An operating system is a program that manages the computer hardware. It also provides a basis for application programs and acts as an intermediary between the computer user and the computer hardware. An amazing aspect of operating systems is how varied they are in accomplishing these tasks. Mainframe operating systems are designed primarily to optimize utilization of hardware. Personal computer (PC) operating systems support complex games, business applications, and everything in between. Operating systems for handheld computers are designed to provide an environment in which a user can easily interface with the computer to execute programs. Thus, some operating systems are designed to be convenient, others to be efficient, and others some combination of the two.
We begin our discussion by looking at the operating system's role in the overall computer system. A computer system can be divided roughly into four components: The Hardware, The Operating System, The Application Program, and The Users.
The Hardware -- the central processing unit (CPU), the memory, and the input/output (I/O) devices-- provides the basic computing resources for the system.
The Application programs -- such as word processors, spreadsheets, compilers, and web browsers -- define the ways in which these resources are used to solve users' computing problems. The operating system controls and coordinates the use of the hardware among the various application programs for the various users.
We can also view a computer system as consisting of hardware, software, and data. The operating system provides the means for proper use of these resources in the operating of the computer system. An operating system is similar to a government. Like a government, it performs no useful funstion by itself. It simply provides an environment within which other programs can do useful work.
Source :
Book : "Operating System Concepts" By Silberschatz
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