So, take your desktop PC. A typical desktop computer is a system unit (the main hardware), a monitor (the main device for online information display), a keyboard and mouse (the main input device for information), additional peripheral devices (speakers, headphones, a scanner, printer, plotter, MFP and others ) and the software component (OS, user programs, system programs ...). In this chain, the operating system performs the functions of:
- providing the user with a user-friendly interface;
- Correct binding of all components in the system unit;
- correct and consistent work between the elements of the entire PC;
- the ability to manage programs and components of the PC.
If you take a laptop, netbook or tablet PC, they will have the same operating system functions. In fact, the situation here is somewhat more global. The OS includes:
- a shell for the user;
- programs for controlling PC elements and their coordination of work among themselves - drivers;
- some hardware.
If you talk about what functions of the operating system are responsible for, then you need to divide them into two types: for the user (front-end, executive) and for iron (consensus, management). In other words, all processes occurring in a PC are complex machine code. It is difficult for the user to understand it, moreover, it is rather cumbersome in time. Imagine how long you would enter data to open a folder (for example). The older generation of users was still familiar with the OS with a minimal interface. Precisely because the OS for any user is an interface and navigation, most users have such an association with its functions.
As a rule, users like to install various kinds of applications that affect the operation of computer elements or increase information content. The functions of the operating system have expanded somewhat in our time. Due to the fact that almost free access to the Internet appeared, the OS had to take on some more functions. The first is interaction with a new type of equipment. Devices such as network printers, routers, access points, and modems required special drivers. But this was reflected in the whole structure. By installing a driver on a printer (for example), you not only tell the OS about new equipment, but also automatically configure programs that have the ability to print.
The second is the protection functions of the OS itself and sponsored programs. The development of antiviruses falls precisely on the era of the global development of the Internet. In addition, the operating system has a firewall on any computer. If you take in general, the user does not even think about what functions the operating system performs. He just uses a computer. We came to another important issue - the invisibility of the OS for the user. From here multitasking also appeared. The times when the user was armed with 1 GB of hard drive memory are already far away, while the OS occupies 700 MB. Those. for all other functions you have 300 MB, and RAM on board as much as 64 MB. Such a computer is suitable only for ordinary typing, without the use of graphic materials.
But this is a story. Modern computers have multi-core processors, dozens of RAM, terabytes of permanent memory, gigabytes of a video card and wireless interfaces. It's hard to imagine what features of the operating system are currently available. Please note that Windows 7 requires about two dozen gigabytes for its installation. This "weightiness" is due to the powerful animation to facilitate user usability, the regular presence of a large amount of additional programs, and more.
Of course, since the advent of packet data and a user-friendly interface, a lot of "leaked" (about 20 years - all!). The OS remains for us the most important program on our computer of any type. At the moment, it is popular to have an open OS structure - for additional customization on an individual basis. This is very well seen in the mobile gadget market. Phones have already completely lost their positions to smartphones. A little more and they will be the past.