OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system is a special program that helps your computer work. It sits between your computer’s hardware (the physical parts) and the programs you use every day. Think of it as a manager that helps all parts of your computer work together.

Without an operating system, your computer would be like a car without a driver. The operating system tells all parts of the computer what to do and when to do it.

Main Jobs of an Operating System

The operating system has many important jobs:

• It helps you talk to your computer through a screen and keyboard.
• It keeps all your files safe and organized.
• It makes sure programs get the time and space they need to run.
• It protects your computer from bad programs and people who shouldn’t use it.
• It helps your computer connect to other computers and the internet.

Types of Operating Systems

There are many different operating systems:

• Windows – Made by Microsoft. Many people use Windows on their computers at home and work. Examples include Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• macOS – Made by Apple. It comes with Apple computers like MacBooks. It is known for being easy to use and looking nice.
• Linux – Free for anyone to use and change. Many servers use Linux. Ubuntu and Fedora are types of Linux.
• Android – Used on many phones and tablets. It is based on Linux.
• iOS – Used on Apple phones and tablets like iPhone and iPad.

Parts of an Operating System

An operating system has several important parts:

• Kernel – This is the heart of the operating system. It talks directly to the hardware and runs all the time.
•   Device Drivers – These are small programs that help the operating system talk to different parts like printers, screens, and keyboards User Interface – This is what you see on your screen. It can be text-based or have pictures and buttons you can click.
• File System – This keeps track of where all your files are saved and helps you find them.

How Your Computer Starts Up

When you turn on your computer, this is what happens:

• The computer checks if all parts are working.
• It finds the operating system.
• The operating system loads into memory.
• The operating system starts needed services.
• You see the login screen.
• After you log in, you can start using programs.

Memory Management

Your computer has two main types of memory:

• RAM (Random Access Memory) – This is fast but doesn’t save things when the power goes off. The operating system puts running programs here.
• Storage (Hard Drive or SSD) – This keeps your files safe even when the power is off, but it’s slower than RAM.

The operating system decides what goes in RAM and what stays in storage. When RAM gets full, the operating system moves some things to storage to make room. This is called “virtual memory.”

Process Management

A process is a program that is running. The operating system:

•     Starts and stops processes
• Gives each process time to use the CPU
• Makes sure processes don’t interfere with each other
• Lets processes talk to each other when needed

Security Features

The operating system keeps your computer safe by:

• Asking for passwords before letting people use the computer
• Keeping each user’s files separate
• Checking if programs are safe to run
• Blocking harmful websites and programs
• Updating itself to fix security problems

Why Operating Systems Matter

The operating system you use affects:

•    What programs you can run
• How easy your computer is to use
• How safe your information is
• How fast your computer works
• What hardware you can connect to your computer

Most people pick an operating system based on what they’re used to, what their work requires, or what comes with the computer they buy.

The Future of Operating Systems

Operating systems keep changing to work with new technology like:

• Cloud computing (using programs over the internet)
• Voice commands and virtual assistants
• Artificial intelligence
• Virtual reality
• More connected devices in homes and offices

As computers become more powerful and do more things, operating systems will keep growing to manage these new tasks and keep everything working smoothly.