The document is a response from a student explaining their understanding of operating systems after taking a semester-long course. The student discusses key topics covered, including the role of an operating system in managing resources like the CPU, memory, and I/O devices. Specific operating systems are mentioned like Android, iOS, Windows, and Linux. Concepts learned are processes, threads, process states, and the process control block. Mechanisms for interprocess communication and virtual memory are also summarized.

1. ARID INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES
MANDI BAHAUDDIN
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE: MARKS:
Operating Systems
TOPIC: Your Understanding with Operating System
SUBMITTED TO: SIR Shoaib Nazir
SUBMITTED BY: Muhammad Shoaib
CLASS: BS (SOFTWARE ENGINEERING)
ROLL NUMBER: 21-ARID-3520
SUBMITTED DATE: 12 june,2023
DAY: Monday

2. Q:1
Explain the understanding of operating system you got throughout the
semester?
Ans:
To begin with, I familiarized myself with the concept of operating systems and
their major resources. The operating system serves as an intermediary
between hardware and the user, enabling interaction through software. It
plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient system operation and handling multiple
tasks. An operating system consists of three main parts: the interface, which
allows user-system interaction; coordination, which facilitates communication
between users and devices; and management, which oversees various
electronic components. To make task-related decisions, operating systems
employ different algorithms such as FCFS (first come first serve), SJF (shortest
job first), and RR (Round Robin).
Furthermore, operating systems efficiently utilize three key resources: the CPU
(central processing unit), which executes instructions and performs various
operations; memory (storage), which stores and processes information
temporarily; and I/O devices (input/output devices), which enable
communication between humans and computers, including input devices like
keyboards and output devices like printers and monitors.
Throughout the semester, I also gained knowledge about the most well-known
operating systems used in mobile phones. Android, for instance, provides a
user-friendly interface, access to a wide range of applications through the
Google Play Store, and support for various communication technologies.
Apple's operating systems, including watchOS for Apple Watches and iOS for
iPhones and iPads, are renowned for their intuitive interfaces, ease of use, and
seamless integration with Apple's hardware and software ecosystem.
For desktop computers, Windows, developed by Microsoft, is the most widely
used operating system globally. It stands out for its user-friendly nature,
compatibility with a vast range of hardware and software, and extensive
support for third-party applications. On the other hand, Linux, an open-source

3. operating system available in different distributions, offers stability, security,
and customization options, making it a popular choice among developers and
power users seeking greater control over their computing environment.
Additionally, I acquired knowledge about programs, processes, and instances.
A program comprises instructions aimed at accomplishing a task, while a
process refers to the execution of these instructions. The smallest unit within a
process is known as a thread. I also became familiar with the different states of
a process, which include new, ready, running, blocked/waiting, and exit.
Moreover, I learned about the Process Control Block (PCB), a data structure
used by the operating system to manage and control process execution. The
PCB contains vital information about a process, such as its state, program
counter, memory allocation, open files, and CPU scheduling details.
Furthermore, I explored the mechanisms of interprocess communication (IPC)
that allow processes to communicate with each other. IPC can be achieved
through methods such as message passing or through shared memory. I also
gained an understanding of critical sections within processes, which are
segments of code that must be executed without interruption.
During my studies, I encountered the intriguing Dining Philosophers Problem,
which highlighted the need for resource sharing and interdependence among
philosophers. Additionally, I delved into the concept of virtual memory, which
utilizes both hardware and software to compensate for physical memory
shortages by temporarily transferring data from RAM to disk storage. The
concepts of swapping, paging, segmentation, and fragmentation also became
evident as essential aspects of memory management. While some lectures on
topics like deadlock proved less engaging, overall, the subject of operating
systems holds great value for our degree. These operating systems are
extensively used in our daily lives and have revolutionized technology,
significantly enhancing our lives.