What is an Operating System?

The operating system is the software which manages the hardware in a computer. It divides the time each program has to use the CPU. It also allocates disk space and safeguards data from unauthorized access. It also offers an interface between the hardware and the application programs. This allows the software to easily communicate with a variety of hardware devices like printers, Wi-Fi adapters as well as hard disk drives.

In addition to the previously mentioned features Apart from the above mentioned features, an OS allows multiple software processes to run simultaneously on a single processor. This is known as multitasking. It also allows users to communicate directly with the computer using the GUI fix the problem with Nintendo interface (graphical) or command line interface. The operating system can be a single application that runs in memory or a collection of programs and libraries on the hard drive that are loaded into memory when required.

Other important functions of an operating system include error detection. The system continuously monitors all inputs and outputs in order to identify errors and avoid further problems. It also is responsible for the management of network connections and for establishing security protocols to defend against access by unauthorized persons.

The OS also records driver drivers in a standardized file format to allow for easy identification. It is also able to install and configure new drivers whenever hardware changes. Additionally to that, the OS can translate a user’s program from a high-level language to machine code through loader and compiler. It can even move data on a disk when it detects an infected sector.