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In different industries: Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) are used in systems that require immediate
response, such as in robotics, medical devices, and automotive controls. RTOS is designed to process data
in real time without delay, ensuring precise and time-sensitive operations.
Important functions of an Operating System
Some of the important functions of an operating system are as follows:
Process
Management
Resource Management Device Management
Monitoring Health Job Accounting
Operating
System
Networking Control
Security File Management
Memory
Management
Process Management: The OS manages processes in the system, ensuring that each process receives the
necessary resources to execute. It handles process scheduling, execution, and termination, and coordinates
the processes to ensure efficient CPU utilisation.
Memory Management: The OS is responsible for managing the computer’s memory (RAM). It keeps track
of memory allocation for processes and ensures there is no conflict between them. The OS also handles
virtual memory, allowing the system to use hard drive space as additional memory.
File Management: The OS manages files, directories, and folders. It ensures that files are stored, retrieved,
and organised efficiently. It handles file permissions, naming, and access control to protect data integrity.
Device Management: The OS acts as an intermediary between hardware devices (like printers, disks, etc.)
and software applications. It provides device drivers that allow the OS to communicate with hardware and
manage device operations.
Security: The OS is responsible for ensuring system security by enforcing authentication, encryption, and
access controls. It protects the system from unauthorised access and malicious activities.
Job Accounting: Keeps track of how system resources (CPU time, memory usage, etc.) are used by various
users and programs. It helps in billing for shared systems and monitors which tasks use the most resources.
Coordination: It coordinates the activities of all parts of the computer system to work together properly.
It manages how resources are shared among programs and users, avoiding conflicts and bottlenecks.
Monitoring Health: Monitors the system's performance, like CPU usage, battery status, and hardware
health. It can detect errors, failures, overheating, or slowdowns, and may give warnings or suggest fixes.
Control: Provides overall control and supervision of the computer system's operations. It ensures all system
activities follow predefined rules and policies, maintaining stability and order.
User Interface (UI): The OS provides a user interface, which can be command-line-based or graphical
(GUI). This allows users to interact with the system, run applications, and perform tasks.
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