Understanding the basics of an operating system
What is an operating system?

An operating system manages all of a computer’s other applications and programs. An operating system is loaded into a computer through a boot program. It is an interface between the computer hardware and software. An operating system is also known as one kind of system software that performs all of the basic tasks of a computer such as file management, memory management, storage management, device processing, and interaction of controlling the device.
Through the operating system, the application software can interact with computer hardware. The application software requests services from the operating system through the application program interface (API). All of the components of an operating system are stored in system software called the kernel. To run any program or application, every computer needs to have at least one operating system.
In short, an operating system is system software written in low-level language that manages and controls computer hardware, software, and programs.
The architecture of an operating system
An operating system is built up based on three essential capabilities. It offers a UI through the CLI or GUI. Here, CLI stands for the command-line interface, and GUI stands for graphical user interface. Besides, it manages and controls the execution of an application; and identifies the system hardware resources that are allocated for those applications.
UI:
The user interface is present in every computer. Users can interact with the computer through the user interface. Through the user interface, users can set up, configure, and troubleshoot the operating system, as well as its underlying hardware. There are two types of UI available. One is CLI and the other is GUI.
CLI:
The CLI-type UI is also known as the terminal mode window. It provides a based interface. For example, the user needs to interact with the computer through the traditional keyboard to enter the commands, parameters, and arguments related to specific tasks. The CLI-based UI is popular among advanced users and system administrators who must handle highly repetitive commands regularly such as creating scripts or setting up a new computer.
GUI:
The GUI-type UI is known as the graphical user interface. It provides a visual interface and users can interact with the computer through human interface devices such as mouse, touchscreens, and touchpads. This graphical user interface changes the world of modern personal computers. The GUI-based UI is popular among casual users or known as end users who are working with file management and applications.
Below is a basic flow chart illustrating the architecture of an operating system.

The function of an operating system:
The functions of an operating system are diverse. Below there are some key functions of an operating system.
- Memory Management: An operating system manages the main memory of the computer. The operating system keeps track of the main memory, allocating and deallocating it where necessary. In multi-programming, the operating systems decide the process that will get the memory when and how much.
- Processor Management: An operating system decides the allocation and de-allocation of the processor. It keeps track of the processor which is called the traffic controller. An operating system decides which process gets the processor when and for how much time. This function is called process scheduling.
- Device management: An operating system manages the device via drivers. It keeps track of all devices. The program responsible for this task is known as the I/O controller. The operating system decides which process gets the device when and for how much time. It’s allocated and de-allocated the device efficiently.
- File management: An operating system handles the file system of a computer. The file system is an organized way to access all of a computer’s files. An operating system keeps track of all of the information, location, uses, etc. The collective facilities are known as file systems. An operating system decides who gets the resources, and allocates the resources based on needs.
- Security: An operating system prevents unauthorized access to the program and data using a password or similar other techniques.
- Control over system performance:An operating system records the delays between a request for a service and a response from the server.
- Job Accounting: An operating system keeps a tracker of time and resources used by various jobs and users
- Error detecting: An operating system traces the functional error, debugging, and detecting the error of the computer.
- Coordination between other software and users: An operating system helps the computer to coordinate with other system software and application software. In addition, it helps to assign the compilers, interpreters, and assemblers of other software to the various users of the computer systems.
Types of operating system
Many types of operating systems have been developed over the years to accommodate technological advancements and meet user needs. Below are short details for various types of operating systems:
- Batch OS: The batch operating system allows multiple users to work simultaneously without manual intervention.
- Distributed OS: This operating system manages networks among interconnected networks to distribute workloads efficiently.
- Multitasking OS: These systems can perform multiple tasks at the same time. These systems are improving day by day. These days, these systems can multitask efficiently and ensure a smooth experience.
- Network OS: These types of operating systems are designed to manage the networked computers, and share and provide access to the network-supported files and devices.
- Real-time operating system: These types of operating systems are designed to handle a large number of external events, primarily used in telecommunications and other IoT devices.
- Mobile OS: Mobile operating systems are improving significantly day by day. The mobile operating systems are designed to run the mobile with the integration of cloud devices, security features, and user interface enhancements.
- IOT integration: For the purpose the better management of IOT devices and centrally control them, modern operating systems are evolving better.
- AR/VR support: The demand for augmented and virtual reality devices is increasing steadily. Many technological companies mainly Apple build their operating system to support AR/VR. These types of operating systems are evolving with the advancement of powerful graphical rendering, motion tracking, and spatial audio.
- Cross-platform compatibility: To provide seamless support to various devices such as computers, smartphones, and home devices, these types of operating systems are designed with the integration of better cloud synchronization and a universal app.
- Enhanced security and privacy: With the advancement of technology, the digital thread is also increasing. So, these operating systems are designed to include various security features and encryption techniques.
- Computing and distributed system: The computational functionality is increasing day by day. This is not only limited to traditional data-centric and that’s why the operating system is also designed to perform better and distribute the system for the could computing and faster-responsive app.
- Machine learning and Artificial intelligence: The popularity of AI and machine learning is increasing day by day. Thus, the operating systems are also developed to provide real-time predictions, analysis, and performance. This includes intelligent power management and personal user experience.
Conclusion
So far, we have talked about the definition of an operating system along with functions and types of operating systems. There are operating systems that are designed to run desktop computers and smartphones. The top 5 operating systems that are designed to run desktop computers and mobile phones are Windows OS, MAC OS, Android OS, Apple Ios, and Linux. These operating systems are designed completely to run desktop computers or mobile phones with the integration of machine learning, artificial intelligence, better computing, enhanced security features, and many more.