What Does operating system Mean
The set of software that enables the effective management of resources in a computer is known as operating system or software of the system. These programs begin to work as soon as the equipment is turned on, since they manage the hardware from the most basic levels and also allow interaction with the user.
It should be noted that operating systems do not work only on computers. On the contrary, these types of systems are found in most electronic devices that use microprocessors : the system software makes it possible for the device to fulfill its functions (for example, a mobile phone or a DVD player ).
The operating system meets five functions basic: the supply of the user interface , the resource management , the file management , the task management and support services and utilities .
Regarding the user interface, the system ensures that the subject can load programs , access their files and perform other tasks with the computer. Resource management allows the management of hardware , including peripherals and the network .
The system software also takes care of file management , controlling the creation, deletion and access to files , and the administration of computing tasks carried out by end users.
Finally, we can mention that the support service is responsible for updating versions, improving system security , adding new utilities , controlling new peripherals that are added to the computer and correcting software errors .
Returning to the interface, we must point out that it is one of the most determining points of the success of an operating system, at least in terms of its massification. In this aspect we must include all those graphic elements that allow us to communicate with the system in general, with all those logical components that are stored on the disk, either temporarily or permanently .
The buttons, icons, bars and menus are some of the elements of the graphical interface through which we can perform different functions, such as opening and saving documents, starting the execution of a program, grouping our shortcuts favorites and modify different properties of our desktop. If developers do not find an easy-to-understand design, they risk the public rejecting their product, even in favor of an inferior one but with a clearer interface.
Resource management is another of the most important aspects, because the use of all the components and peripherals that make up the device depends on its effectiveness. For example, it is useless to have the most modern and sophisticated combination of the motherboard, processor, graphics card, RAM memory and solid state disk on the market if when running a video game it does not give them absolute priority , but rather drowns them with child processes that the player is not interested in running.
Since its introduction into the computer market until today, operating systems have undergone changes that are impossible to ignore in terms of their versatility and power. However, one of the aspects that has most aroused the interest of consumers has always been the price. With the emergence of free operating systems, debates about the right of companies to charge us for their work have been heard around the world. The alternatives are usually created using the open source modality , so that their evolution and support are lower than what a traditional company can offer. It should be noted that new computers usually come with a pre-installed commercial operating system at a very convenient price.