Operating System
An operating system is software which controls the general operation of a computer.

An operating system

  • controls the loading  
  • ...and running of programs (interpreting and executing each command)
  • controls the use of peripherals such as disc drives and printers
  • organises the use of the computer’s memory.
  • handles interrupts (signals from devices)
  • maintains security (passwords etc)

Part of the operating system is stored on a ROM chip. When the computer is switched on, the first thing that happens is that part of the operating system is loaded into memory. This process is called booting up.

 

A computer cannot work without an operating system.

Examples of Operating Systems :
  • UNIX 
  • Linux
  • Windows
  • MS-DOS

 

Software may be specific to a particular operating system and would therefore not work under a different operating system.

 

Exercise : Operating Systems
An operating system is a without which a computer cannot work.

The operating system...

  • maximises the use of the computer's
  • loads and runs other
  • handles inputs and outputs from
  • handles - signals from devices in need of attention
  • maintains - passwords etc

Booting up is the process of loading the operating system into memory.

 

(Green indicates success)