Slide 3.1: Introduction to operating systems

Introduction to Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs.

An OS can be defined as an interface between user and hardware or an environment in which a user can execute programs in convenient and efficient manner.

Structure of a Computer System

Users: People who are using the computer,
Application programs: Compilers, databases, games, browsers, etc.,

System programs: Shells, editors, compilers, etc.,
Operating system: A special program which acts as an interface between user and hardware, and
Hardware: CPU, disks, memory, etc.