Operating Systems Demystified: Core Concepts and Components
Operating Systems Demystified: Core Concepts and Components An operating system (OS) manages a computer’s resources and coordinates tasks. It sits between applications and hardware, so programs run smoothly without handling devices directly. The OS keeps things organized, safe, and predictable for everyday use. Core ideas Processes are the active programs; the OS starts, stops, and schedules them so you can use several tasks at once. Memory management assigns RAM and uses virtual memory to keep apps safe and separate. File systems store and organize documents, media, and settings. The kernel is the central manager that controls CPU, memory, and I/O. System calls let apps ask the OS to perform actions like reading a file. Security and isolation protect data and limit what apps can do. Core Components Kernel: the heart that runs in privileged mode. It handles scheduling, memory mapping, and device access. User space: applications and libraries that run with normal rights. Device drivers: small programs that talk to hardware. File system: a storage structure with permissions and metadata. User interface: the way you interact, via a shell or GUI. How they work together When an app requests a service via a system call, the kernel checks permissions, schedules the task, and uses drivers to access hardware or the file system. Memory is mapped, data moves between storage and RAM, and results are returned to the app. ...