The operating system, security and protection for your computers

It manages from the memory, to the processes that are executed in the computer, as well as all the software (and even the hardware). It also ensures that you can communicate with the computer itself without having to learn its language, or having any notions of programming or advanced computing.

What functions do operating systems have?

1. Provide an interface to the user

2. Coordinate available resources

3. Provide good support service

4. Manage the different tasks

Software and hardware management are its main functions. During the time you are in front of the computer, performing different tasks (whether studies, work or leisure), a diverse number of programs are executed and all of them need access to the CPU or processing unit of the computer, to storage and the memory. Therefore, we can say that the Operating System is responsible for managing and coordinating all these procedures to ensure that each program gets what it needs.

What is an operating system for?

Operating systems allow other programs to use them as support in order to function. Therefore, from the system used, certain programs can be installed and others not.

They are an essential part of the operation of computer systems and the central piece of software in the chain of processes , since they establish the minimum conditions for everything to work: the administration of resources, the method of communication with the user and with other systems, additional applications.

Components of an operating system

The operating system has three essential components or software packages that allow interaction with the hardware :

File system . It is the record of files where they acquire a tree structure.

Interpretation of commands. It is achieved with those components that allow the interpretation of commands, whose function is to communicate the orders given by the user in a language that the hardware can interpret (without the person giving the orders knowing said language).

core . It allows operation in basic issues such as communication, data input and output , process management and memory , among others.

Functions of an operating system

Manage random access memory and run applications, designating the necessary resources.

Manage the CPU thanks to a programming algorithm .

Address data inputs and outputs (via drivers ) via input or output peripherals .

Manage the information for the proper functioning of the PC.

Direct use authorizations for users.

Manage files .

Characteristics of an operating system

It is the intermediary between the user and the hardware.

It is necessary for the operation of all computers, tablets and mobile phones.

Provides security and protects the programs and files of the computer.

It is designed to be user friendly and easy to use.

It allows efficient management of computer resources.

Most require the payment of a license for its use.

Allows you to interact with multiple devices.

It is progressive , since there are constantly new versions that are updated and adapted to the needs of the user.

Operating system types

The types of operating system vary depending on the hardware and function of each device. There are some for computers and others for mobile devices.

Depending on the user, they can be: multi-user, an operating system that allows several users to run their programs simultaneously; or monouser, an operating system that only allows one user's programs to run at a time.

According to task management, they can be: monotask, operating system that only allows one process to be executed at a time; or multitasking, operating system that can run several processes at the same time.

Depending on the resource management, they can be: centralized, an operating system that only allows the resources of a single computer to be used; or distributed, an operating system that allows the processes of more than one computer to run at the same time.