An Operating System (OS) is an interface between computer user and computer hardware. An operating system is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
An operating system is software that enables applications to interact with a computer’s hardware. The software that contains the core components of the operating system is called the kernel.
Operating system handles the following responsibilities:
- It controls all the computer resources.
- It provides valuable services to user programs.
- It coordinates the execution of user programs.
- It provides resources for user programs.
- It provides an interface (virtual machine) to the user.
- It hides the complexity of software.
- It supports multiple execution modes.
- It monitors the execution of user programs to prevent errors.
There are two basic components of an operating system.
- Shell
- Kernel
Advantages of operating system
- It helps in managing the data present in the device i.e. Memory Management.
- It helps in making the best use of computer hardware.
- It helps in maintaining the security of the device.
- It helps different applications in running them efficiently.
Disadvantages of operating system
- Operating Systems can be difficult for someone to use.
- Some OS are expensive and they require heavy maintenance.
- Operating Systems can come under threat if used by hackers.