An Overview of Operating System
Operating Systems What is an OS – It is a control program that provides an interface between the computer hardware and the user. Part of this interface includes tools and services for the user. “An operating system is a program that acts as an intermediary between a user of computer and computer hardware. The purpose of the OS is provide an environment in which the user can execute programs. The primary goal of an OS is thus to make the computer convenient to use. A secondary goal is to use the computer hardware in an efficient manner.” Computer Hardware – CPU, memory, I/O devices provide basic computing resources. System and Application Programs – Compilers, database systems, games, business programs, etc. define the ways the computing resources are used to solve the users problems. Operating System – Controls and coordinates the computing resources among the system and application programs for the users. End User – Views the computer system as a...