What is an operating system?

Operating System or "OS" is Software that acts as an interface between user and computer. That is, computer hardware and manage application programs. In simple terms, this is the system software that helps you communicate with the computer without learning a computer language.

The operating system can be easily understood based on the following points:-

1:- operating system (OS) is software that acts as an interface between a computer and a user. This is called system software.

2:- The operating system is a group of instructions that are stored in the storage device. And it is a group of programs that manage the resources and operations of the computer.

3:- This is the first program to load on an OS computer. It is also known as the program of programs.

4:- OS manages all the operations of the computer.

5:- there are two types of the operating system:-

*character user interface (CUI)

*Graphical user interface (GUI)

character user interface (CUI): CUI, there is no user and friendly and command always have to type to run this OS. E.g.: DOS is a CUI operating system.

Graphical user interface (GUI): GUI operating system is user-friendly and this operating system does not have to command to run but has to click the mouse in the program to open. E.g.: Windows is a GUI operating system. 6:- OS is to run other programs and applications and acts as a bridge between computer hardware and software.

7:- A computer is useless (useless) without OS.

8:- A lot of programs run occur at the same time in the multitasking operating systems. And the operating system determines which program will run and for how long run.

Characteristics of Operating System (Operating System Features)

The characteristics is as follows:-

• memory management (Memory Management):- OS manages memory, it keeps a close watch on primary memory and sees which part of the memory has been using by which program. Whenever a program requests, it allocates memory.

• processor management (Processor Management):- It allocates the program processor (CPU) and also deallocates a program when it loses its need to CPU.

• device management (Device Management):- OS keeps all devices aware of it. It is also known as the I/O controller. And OS also decides which program to be given, when to give, and for how long.

• file management (File Management):- It allocates and deallocates resources and decides which program to resources i.e. allocate.
• security (Security):- It protects any program or data from unauthorized access. It uses passwords and other techniques.

• reliability (Reliable): It is very reliable as it can detect any virus and harmful codes.

• cost (Price):- The cost of the operating system is determined by its features such as windows has a cost of around $100 while DOS and UNIX are free operating systems.

• ease of use:- It can be easily used as it also has a GUI interface.

Advantage of operating system (Benefits of the operating system)

• It can be easily used because it has a graphical user interface. And new users can run the computer easily by it.

• By this, we can share data with a lot of users.

• By this, we can share resources such as- Printer.

• These can be easily updated.

• It is safe (secure) such as- windows has windows defender that detects and removes any harmful files.

• By this we can install any game or software and run them.
• Some operating systems (e.g.: LINUX) are open source that we can run on our computer in free.

The disadvantage of operating system

• Some operating systems are free but some are expensive such as- windows cost about 5000₹ to 10000₹.
• Linux is a little difficult to run than Windows.
• It sometimes does not support any hardware,
• mac OS is at a higher risk of viruses.