Functions of operating systems

Memory management and multitasking:
- Allocates RAM to different applications.
- Ensures processes don’t interfere with each other’s memory.
- Enables multitasking by allowing multiple programs to run at once.
- Controls which process gets CPU time and how much.
User interface (UI): allows the user to interact with the computer. There are two types of UI:
- Command Line Interface (CLI): text-based (e.g. Command Prompt, Terminal)
- Graphical User Interface (GUI): visual (e.g. WIMP – Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer)
Peripheral management (device management):
- Manages external devices like printers, keyboards, and webcams.
- Uses device drivers to communicate with hardware.
- Keeps track of device connections and ensures correct data transfer.
User management:
- Controls which users can access the system and applies access rights (e.g. admin vs. standard user).
- Each user has a username and password, and associated personal settings, files, and apps. User Access Control prevents unauthorised actions (like installing apps).
File management:
- Manages files on secondary storage (e.g. hard drive, SSD).
- Handles actions like naming, saving, moving, and organising into folders, as well as tracking file locations, types, and permissions.
- Ensures only authorised users can read (open), write (edit), and execute (run) files.

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