS-10. These early Operating Systems had limited functionalities and
were generally designed for specific hardware platforms. They provided basic functionalities such as file
management, device drivers, and memory management, but lacked modern features such as virtual memory
and multitasking, which are now standard features of contemporary Operating Systems.

Development of first OS.

Back in the early days of computing, programming involved physically manipulating the machine's circuitry.
Later, an assembly language was developed to write code for this purpose. As time progressed, programmers
realized the need to write a compiler in this assembly language, which could compile user languages like C into
assembly language.

Eventually, Operating Systems were developed using high-level languages like C and C++, and their respective
compilers were also developed in the same language. This was a significant shift from earlier times when the
Operating System was written in assembly language. By using high-level languages, Operating Systems
became easier to develop and maintain. It also allowed for the development of a standard set of interfaces,
enabling application programs to be written independently of the hardware platform, which ultimately led to
the growth of the software industry.

Types of OS.

There are several types of Operating Systems, each designed for specific environments and purposes. The
types of OS include
Single-User O
Multi-User O
Real-Time O
Network O
Mobile O
Embedded OS

Full Stack Web Development

Single-User OS

Single-User OS is a type of operating system that is designed to be used by a single user at a time. It is the most
common type of operating system used on personal computers and workstations. It provides a user-friendly
interface that enables the user to interact with the computer system. Examples of Single-User OS include
Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.

Multi-User OS

Multi-User OS is a type of operating system that allows multiple users to access the system and its resources
simultaneously. It is typically used in a networked environment where multiple users share the same resources,
such as servers, printers, and databases. Examples of Multi-User OS include UNIX, Linux, and Windows Server.

Real-Time OS

Real-Time OS is a type of operating system that is designed to process data in real time. It is used in
applications that require immediate and predictable responses, such as control systems, robotics, and
aerospace systems. Examples of Real-Time OS include QNX, VxWorks, and Windows CE.

Network OS

Network OS is a type of operating system that is designed to manage and control network resources. It provides
services such as file sharing, printer sharing, and remote access. Examples of Network OS include Novell
NetWare and Windows Server.

Mobile OS

Mobile OS is a type of operating system that is designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and
tablets. It provides a platform for mobile applications to run and access device-specific features such as
cameras, GPS, and touch screens. Examples of Mobile OS include Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

Embedded OS

Embedded OS is a type of operating system that is designed to run on embedded systems, such as consumer
electronics, medical devices, and automotive systems. It is typically lightweight and optimized for specific
hardware and application requirements. Examples of Embedded OS include VxWorks, Nucleus RTOS, and
Embedded Linux.

Features of OS.

Some common features of Operating Systems are

Process Management: Operating systems manage the execution of processes or programs. They allocate
resources like CPU time and memory to these processes and monitor their status to ensure they are running
smoothly
Memory Management: Operating systems manage the allocation of memory to running processes. They
ensure that each process has enough memory to run, and protect the memory space of each process from
other processes
Device Management: Operating systems manage the interaction of the computer system with external
devices such as printers, scanners, and USB drives. They allocate system resources to these devices and
provide a standard interface for interacting with them
File Management: Operating systems manage the storage and retrieval of data on a computer system. They
organize data into files and directories, manage access control to these files, and ensure data is backed up
and recoverable in case of a system failure
Security: Operating systems provide security features to protect the computer system and the data it
contains. They authenticate users, control access to system resources, and prevent unauthorized access
and malicious attacks.

Full Stack Web Development

6. Networking: Operating systems manage the interaction of the computer system with networks, such as the

internet. They provide networking protocols and interfaces for data transfer and manage security features

such as firewalls.

Full Stack Web Development