Explain the purpose of operating systems

by ellouise1997hotmailcom (student)

P2- explain the purpose of operating systems

Operating System

An operating system is the most important program that runs the computer. The operating system runs other programs and performs basic tasks, for example, recognizing the input from the keyboard, sending the output to the display screen, keeping track of files and controlling peripheral devices like disk drives and printers.

An operating system allows you to communicate with computer hardware. Without a operating system you wouldn’t be able to perform actions on the computer as it would have no instructions to follow. It is almost like a translator between the user and computer; the processor can only understand 0s and 1s, however programs we use now are in high level language like java. It’s the operating system job to change the programs into 0s and 1s so that the hardware can follow the instructions and you can use the computer.

Data Management

Data management allows you to keep track of all the data stored on the computer or other storage devices. The application programs deals with the data by file name and location. The operating system’s file system knows where the data is stored and interacts with the application program. When data needs to be retrieved or saved, the application system cooperates with the operating system which opens, reads, writes and closes files.

User interface

Interface is commands which a user sets when communicating with the computer. The user interface is important because it controls how easily the user can use the program and get it to do what they want it to do.

Security

Operating systems have very good security features. They can allow you to have a password to protect from, unauthorised users. In addition, they maintain the activity and may offer time management to avoid unwanted payments. They also may allow backup and recovery procedures to ensure data is secure if there is a failure.

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User interface

Security

Task management

Operating systems allow you to multitask which is the ability to run many programs at once. Programs can then be prioritised to run faster or slower depending what they are needed for.

Device management

Device management controls all peripheral devices by sending commands. The software that deals with the commands is called a driver, the operating system requires a driver for every peripheral. When a different type of peripheral is connected, that devices must be added to the operating system if not already installed.

Memory Management

Memory management is responsible for managing the computers primary memory. The function keeps track of the status of each memory location, if it’s full or free. It controls which memory locations will be allocated. It also tracks when the memory is freed or unallocated and updates the status.

Features

Cost and support for the user:

The cost for an operating system can be around £100. However, some operating systems will allow you to upgrade their version for free if you already have a previous version. Many operating systems have good support for the user and can contact people who work for them through, email, phone or an online live chat. This ensures that issues can be resolved quickly and easy.

Basic utilities:

1)To manage the memory
2) To manage the IO devices
3) To provide platform for interaction between computer & user
4) To manage the communication between devices

Max OS X – Mavericks

Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 Pro is the operating system for small and medium businesses. It has the ability to join shared domains. It has other features including, remote desktop, work folders, Wi-Fi direct printing and reliable security features. Other packs wouldn’t be suitable because enterprise is aimed to large companies and the basic pack is for home users. Therefor this is the best package for the school to go for.

Windows 8.1 Pro Pack is £99.99 incl. VAT