The Role of the operating system in computer science is fundamental to managing computer resources and providing an interface between hardware and software components.
Memory management is a critical function where the operating system controls how programs access and utilize RAM. When programs are executed, the OS allocates memory space through techniques like paging and segmentation. If the memory becomes full, the operating system uses virtual memory by moving less frequently used data to secondary storage. This ensures efficient use of available memory resources and prevents system crashes. The OS also handles memory protection to prevent programs from accessing memory spaces allocated to other applications.
Interrupts play a vital role in computer operations by allowing the CPU to handle multiple tasks efficiently. When hardware interrupts occur, like when a key is pressed on a keyboard or a mouse is clicked, the CPU temporarily suspends its current task to handle the interrupt signal. Similarly, software interrupts are generated by programs requiring system services. Without interrupt signals, computers would need to constantly check (poll) for input, making them highly inefficient. The OS manages these interrupts through an interrupt handler that prioritizes and processes them appropriately. Peripheral management is another crucial OS function, where it coordinates communication between the CPU and various input/output devices through device drivers. User management features enable multiple users to access the system securely while maintaining privacy and resource allocation. The OS provides a platform for multi-tasking by managing process scheduling, ensuring multiple programs can run simultaneously without conflicts. This is achieved through time-slicing, where the CPU's processing time is divided among different tasks based on priority and resource requirements.
