An operating system (OS) is the most important software that connects the user to a computing device and allows interaction. The OS performs basic functions like reading keyboard input, running applications, and displaying output. Larger OSes are required for networks to manage and secure connected users. Popular desktop OSes include Windows, Linux, and OS X. Operating systems are also used in mobile devices and equipment like printers. The OS manages important tasks like the user interface, memory, processors, and storage to optimize performance and prevent crashes.

1. OPERATING SYSTEMS
BTEC ICT DIPLOMA LEVEL 3

2. OS stands for operating system and is the most important piece of
software on a Piece of tech.
The operating system is the bridge that connects the user to a
machine, as an OS is the primary way of interaction with any kind
of item loaded with software.
An OS is required to perform a set of basic functions in order for a
person to use it such as:
 Reading the input of a keyboard
 Running other software known as apps(applications)
 sending a signal to a digital monitor
 keeping track of files and directories on a disk,
Larger operating systems are required to run on networks to
manage and secure the users connected.
What is an OS?

3. All Desktops have operating systems
Here are some popular examples:
 Windows
 LINUX
 OS X
Operating systems aren't just used on desktops and laptops as many
mobile devices and digital equipment use operating systems e.g.
blackberry, iPhone etc. even something as simple as a printer or a
scanner has an operating system.
Operating systems

4. User Interface
The User interface is commonly known as the menu but actually refers to
the layout, structure and setup of what we see and use when we are using a
computer this is considered the most important job the OS has, as it is the
literal connection and the ‘control station’ of a computer system without this,
using a computer would be a significant amount more complicated.
There are two kinds of UI:
Command line (CMD):this uses codes and text to select and use programs
and alter settings.
Graphical User interface (GUI): This is the most common form of interfacing
today and is recognised by items and features such as ‘windows’, icons and
menus.
Memory Management
The process of memory management is based up of sharing memory equally
and in order to highest priority and ordered so the computer and the tasks
can be managed to the optimise performance it is the process in which tasks
are carried out.
Functions of an OS pt. 1

5. Processor Management
Because the processor can only carry out one task at a time because of this
the system relies on the OS to put the tasks in order or to carry them out
safely. This enables the users the switch priorities for the different task.
Buffers act like buffers on a railway, they are used to stop or pause data
from moving from one place to another which is an important process to
prevent the computer from crashing.
Storage Management
The OS is used to manage files and data, moving from one destination to
another, deleting, copying and formatting to a user it looks like the files are
one single file but a process called disk fragmentation splits and spreads
files on the disk to give some structure to file storage.
Because of disk fragmentation(files split and spread) the OS has to keep
track of all of the files and data on the HDD this is done by a FAT(File
Allocation Table).
Functions of an OS pt. 2