What Is an Operating System?
Understand OS definition, purpose, and why modern computing needs it.
Introduction to Operating Systems
Build the foundation: what an OS is, why it exists, and how it sits between users and hardware.
Learning objectives
- - Define operating system and its goals
- - Differentiate user mode vs kernel mode
- - Understand system calls and OS services
- - Compare OS types and structures
Topics in this chapter
18 min
OS Roles, Kernel Mode, and User Mode
Study the extended-machine role and the privilege model that protects systems.
OS Services and System Calls
Map high-level OS services to low-level system-call interaction with the kernel.
Types of Operating Systems
Compare batch, time-sharing, real-time, embedded, server, and distributed-oriented OS categories.
OS Structures and Processing Models
Study monolithic/layered/microkernel designs and compare multiprogramming, multitasking, multiprocessing, distributed systems.
Question bank for this chapter
Summer 2023Q1(A)
Discuss role of OS as a resource manager.
Summer 2023Q1(B)
Explain the features of Time-sharing system.
Summer 2023Q1(B) OR
Explain monolithic system.
Summer 2023Q1(C)
Discuss different services provided by operating system.
Summer 2023Q1(C) OR
Discuss different types of operating system.
Winter 2023Q1(A)
What is system call? Explain steps for system call execution.
Winter 2023Q1(B)
Give the view of OS as a resource manager.
Winter 2023Q1(B) OR
Write short note on distributed OS.
Winter 2023Q1(C)
Explain the types of Operating System.
Winter 2023Q1(C) OR
List out types of architecture/structure of OS. Explain Layered and Monolithic Operating Systems.
Summer 2024Q1(A)
Define the role of Operating System as a resource manager.
Summer 2024Q1(B)
Explain Monolithic Kernel with the help of diagram.