Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is the fundamental system software that manages all computer hardware and software resources, acting as the crucial intermediary between the user and the machine. Its primary responsibilities include process scheduling to manage CPU time, memory allocation, file system organization on storage devices, and handling input/output operations. By providing a stable platform and a user interface (such as a graphical user interface or command line), the OS abstracts the underlying hardware complexity, allowing application programs to run and enabling users to interact with the computer effectively.

A file system is a core component of an operating system that controls how data is stored and retrieved on a storage device, such as a hard drive or solid-state drive. It imposes a structure on the data, typically a hierarchical one of files and directories, allowing users and applications to organize, locate, and access information efficiently. The file system is responsible for managing the physical space on the storage medium, keeping track of metadata for each file (like permissions, size, and creation date), and translating logical file requests from applications into the specific physical locations on the disk, thereby providing a crucial abstraction layer between software and storage hardware.

Memory management is a fundamental function of an operating system that controls and coordinates the use of a computer's main memory (RAM). It is responsible for dynamically allocating portions of memory to programs upon request and freeing them for reuse when they are no longer needed, all while keeping track of the status of each memory location. This process ensures that multiple applications can run concurrently without interfering with each other's data or the operating system itself, providing crucial memory protection and enabling efficient multitasking through techniques like virtual memory and paging.