Unit 2 P3: Purpose Of Operating Systems

Unit 2 Computer systems Assignment 2 P2, P3

Purpose of operating systems

An operating system is an important program that runs on every computer. The main purpose of having an operating system is to run programs. The operating system performs basic task, reorganising input from the keyboard and sending output to display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk. Also controls peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. If you have a large system, the operating system has greater responsibilities and powers. It makes sure that different programs and users running at the same time does not interfere with each other. The operating system also has a responsibility for security and ensures that any unauthorised users does

• BitLocker Drive encryption helps prevent unauthorised access to any files stored on any drives. People can still use the computer normally but Bit locker drive encryption can stop unauthorised users to read or use any of your files.

File Management

The file management system allows us to create a number of folders. Each folder can have sub folders inside it. Folders can contain files. It is important to give files and folders sensible names so we know what it is about. This is very good as it enables us to keep track of all our work.

These images shows the number of folders you can have inside, by having these folders it keeps track and organises your folder.

Device Drivers

A device driver is a group of software files which enables one or more hardware devices to communicate with the computer’s operating system. Without the drivers, hardware device such as computer printer will not be able to work with the computer. If for some reason the appropriate driver is not installed, the function of the device may not work

Fragmentation occurs after space reclaimed after files are deleted and is used to store parts to a larger file. The result is that files do not exist in disk locations. A fragmented file is slower to load to a RAM, that’s because the hard drive has to work harder to locate and read the cluster which forms the file. Most operating systems has an utility to defragment a file system. The utility may run as an ad, unplanned whenever needed and process or on a regular schedule.

Drive Formatting

Before a magnetic disk can be used, it needs to be prepared for use. This is called formatting. Formatting will erase all data that was previously stored on the disk. Disk formatted for the use on Microsoft Windows system will not read natively on an Apple Mac, it requires a special driver). Operating system like Microsoft Windows has GUI format utilities but it can also perform the same process as CLI.

A disk