Operating System - Functions or Operating System Resource Management
The Operating System (OS) is the core software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources. One of its main functions is resource management, which ensures that all system resources are used efficiently, fairly, and securely.
1. Processor Management (CPU Scheduling)
Function:
-
Controls which process gets to use the CPU and for how long.
-
Ensures that the CPU is utilized effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Scheduling algorithms (e.g., Round Robin, Priority Scheduling)
-
Context switching between processes
-
Process states management (Ready, Running, Waiting)
2. Memory Management
Function:
-
Allocates and deallocates RAM to processes.
-
Ensures no process accesses another’s memory (protection).
Key Responsibilities:
-
Keeping track of memory usage (who is using what)
-
Virtual memory management (using disk as extra RAM)
-
Swapping processes in and out of memory
3. File System Management
Function:
-
Manages how data is stored and retrieved on storage devices like SSDs or HDDs.
Key Responsibilities:
-
File creation, deletion, read/write
-
Directory structure management
-
File permissions and access control
-
Disk space allocation
4. I/O Management
Function:
-
Manages communication between the system and input/output devices (e.g., keyboard, printer, disk).
Key Responsibilities:
-
Device drivers to operate hardware
-
Buffering and caching for smoother I/O
-
Interrupt handling
-
Assigning devices to processes
5. Network Management (in networked systems)
Function:
-
Manages data communication over networks.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Data transmission and reception
-
Protocol implementation
-
Addressing and routing
6. Security and Access Control
Function:
-
Protects data and system resources from unauthorized access.
Key Responsibilities:
-
User authentication (username/password)
-
Permission levels for files and devices
-
Encryption and firewall rules
7. Job and Process Management
Function:
-
Handles creation, execution, and termination of processes and threads.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Process lifecycle control
-
Inter-process communication (IPC)
-
Deadlock detection and prevention