The operating system is the core software component of your computer. It performs many functions and is, in very basic terms, an interface between your computer and the outside world. In the section about hardware, a computer is described as consisting of several component parts including your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other parts. It provides an interface to these parts using what is referred to as “drivers”. This is why sometimes when you install a new printer or another piece of hardware, your system will ask you to install more software called a driver.
OS Functions: The operating system, or OS, of a computer, is the first software that gets installed on the hard disk, and it remains there even when the computer is turned off. The OS is also the first software that gets loaded into the computer’s memory when it is turned on. Once the OS is up and naming performs five critical tasks:
- The user interface: The user interface is the part of the operating system that allows the user to communicate with it load programs, access files, and accomplish other company task user.
- Resource management: Resource management is an operating systems function that controls the use of computer system resources.
- File management: An operating system contains five management programs that control the creation, deletion, and access to files of data and programs.
- Task management: Task management programs of an operating system manage the accomplishment of the computing tasks of end users.
- Utilities and other functions: An operating system also provides a variety of support services.
