3.1: Function of Operating Systems

May put a better version (flash or google presentation) if can.

Spooling

• • used to place input and output on a fast access device, such as disk, so that slow peripheral devices do not hold up the processor

  • In a multi-programming, multi-access or network system, several jobs may wish to use the peripheral devices at the same time. It is essential that the input and output for different jobs do not become mixed up. This can be achieved by using Simultaneous Peripheral Operations On-Line (spooling).

Go to:

/NetStorage/DriveW@SHARED/students/ReadOnly/ICT/Computing/A2 Computing/OCR/syllabus A2

and open 4.1.doc to read more about spooling

You are fairly familiar with desktop operating systems;

• • you know of Linux, Windows and Mac OS (?)

  • Come up with a list of other operating systems ....

  • Now look-up Network Operating Systems and write a couple of paragraphs on the roles that a NOS has to perform.