Operating System: What are the Features | Functions | Uses | Available Operating System

An Operating System serves as a bridge between a computer’s user and its Hardware. An operating system’s function is to offer a setting in which a user may conveniently and effectively run programs. In this Article we had discussed about Operating System and its Uses, Features and Functions.

In other words we could say “Computer hardware management software is called an Operating System.” The hardware must provide the necessary mechanisms. This ensures the proper functioning of the computer system. It also prevents user programs from interfering with that operation.

The distribution of resources and services, such as memory, processors, devices, and information, is a concern of an operating system. To handle these resources, the operating system uses various programs. These include a traffic controller and a scheduler. It also includes a memory management module, I/O programs, and a file system.

1- Basic Features of Operating System

• Efficiency: An OS enables the effective use of computer system resources.
• Ability to Construct: The OS is designed to allow the creation, testing, and introduction of new system functions simultaneously. This process occurs without disrupting existing ones.
• Fast Output: Operating system gives maximum output through provided amount of time to complete the activity.

2- Major Functions of Operating System

• Storage management: Operating System used the latest file system (NTFS, FAT, EXT, HFS, APFS, etc.) mechanism for storing Data. Several devices are used to store data. These include Hard Disc, SSD (Solid State Drive), NVME SSD, Flash Drive, and ODD.
• Resources management: It is a resource manager when parallel accessing occurs, which is when numerous users are accessing the system. Its duty is to offer hardware to the user.
• Memory Management: Operating system controls main memory.The operating system tracks Memory Utilization timely and also determine which process requires memory.
• Process management: This entails a number of duties, such as planning and ending the process. Operating System used Algorithms for CPU Scheduling to accomplish this.
• Security/Privacy Management: The operating system protects privacy by using passwords to prevent unauthorized apps from accessing programs or data.

3- Types of Operating System

• Single Tasking Operating System: Computers allow users to run a single task at a time. They are called Single Tasking Operating Systems. E.g, MS DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). MS Dos is also known as command Prompt who has complete the task using Commands. Its is a CLI (Command Line Interface) based Operating System.
• Multi-Tasking Operating System: Nowadays Mostly users used Multi-Tasking Operating system which is based on GUI (Graphical User Interface). Users can do multiple tasks at the same time. They can listen to music on any music application. They can browse using Google Chrome App or any browser. Additionally, they can use Notepad or any text editor program.
• Real Time Operating System: Real-time operating systems have very short processing and response times. Examples of real-time operating systems are space and military software systems.
• Batch Operating System: Some computer procedures take a long time to complete. Jobs with comparable demands are grouped together and completed as a group to speed up the same procedure. A batch operating system never allows for direct user interaction. Every user in this kind of OS prepares their work on an offline device. They use tools like a punch card. Afterward, they submit it to the computer operator.

4- History of Operating System

Followings are the evolution of Operating Systems:

Generation	Year	Used Electronic Device	OS Type
First Generation	1945-55	Vacuum Tubes	Plugboard OS
Second Generation	1955-65	Transistors	Batch System OS
Third Generation	1965-80	Integrated Circuits	Multi-programming OS
Fourth Generation	Since 1980	Large Scale Integration	Personal Computer