The document discusses operating systems, defining them as an interface between the user and hardware. It describes the goals of operating systems and different types, including single-user and multi-user operating systems. The key characteristics of operating systems are also outlined, such as user interface, memory management, process management, file management, and security management.
2. Definition Operating system is an interface between the user and hardware and it is also defined as one program that is running all the time in the computer
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5. Single-User Operating System This is one of the type of operating system were at a time only one user can operate the system. Example for single user operating system is Microsoft-Disk Operating System (MS-DOS)
6. Multi-User Operating System This is one of the type of operating system were more than one user can operate the system simultaneously. Example for multi-user operating system is Windows 2000, Windows Xp,Windows vista etc…….
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8. User Interface Operating System should concentrate on the user interface. Only way that you can interact with a computer is through the user interface. The User Interface of the Operating System should be appealing to the senses. Ex: Graphical User Interface (GUI)
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11. Security Management The biggest challenge to Computer’s industry is to safeguard one’s data. The Operating System provides 3 levels Security to the user (a) File Access Level (b) System Level (c) Network Level
12. Fault Tolerance Operating System should be robust . When there is a fault, the OS won’t crash since they have fault tolerance .
13. Application Base The OS should provide a solid basis for running many popular applications. For Example, One can type a text in word pad and also hear song in a music player at the same time.
