What is the purpose of an operating system and what are some popular operating system?

What is the purpose of an operating system and what are some popular operating system?

Purpose of an Operating System

An operating system (OS) is a vital component of computer systems, serving as an intermediary between users and computer hardware. The primary purposes of an operating system include:

1. Resource Management:

   • CPU Management: Schedules processes and threads, allocates CPU time.
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   • Memory Management: Manages system memory, allocates and deallocates memory spaces.
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   • Storage Management: Manages data storage, including file systems, disk drives, and data retrieval.
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   • Device Management: Controls and manages input/output devices such as printers, disk drives, and displays.
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2. User Interface:

   • Provides a user interface, either graphical (GUI) or command-line (CLI), to interact with the system.
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3. Process Management:

   • Handles the creation, scheduling, and termination of processes.
   • Ensures efficient execution of processes, avoiding conflicts and deadlocks.
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4. File System Management:

   
   

   • Manages files and directories, supports file creation, deletion, read/write operations, and permissions.
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5. Security and Access Control:

   • Protects data and resources from unauthorized access.
   • Implements authentication and authorization mechanisms.