P2 – Explain the Purpose of an Operating System

P2 – Explain the Purpose of an Operating System

What is an Operating System?

An Operating System is software that manages computer’s software and hardware. It is settled between the BIOS and the application software so it can control what hardware resources are being used such as:

• Memory
• CPU time
• Disk space
• Peripheral devices

Why is an Operating System needed?

An Operating System is needed to boot up the computer, to control hardware, because without it it’s useless, it can do nothing on its own. An Operating System is software and software is needed to tell hardware what to do. It also acts as the radiator between the application software, hardware and the user. It is needed for the user so it can run different programs, without it you couldn’t interact with any applications or hardware.

How does it enable machine and peripheral management?

The Operating System has to recognise and control all modern devices, because they are all PnP (Plug and Play). Peripheral management controls all the peripheral devices by sending commands in their own language through drivers which are known as input/output or peripheral administrators. As well, the OS controls the time given of CPU to input and output device, so the CPU doesn’t sit idle. The device manager of the OS separates the drivers from the Kernel and the user applications from the hardware so it acts as an interface between drivers and both Kernel and user applications.

How does it enable security?

An Operating System ensures a computer’s security when it comes into contact with a good range of other systems via the Internet. It also makes sure that user data, connectivity, access to application software, access to system configuration and access to the filling systems is secure.

User data

The Operating System allows the user to set up a password and username on the computer or on individual documents for protection of the user’s data. You can also use disk encryption, it locks down all of the content of a disk drive and then it becomes unreadable to others.

Connectivity

Connecting to an unknown website or clicking on adverts can contain viruses which happen often, so the OS tries to protect the computer from catching one.

Access to applications software

OS Security lets different applications and programs to do required tasks and also stop unauthorized interference, it means that no restricts access to software for users.

Access to system configuration

System configuration can be harmful if unauthorised user’s go on it. It could make your computer not function properly, that is why usually Access to system configuration is limited to one or few users (mostly the owner of the computer) or for example in businesses to technicians.

Access to the filling system

Files that someone sent you, or that are in your computer can contain viruses as well, so the operating system tries to detect them when you open that file and also in a network, you only get to see your data.

 

How does it enable File Management?

An Operating System must create and take care of the filling system, where all data and programs are stored. It also has to keep a list of contents where data and programs are stored so users can keep track of where specific files are located and also in case backup is needed. One of Operating Systems jobs is to format drives into a specific format before they are being used. It can use many different kinds of file management systems. These systems might have different features and work smoothly with the Operating system.