1.1 What Operating System Do ?

Generally a computer system can be divided into four major components :

1. The Hardware
2. The Operating System
3. The Application Programs
4. The Users

The Hardware ------ the central processing unit (CPU) , the memory , and the input / output devices --- provides the basic computing resources for the system .

The Application Programs ---- such as word processors , spreadsheets , compilers , and web browsers ----- define the way in which these resources are used to resolve users computing problems . The operating system controls and coordinates the use of the hardware among the various application programs for the various users .

We can also view computer system as consisting of hardware , software and data . The operating system provides the means for proper use of these resources in the operation of the computer system. It simply provides an environment within which other programs can do useful work .

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Source : Operating System Principles --- Galvin--- Silberchatz