Blog: Understanding Operating Systems

An Operating System (OS) is a type of software that acts as a bridge between the computer hardware and the user. It manages the hardware resources and provides a platform for software applications to run. Examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

How Software, Operating System, and Hardware Are Linked

To understand the role of an operating system, it helps to see how software, the OS, and hardware work together. Here is a simple table:

Component	Definition	Purpose
Software	Applications or programs that perform tasks	Provides specific functionality, e.g., a word processor or a web browser
Operating System	System software managing hardware and software	Acts as a mediator between hardware and software, enabling smooth interaction
Hardware	Physical components of a computer	Executes instructions from the OS and software, e.g., CPU, RAM, hard drive

The OS connects the user’s software with the physical hardware, ensuring all components work together efficiently.

What Does an Operating System Do?

An operating system performs several essential functions:

1. Manages Hardware: Ensures efficient use of the computer’s hardware, such as the processor, memory, and storage.

2. File Management: Organises and keeps track of files and directories.

3. Multitasking: Allows multiple applications to run simultaneously by managing resources.

4. User Interface: Provides a way for users to interact with the computer, such as a graphical user interface (GUI).

5. Security and Access Control: Protects the system from unauthorised access and manages user permissions.

6. Device Management: Controls peripheral devices like printers, keyboards, and monitors.

7. Error Handling: Detects and addresses system errors to ensure stability.

Activity

Below is a diagram illustrating the relationship between software, operating systems, and hardware. Study it and answer the multiple-choice question that follows:

User -> Software -> Operating System -> Hardware

Question: Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between software, the operating system, and hardware?

A) Software communicates directly with hardware without the need for an operating system.

B) The operating system allows software to use the hardware efficiently.

C) Hardware manages the software and the operating system.

D) The user only interacts with hardware, bypassing software and the operating system.