An operating system is the first software loaded when a computer starts up and coordinates hardware and other software. It provides common core services like disk access, memory management, task scheduling, and user interfacing. The main functions of an operating system include process management, memory management, file management, device management, security management, and providing a user interface.

1. What do you understand by operating
system? Discuss its functions.

2. It is the first layer of software loaded
into computer memory when it starts up .
As the first layer, all other software that
get loaded after it depends on it for
various common core services. These
common core services include disk
access, memory management, task
scheduling and user interfacing. The
operating system works as a coordinator
between hardware and software.
Examples of operating system are

3. Functions of operating system
The basic functions of an operating system are
given below: -
1. Process management : it deals with
running multiple processes. Most operating
system allow a process to be assigned a
priority which affects its allocation of CPU time.
Interactive operating systems also some levels
of feedback in which the user is working
receives higher priority.

4. 2.Memory management: it
coordinates memories by tracking which
one is available, which is to be allocated
or deallocated and how to swap
between the main memory and
secondary memories. The operating
system tracks all memory used by each
process so that when a process
terminates, all memory used by that
process will be available for other
processes.

5. 3.File management: it is responsible
for the creation and deletion of data
and programs. It also organizes,
stores, retrieves, names and protects
all the files.

6. 4.Device management: it
manages all the devices of the
computer system such as printers
and modems. If a device fails, it
notifies the same of the user

7. 5.Security management: it protects
system resources and information
against destruction and unauthorized
use.

8. User interface: It provides the
interface between the user and the
hardware.