Who's Really in Charge?

The operating system works as a go between for the computer hardware and the application software. The operating system of your computer is determined by the hardware requirements of your software. For example, if software is designed for WINDOWS 95 then a WINDOWS 95 operating system is needed. On the other hand, if an application requires only Disk Operating System (DOS), then the hardware capabilities of the computer do not need to be as complex. Which operating system is on your computer plays an important part in how you will access information, start programs, and how you the user will interact with the overall hardware on the system. You can find out which operating system you have by turning on the computer. The screen will display the current version.

The operating system provides two main functions.

• The first function is managing the basic hardware operations. The control of input and output, storage space,detecting equipment failure, and management of storage are just some of theresponsibilities of the O/S or Operating System.

• The second function is managing and interacting with the applications software. It takes over the tasks of printing and saving data.

How Do These Functions Work?

Manage Storage Space:

The operating system stores data at some location on disk. It knows where to go to retrieve data when it is needed. It uses the filing cabinet system to keep track of the data stored on disks, tape drives, CD-ROMS,and external drives.

Detects Problems and Equipment Failure:

The operating system also is the maintenance mechanic of the system. It checks the system for failures that will cause problems in processing. Messages will appear on the screen when there is a problem. Sometimes operating systems will have built in messages for quick fixes to the problem, or will refer you to a resource to get more information. A typical message that one would see is"System Failure, or "Your computer has performed an illegal operation".

Whenthe computer is turned on, the computer checks all of the storage devices. You can see the system being checked by the lights going off and on at the various drive locations. All of the electronic parts are checked also. If the computer can not do a self fix, it will not let you continue working.

Traffic Controller:

The operating system is also in charge of the data that is coming into thecomputer (input by way of the keyboard or mouse) and going out of the computer (output by way of printer or screen display). It directs the flow of data toand from the external devices and also takes care of control routing information along the bus to be processed by the processor.

System Resource Manager:

What is the system resource? Well any hardware or part of the computer used by the computer program is considered a system resource. (Talk about using someone.) The memory, disk drive, external devices,etc. are all "mothered"by the operating system.

The O/S "allocates" or makes sure that enough space is there for the computer program to operate,allocates,time for each program to work, and also keeps the processor going after each instruction. Almost like a teacher standing over you to make sure you finish a problem.

Multitasking:(Two can do the job better than one?)

Multitasking is the ability to run more than one program at a time. (You will find this feature in the Windows Operating System.) Multitasking will allow either the individual to work on more than one program at a time, or allow more than one user to share information and processing of the information.The O/S manages this operation.