SEB070024-Tutorial 3

The 20 Core Functions of an Operating System are:

1. Processor management

OS assigns processor to the different tasks being performed by the computer system.

2. Memory management

The OS allocates main memory and other storage areas to the system programmes as well as

user programmes and data.

3. Input/output management

co-ordination and assignment of the different output and input device while one or more

programmes are being executed.

4. File management

The storage of file of various storage devices to another. It also allows all files to be easily

changed and modified through the use of text editors or some other files manipulation

routines.

5. Establishment and enforcement of a priority system.

OS determines and maintains the order in which jobs are to be executed in the computer

system first.

6. Automatic transition from job to job as directed by special control statements.

7. Interpretation of commands and instructions.

8. Running applications.

These programs load and run applications such as word processors and spreadsheets. Most

OS support multitasking, or the ability to run more than one application at a time. When a

user requests a program, the OS locates the application and loads it into the primary memory

or RAM of the computer. As more programs are loaded, the OS must allocate the computer

resources.

9. Coordination and assignment of compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and other
software to the various user of the computer system.

10. Communication with the hardware

operating system provides for some type of error handling and error notification. If a piece

of hardware is not functioning properly, the operating system tries to fix the problem or tries

to communicate with the device a few more times. If it is still unable to communicate with the

device, it provides an error screen notifying the user of the problem.

11. Provides Netwoking capabilities.

Enables a computer to connect to each other for a network.OS provides a medium which

enables data transaction and operation between systems.

12. Recognizes input from the keyboard and sends the output to the display screen of the
computer.

13. An operating system also establishes data security and integrity

Enables users access to files and directories are controlled.

14. Creates a user interface

that is a visual representation of the computer on the monitor that makes sense to the

people using the computer.

15. The OS provides a structure for access to application via user interface that enables
user to determine the available installed programs and run, use, and shut down the
program of their choice.

16. Enables user to manipulate programs and data when the users add, move and delete
the installed programs and data.

17. Control on the computer hardware.

The OS sits between the programs and the basic output system (BIOS). The BIOS controls

the hardware. All programs that need hardware resources must go through the OS. The OS

can either access the hardware through the BIOS or through the device drivers

18. If the BIOS is unable to talk with the hardware, the operating system talks to the
hardware directly. For this capability, it needs some additional programming. Device
drivers provide the code necessary for the operating system to communicate with
specific hardware. Device drivers are written specifically for a particular operating
system, usually by the hardware manufacturer.

19. Backing store management.

The OS controls the transfer of data from secondary storage (e.g. disk) to memory and back

again. It also maintains a directory of the disk so that files and free space can be quickly

located.

20. It schedules the activities of the CPU and resources and make job more efficient and to

prevent deadlock .