Operating System Software || Function of Operating System || Types of System Software
There are various types
of software used in computer to operate it properly for different purposes. Based
on their nature of work, the software are categorized into two types. They are:
System Software and Application Software. We have already discussed broadly
about the classification of software in previous lesson. Here, we will learn
about Operating System Software.
Operating System Software:
We all know that
without petrol, we cannot run the car. In the same way we cannot operate computer
without operating system software. Operating system is the basic need of a
computer.
An operating system is
a special type of software. It controls and coordinates the overall operations
of the computer system. It manages the computer hardware, controls the
execution of application programs and provides the set of services to the
users. The operating system acts as an interface between user and the computer.
The users interact with the operating system indirectly through application
program.
Without Operating
System software a computer will be like a body without soul. The operating
system works like the brain. The brain controls and gives instructions to
different parts of the body. Likewise, operating system software controls
hardware and application software.
Microsoft Windows 98,
Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 7, Apple Macintosh, IBM OS/2, UNIX and LINUX are
examples of operating system.
Functions of an Operating System:
i)
It organizes and
controls the hardware present in the computer.
ii)
It manages
computer memory (RAM).
iii)
It keeps track
of information regarding creation, deletion, transfer, copy any storage files,
etc., in an organized way.
iv)
It manages the
hardware and software resources of the computer system which include
microprocessor, disk paces, etc.
v)
It co-ordinates
and manages the different input and output devices.
vi)
It creates the
environment to run other software like MS-Word, MS-PowerPoint, etc.