2.1.6 - Describe the main functions of an operating system.

Question 1

What are the five main functions of an operating system?

Answer 1

The five main functions are User Interface (UI), Memory Management, Peripheral Management, Multitasking, and Security.

Question 2

What is the role of the User Interface (UI) in an operating system?

Answer 2

The UI provides the link between the user and the computer’s hardware. Types of UI include GUI (Graphical User Interface), CLI (Command Line Interface), NLI (Natural Language Interface), and MBI (Menu-Based Interface).

Question 3

What is the role of Memory Management in an operating system?

Answer 3

Memory Management involves keeping track of storage devices, allocating memory (RAM) to programs, modifying memory locations, sorting data on disk drives and RAM for efficiency, organizing data into folders, and copying and deleting files.

Question 4

What is the role of Peripheral Management in an operating system?

Answer 4

Peripheral Management involves coordinating with BIOS, using device drivers to interface with peripherals, and translating peripheral signals being received. Peripherals include devices like keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Question 5

What is the role of Multitasking in an operating system?

Answer 5

Multitasking works like a gatekeeper for the CPU, allowing access to concurrent programs based on priority and time, allocating CPU cycles, and ensuring the computer runs smoothly by giving each program a slice or turn to use the CPU.

Question 6

What is the role of Security in an operating system?

Answer 6

Security involves creating usernames and passwords, setting up user permissions (either inherited from parent or manually set), and managing file permissions for reading and writing.