What is an Operating System?
Delhi Police Exams
The Operating System (OS) is a crucial topic for Delhi Police Computer Awareness exams. Questions often focus on definition, functions, types, and examples. Here's a complete exam-ready article with tricks, PYQs, practice, and recap.
Definition
An Operating System (OS) is a system software that acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. It manages hardware resources, runs applications, and provides a platform for user interaction.
Simplified: "OS is the manager of computer hardware and software, helping users interact with the machine efficiently."
Main Functions of an OS
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Process Management | Manages execution of programs, CPU allocation |
| Memory Management | Controls RAM allocation for processes |
| File Management | Handles files and directories on storage devices |
| Device Management | Manages input/output devices like printers, scanners |
| Security & Access Control | Protects data and resources from unauthorized access |
| User Interface | Provides GUI (icons, windows) or CLI (command-line) interface |
Types of Operating Systems
| Type | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Batch OS | DOS | Jobs are executed in batches, no user interaction during processing |
| Time-Sharing / Multitasking OS | Windows, Linux | Multiple users/programs share CPU time |
| Distributed OS | Unix, Amoeba | Manages resources of multiple computers connected in a network |
| Real-Time OS (RTOS) | RTLinux, VxWorks | Immediate processing of data (used in embedded systems, medical devices) |
| Network OS | Novell NetWare | Manages network resources and user access |
Practice Questions
An Operating System is:
Options: (a) Application software (b) System software (c) Utility software (d) Programming software
Category: OS Definition
Show Answer
System software
Which of the following is NOT a function of an OS?
Options: (a) Memory management (b) Device management (c) Web browsing (d) Process management
Category: OS Functions
Show Answer
Web browsing
Which type of OS allows multiple users to share CPU time?
Options: (a) Batch OS (b) Time-sharing / Multitasking OS (c) Real-Time OS (d) Network OS
Category: OS Types
Show Answer
Time-sharing / Multitasking OS
Mini Practical Task: Explore Your OS
Task Instructions:
Steps to Follow:
Additional Tasks:
Pro Tip:
Knowing your OS and its functions helps answer diagram-based and function-related MCQs. Practice identifying different OS types and their specific features.
Quick Recap & Tricks
Key Points:
OS = System Software + Manager of Hardware
Functions: Process, Memory, File, Device, Security, User Interface
Types: Batch, Time-sharing/Multitasking, Real-Time, Network, Distributed
Memory Tricks:
"Batch Jobs, Time-share Multitask, Real-time Quick, Network Connect, Distributed Everywhere"
Remember: GUI = Graphical User Interface
Exam Tip: Delhi Police often asks definition, type, function, and examples in one-liner MCQs. Focus on functions & OS types.
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