Explore core concepts of operating systems in this beginner-friendly tutorial. Learn about OS architecture, process management, memory, file systems, and more to build a solid foundation in computer science.
The operating system (OS) is the backbone of every computing device, from your laptop to your smartphone. Whether you’re a student, tech enthusiast, or aspiring software developer, understanding how operating systems work is essential. This tutorial provides a beginner-friendly introduction to the core concepts and architecture of operating systems, helping you build a strong foundation in computer science.
An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages hardware and software resources on a computer. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, ensuring efficient execution of programs and smooth functioning of the system.
Some common examples of operating systems include:
The operating system is responsible for a variety of essential tasks, including:
The OS handles the creation, scheduling, and termination of processes. A process is a running instance of a program. Modern OSes allow multitasking by efficiently switching between processes using scheduling algorithms.
The OS manages the system's memory or RAM. It keeps track of each byte, allocates memory to processes when needed, and deallocates it when no longer required, ensuring optimal performance.
The operating system provides a structure to store and organize files on storage devices. It handles file creation, deletion, reading, writing, and access permissions.
All input and output devices (keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.) are managed by the OS through device drivers. It ensures smooth communication between the hardware and software.
The OS protects the system from unauthorized access and malicious programs. It provides user authentication, encryption, and permission management for files and resources.
Operating systems come in various forms depending on their usage and features:
In early computing, batch OSes processed jobs in groups without user interaction. Jobs were submitted together and executed sequentially.
Allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously by rapidly switching between them. This gives the impression of direct interaction with the system.
In distributed systems, multiple computers work together as a single system. The OS manages communication and resource sharing among these systems.
Used in embedded systems and applications where timing is critical, such as medical devices or industrial control systems.
Designed specifically for smartphones and tablets. Examples include Android and iOS.
The architecture of an operating system refers to how it is structured internally. Common OS architectures include:
In this structure, all OS components run in kernel space. This offers high performance but can be complex and less secure. Linux is a good example.
Only essential services like memory and process management run in the kernel; other services run in user space. This enhances security and reliability. Examples: QNX, Minix.
Here, the OS is divided into layers, each built on top of the lower ones. Each layer interacts only with its adjacent layers, improving modularity.
A combination of monolithic and microkernel styles. The kernel has loadable modules that can be added or removed dynamically. Modern Linux distributions use this approach.
Here are some important components you’ll encounter in most OSes:
Understanding how operating systems work is essential for several reasons:
This Operating System Tutorial is just the beginning of your journey into the world of system software. Whether you aim to build software, manage networks, or understand your device better, learning OS concepts will serve as a solid base.
At Tpoint Tech, we offer detailed online tutorials that break down complex topics into simple, easy-to-understand lessons. Explore our Operating System series to dive deeper into threads, scheduling, virtual memory, and more.