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An operating system manages software and hardware resources, controls peripherals, and is responsible for security. There are different types of operating systems, including multi-user, multi-processor, multitasking, multithreading, and real-time. They typically have graphical user interfaces and are used in personal computers such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
An operating system is a program designed to run other programs on a computer. A computer’s operating system is its most important program. It is considered the backbone of a computer, as it manages both software and hardware resources. Operating systems are responsible for everything from controlling and allocating memory to recognizing input from external devices and passing the output to computer displays. They also manage files on computer hard drives and control peripherals, such as printers and scanners.
The operating system of a large computer system has even more work to do. Such operating systems monitor different programs and users, making sure that everything is running smoothly, despite the fact that many devices and programs are being used at the same time. An operating system also has a vital role to play in security. Its task includes preventing unauthorized users from accessing the computer system.
There are multi-user, multi-processor, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and real-time operating systems. A multi-user operating system allows multiple users to run programs simultaneously. This type of operating system can only be used by a few people or hundreds of them. In fact, there are some operating systems that are used to allow thousands of people to run programs at the same time.
A multiprocessor operating system allows a program to run on more than one central processing unit (CPU) at a time. This can come in very handy in some work environments, at school, and even for some home computing situations. Multitasking operating systems work a little differently; allow you to run more than one program at a time. Multithreaded operating systems are even more diverse, allowing various parts of a program to be used simultaneously.
Real-time operating systems are designed to allow computers to process and respond to input instantly. Typically, generic operating systems, such as the disk operating system (DOS), are not considered real-time, as they may take seconds or minutes to respond to input. Real-time operating systems are typically used when computers need to react to consistent input of information without delay. For example, real-time operating systems may be used in navigation.
Operating systems today tend to have graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that use pointing devices for input. A mouse is an example of such a pointing device, as is a stylus. Commonly used operating systems for IBM-compatible personal computers include Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
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