Operating systems provide user access to computing resources.
Operating systems manage user interaction with the physical resources a computer provides. Through an operating system, users are able to carry out every day computing activities including running applications, accessing websites, using email and storing files, such as data and media items. The main operating systems used on desktop and laptop computers include various versions of Microsoft Windows and Mac, plus a variety of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu. Their interfaces and approaches may vary, but the main functions within an operating system are broadly the same.
Process Management
Computing applications and functions are carried out primarily by one or more processing chips. Operating systems can appear to run several processes simultaneously, but in fact several tasks are alternated between by a single processor at a speed faster than users can detect. This allows several programs and computing activities to operate at the same time from the user's point of view. Each application or activity runs within a single dedicated process, with the operating system scheduling and managing the processing resources between activities.
Memory Management
Operating systems use Random Access Memory to store the short-term data required for applications and other computer functions to operate. Each computing activity that is ongoing has a certain amount of memory allocated to it, which the operating system manages. In cases where an application attempts to do something that there is not enough memory for, an operating system can sometimes use virtual memory to carry out the required processing, by utilizing a section of hard disk memory and using it as though it is RAM.
File Management
Computer devices can store many different types of data, file and document. This may include personal user files, such as word processing documents, photographic images and video. Applications installed on the computer may also be associated with numerous files required when they execute. The operating system manages the storage and use of these files, including viewing, editing and deleting. Most operating systems provide a graphical user interface for user access to the file system, such as Windows Explorer or Finder on Mac OS X.
Input / Output
Computers use a variety of channels for user interaction. Computer output includes the monitor and audio speakers or headphones, while input includes the mouse and keyboard. These are the standard input / output elements in a desktop or laptop computer, while mobile devices sometimes offer additional elements. These hardware components are managed by the operating system through the use of drivers. Drivers handle communication between the user and the hardware provided within a given computing system, including capturing and interpreting user input and presenting output in response to it.
Applications
The operating system itself is a software application. In most cases, however, user access to computing resources takes place through other applications. There are some applications installed on an operating system when it is initially installed itself, but users can also install additional software either from disk or by downloading over the Web. The operating system handles the execution of applications as well as managing the resources they require, such as memory and input / output. Common applications include Web browsers, email clients, word processing programs and media players.
Tags: operating system, user access, access computing, access computing resources, computing activities, computing resources, desktop laptop