An operating system (OS) is a software program, but it is different from word processing programs, spreadsheets, and all the other software programs on your computer. As you may recall from Chapter 1, the OS is an example of system software—software that controls the system’s hardware and that interacts with the user and application software. In short, the operating system is the computer’s master control program. The OS provides you with the tools (commands) that enable you to interact with the PC. When you issue a command, the OS translates it into code that the machine can use. The OS ensures that the results of your actions are displayed on screen, printed, and so on. The operating system also acts as the primary controlling mechanism for the computer’s hardware.
The operating system performs the following functions:
Displays the on-screen elements with which you interact—the user interface.
Loads programs (such as word processing and spreadsheet programs) into the computer’s memory so that you can use them.
Coordinates how programs work with the computer’s hardware and other software.
Manages the way information is stored on and retrieved from disks.
In this lesson you will learn about the types of operating systems and the services they provide. Then you will learn about some of the enhancements you can make to your OS using utility software.
Answered by
nishisanimalplanet
, an ibibo Master,
at
2:07 PM on September 19, 2009
