WHAT DO OPERATING SYSTEMS DO?
One of the operating system’s main tasks is to control the computer’s resources—both the hardware and the software. The operating system allocates resources as necessary to ensure that each application receives the appropriate amount. In addition to resource allocation, operating systems provide a consistent application interface so that all applications use the hardware in the same way. This is particularly important if more than one type of computer uses the operating system or if the computer’s hardware is likely to change. By having a consistent application program interface (API), software written on one computer and can run on other types of computers. Developers face the challenge of keeping the operating system flexible enough to control hardware from the thousands of different computer manufacturers. Operating systems must accomplish the following tasks: • Processor management. The operating system needs to allocate enough of the processor’s time to each process and applicatio
