Functions of an OS Platform-(03) :: essays research papers

Functions of an Operating System Operating Systems is a computer program that controls the operation of the hardware of a computer and the execution of programs. The primary functions of an operating system include: 1) Managing and controlling the hardware of the computer, e.g., drivers 2) Interfacing between hardware and software, i.e. how programs and applications use hardware – keyboard, mouse, monitor. 3) Managing memory, i.e., multitasking, multiprocessing and threads 4) Managing and executing applications 5) Diagnosing problems with software and hardware 6) Managing Storage Devices and Files, e.g., NTFS and Netware file system 7) Providing a User Interface Additional Functions of a Network Operating System Where multiple hosts share the workload and resources, but each host executes its own programs 1) Connecting to the Network, e.g., network interface card drivers, communication protocols, and client services. 2) Enabling remote users to access and share resources, and user interfaces to use various share services, e.g., utilities, web access, SMTP. 3) Provide additional security to access shared resources, i.e., authorization (logon) and authorization (resources) services. 4) Provide applications for network use, e.g., Web, SMTP, and DHCP servers. 5) Provide network diagnostics utilities. Types of Network Operating Systems Peer-to-Peer or Workgroup Model Any computer can be a server or a client, or both. Examples of these NOS include Microsoft Networking and Windows 2k Member servers The security system is decentralized, and is stored in the local registry. Practical for networks up 5 to 10 computers with limited sharing and low security requirements. Every server maintains its own security system. this means that you must have a password on each server. Peer-to-Peer or Workgroups Advantages Disadvantages Easy-to-share resources No centralized control over resources Resources are distributed across all computers No centralized account management Little administrative overhead No centralized administration Simple to design No centralized security system Easy to implement Inefficient for more than 20 computers Convienent for small groups in close proximity Security must be configured manually Less expensive or free software, does not require a centralized server Increased training to educate users to use their computer as both a client and a server. Domain (Client/Server) Model The designation of one computer to centralize the administration of shared resources and security. It is generally recommended that a computer would be only used as either as a client or a server, but not both. For example, share files will be stored on the server. Windows NT/2K domain controllers, Active directory and Netware are examples of the client Server model. Client/Server or Domain Model Advantages Disadvantages Centralized resource sharing Significant administrative effort and overhead Functions of an OS Platform-(03) :: essays research papers Functions of an Operating System Operating Systems is a computer program that controls the operation of the hardware of a computer and the execution of programs. The primary functions of an operating system include: 1) Managing and controlling the hardware of the computer, e.g., drivers 2) Interfacing between hardware and software, i.e. how programs and applications use hardware – keyboard, mouse, monitor. 3) Managing memory, i.e., multitasking, multiprocessing and threads 4) Managing and executing applications 5) Diagnosing problems with software and hardware 6) Managing Storage Devices and Files, e.g., NTFS and Netware file system 7) Providing a User Interface Additional Functions of a Network Operating System Where multiple hosts share the workload and resources, but each host executes its own programs 1) Connecting to the Network, e.g., network interface card drivers, communication protocols, and client services. 2) Enabling remote users to access and share resources, and user interfaces to use various share services, e.g., utilities, web access, SMTP. 3) Provide additional security to access shared resources, i.e., authorization (logon) and authorization (resources) services. 4) Provide applications for network use, e.g., Web, SMTP, and DHCP servers. 5) Provide network diagnostics utilities. Types of Network Operating Systems Peer-to-Peer or Workgroup Model Any computer can be a server or a client, or both. Examples of these NOS include Microsoft Networking and Windows 2k Member servers The security system is decentralized, and is stored in the local registry. Practical for networks up 5 to 10 computers with limited sharing and low security requirements. Every server maintains its own security system. this means that you must have a password on each server. Peer-to-Peer or Workgroups Advantages Disadvantages Easy-to-share resources No centralized control over resources Resources are distributed across all computers No centralized account management Little administrative overhead No centralized administration Simple to design No centralized security system Easy to implement Inefficient for more than 20 computers Convienent for small groups in close proximity Security must be configured manually Less expensive or free software, does not require a centralized server Increased training to educate users to use their computer as both a client and a server. Domain (Client/Server) Model The designation of one computer to centralize the administration of shared resources and security. It is generally recommended that a computer would be only used as either as a client or a server, but not both. For example, share files will be stored on the server. Windows NT/2K domain controllers, Active directory and Netware are examples of the client Server model. Client/Server or Domain Model Advantages Disadvantages Centralized resource sharing Significant administrative effort and overhead