Functions of Operating System

In any computer, The Operating System will perform the following funtions:

• Controls the backing store and peripherals such as disk drives and printers.

• Controls the loading and running of programs.

• Organises the use of memory between programs.

• Organises processing time between programs and users.

• Organises priorities between program and users.

• Maintains security and access rights of users.

• Deals with errors and user instructions.

On a personal computer the operating system will:

• Deal with the transfer of programs in and out of memory.

• Allow the user to save files to a backing store.

• Control the transfer of data to peripherals such as printers.

• Provide the interface between user and computer - for example, Windows XP and OSX.

In a larger computer such as a main frame the operating system works on the same principles.