CPS 356 Operating Systems

An intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware

Execute User programs and make solving user problems easier
Make the computer system convenient to use
Use the computer hardware in an efficient manner

Hardware
Operating System
Application Programs
Users

Provides basic computing resources
CPU, Memory, I/O devices

Controls and coordinates use of hardware among various applications and users

Define the ways in which the system resources are used to solve the computing problems of the users
Word processors, Compilers, Web browsers, Database systems, video games

People, Machines, Other Computers

Resource Allocator
Control Program

Kernel

Bootstrap Program

Program that initializes all aspects of system and loads operating system kernel and starts execution. Typically stored in ROM or EPROM, known as Firmware

Interrupt