Most operating systems perform various tasks, including keeping track of what is on the computer and what is going to be done with the information. Operating systems also allocate system resources for multiple programs to run at once and protect user files from deletion or corruption by other users.
Most modern operating systems include all of these features. Some of these features may not be available in some cases, such as with mobile devices and embedded systems.
Tasks that most operating systems perform include keeping track of what is on the computer and what is going to happen with the information, allocating system resources for multiple programs to run at one time, protecting user files from deletion or corruption by other users, and keeping users from accessing what they should not access.
Keeping Track of What is on the Computer and what Is Going To Be Done With It
The operating system keeps track of what’s going on inside a computer. For example, many programs work together in a given task, such as editing a document. The operating system keeps track of what each program is doing. If one of the programs crashes, the OS restores what other programs are doing before it hits. The OS also identifies what should be done next, such as saving what’s been edited or quitting what has already been held.
It keeps track of what is on the computer and what should be done with what’s on the computer.
Allocating System Resources for Multiple Programs to Run at Once
The operating system allocates system resources, such as processing power and memory, for multiple programs to run at once. For example, running a document editing program while listening to music may be too much strain on the CPU. The OS will allocate CPU processing power to what it thinks is the more important task at hand.
The OS allocates system resources such as processing power and memory for multiple programs to run at once.
Protecting User Files From Deletion or Corruption By Another User
Some operating systems offer what’s known as file protection, keeping user files from deletion or corruption by another user. It’s what keeps what you’ve saved from getting deleted or what you’re working on from getting corrupted, even if someone else is using the computer.
The OS protects what is being used and what has been saved.