ASSIGNMENT OF OPERATING SYSTEM

Submitted by:
Aiyesha Afzaal
Roll no:
22-ARID-4351
Department:
BS (computer science)
Submitted to:
Mam Iqra Saleem

Gujrat Institute of Management Sciences

PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi

Question no 1:
 Explain the main components of an operating system, including:

 The kernel, process management, memory management, file system management,

device management, and security and protection.
 Discuss the types of kernels and their roles
 How the OS handles process and memory management, the structure and types of file
systems, the interaction with hardware devices, and the mechanisms for ensuring
security and protecting resources.
ANS:
Main Components of an Operating System

1.Kernel:
The kernel is the core part of the OS. It acts as a bridge between applications and the
hardware. Think of it as the manager that coordinates everything happening in the
system. It handles requests from programs and translates them into actions performed
by the hardware.

2.Process Management:
This component manages all the processes (running programs) in the system. It
makes sure that each program gets enough CPU time to run efficiently, handles
switching between programs (context switching), and manages their states (like running,
waiting, or terminated).

3.Memory Management:
Memory management is responsible for keeping track of each byte in a computer’s
memory. It allocates memory to programs when they need it and frees it up when they’re
done. It ensures that one program doesn’t use memory allocated to another program,
preventing crashes.

4.File System Management:

This manages how data is stored and retrieved on storage devices. It organizes files
and directories, allowing users and applications to read and write files easily. It also
manages permissions to control who can access which files.

5.Device Management:
This component manages all hardware devices, like printers, disks, and network
cards. The OS communicates with these devices through drivers, which are special
programs that allow the OS to control hardware and perform actions like printing or
reading data.

6.Security and Protection:

 The OS ensures that the system is secure from unauthorized access. It uses user
accounts, passwords, and permissions to protect files and resources. It also monitors
system activities to detect and prevent any suspicious behavior.

Types of Kernels

- Monolithic Kernel:
This type includes all essential services like process management, memory
management, and device drivers in one large block of code. It can be fast because
everything runs in the same space.

- Microkernel:
This type runs only the most basic services in the kernel, while other services run in
user space. This makes it more modular and easier to maintain but can be slower due to
more communication overhead between components.

-Hybrid Kerne:
This combines aspects of both monolithic and microkernels. It includes some services
in the kernel for performance but keeps others modular for flexibility.

How the OS Handles Key Functions

- Process Management:
The OS keeps a list of all running processes and their states. It uses a scheduler to
determine which process runs at any given time, ensuring that CPU time is shared fairly.

- Memory Management:
The OS uses a technique called paging to break memory into blocks and allocates
these blocks to processes as needed. It also uses a memory map to keep track of what
memory is in use and what is free.

- File Systems:
Common types include FAT (File Allocation Table), NTFS (New Technology File
System), and ext4 (Fourth Extended Filesystem). Each has its own way of organizing
and accessing files. The OS provides APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for
applications to interact with these file systems.

- Interaction with Hardware:

The OS communicates with hardware through device drivers, which translate OS
commands into device-specific actions. This abstraction allows programs to interact with
hardware without needing to know the details of the hardware.

- Security and Protection Mechanisms:

 The OS uses user accounts to manage permissions, ensuring that only authorized
users can access certain files or perform specific actions. It also employs firewalls and
encryption to protect data from external threats.
Question no 2:
Describe the different types of operating systems, including:
 Batch, time-sharing, distributed, network, and real-time operating systems.
 Provide examples of each type, explain their key characteristics, and discuss
their typical applications and advantages.
ANS:
1. Batch Operating Systems
 Key Characteristics:
- Jobs are collected in batches and processed sequentially without user interaction.
- No need for user input during processing.

 Examples:
- Early mainframe systems lie IBM’s OS/360.

 Typical Applications:
- Used in environments where large volumes of similar tasks are processed, like payroll
systems or data processing jobs.

 Advantages:
- Efficient use of system resources since jobs are processed in groups.
- Reduces idle time for the CPU.

2. Time-Sharing Operating Systems

 Key Characteristics:
- Allows multiple users to interact with the computer simultaneously.
- Each user gets a small time slice of CPU time, creating the illusion of having their own
system.

 Examples:
- UNIX, Linux, and Windows with multiple user sessions.

 Typical Applications:
- Multi-user systems like servers or educational environments.

 Advantages:
- Efficient for interactive tasks; users can run programs simultaneously.
- Maximizes CPU usage and provides fast response times.
3. Distributed Operating Systems
  Key Characteristics:
- Manages a group of distinct computers and makes them appear as a single system to
users.
- Resources are shared across multiple machines.

 Examples:
- Google’s Android, Apache Hadoop.

 Typical Applications:
- Cloud computing, web hosting services, and large-scale data processing.

 Advantages:
- Improved resource utilization and fault tolerance.
- Scalability, as new machines can be added easily.
4. Network Operating Systems
 Key Characteristics:
- Designed to manage network resources and enable communication between devices.
- Provides services like file sharing, printer access, and communication protocols.

 Examples:
- Microsoft Windows Server, Novell NetWare.

 Typical Applications:
- Business networks, where multiple computers need to connect and share resources.

 Advantages:
- Centralized management of resources.
- Facilitates communication and collaboration among users.
5. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
 Key Characteristics:
- Designed to respond to inputs within a guaranteed time frame.
- Predictability and timing are crucial for the system’s function.

 Examples:
- VxWorks, QNX.

 Typical Applications:
- Embedded systems, industrial automation, medical devices, and automotive systems.

 Advantages:
- High reliability for systems that must operate without delays.