Unit 1 Task 2

Task 2: Purpose of operating systems
An operating system is the most important program on a computer. Without an operating system, a computer wont run. Operating systems perform tasks like recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk.

Machine and peripheral management

Peripheral management controls peripheral devices by sending them commands in their own computer language. The software routine that knows how to deal with each device is known as a driver, and the Os needs drivers for the peripherals connected to the computer. When a new peripheral is added, that device's driver is installed into the operating system. The operating system communicates with the computer's peripherals via the software drivers for the devices. The operating systems controls the whole machine and all the components there. It also controls peripherals such as keyboards, mouses and printers.

Security

Operating system security (OS security) is the process of ensuring OS integrity, confidentiality and availability.

OS security refers to specific steps or measures used to protect the OS from threats, viruses, worms, malware or remote hacker intrusions. OS security encompasses all preventive-control techniques, which safeguard any computer assets capable of being stolen, edited or deleted if OS security is compromised.

File Management

A file manager or file browser is a computer program that provides a user interface to manage files and folders. The most common operations performed on files or groups of files include creating, opening (e.g. viewing, playing, editing or printing), renaming, moving or copying, deleting and searching for files, as well as modifying file attributes, properties and file permissions. Folders and files may be displayed in a hierarchical tree based on their directory structure. Some file managers contain features inspired by web browsers, including forward and back navigational buttons.


Device Drivers

A device driver is a programme that allows the user of a computer to operate or control a particular device that is connected to the computer. The device driver communicates with the device through the computer bus.