Operating systems (OS) are complex software suites that manage hardware and applications to ensure proper and efficient use of computer resources. They control how programs run, allow multiple programs to run at the same time, handle input/output to and from external devices and more.
OSs are the core of modern digital technology, powering computers, tablets, mobile phones and many other devices. They offer a consistent user experience across devices and support a wide variety of apps and services.
The OS’s most basic function is managing the system’s hardware, which includes a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processor, memory and other components. It regulates how these pieces of hardware communicate with each other and with external devices such as printers or dial-up modems. The OS also provides software to communicate with and manipulate the hardware through application programming interfaces, or APIs.
Essentially, the OS “swaps” between different processes so that each gets enough CPU cycles to complete its work. For example, if the CPU is running two different programs at the same time, the OS will allow the first program to execute for a certain number of CPU execution cycles. At the end of these cycles, the OS will make copies of all the registers, stacks and queues used by the first program, then load the second program into those spaces.
OSs also regulate the connection and interaction with various input/output hardware through device drivers, which are special software programs that tailor OS functionality to specific hardware environments. In addition, the OS handles file management by organizing files into directories and assigning permissions and access rights to users for reading, writing or deleting them.Case fans