What does an operating system do?
An introduction to the software that manages hardware resources and provides an environment for applications.
Read the Korean original on Velog ↗English translation
We use an operating system whenever we start a computer or open an app, but much of its work stays out of sight. Its basic components explain how it connects hardware with application software.
Software
Application software
Programs used for particular tasks, such as Photoshop or Illustrator.
System software
Software that manages hardware and supports applications, including operating systems and utilities.
Operating systems
An operating system establishes the rules and mechanisms for managing a computer's hardware and running its applications.
Main components
Kernel
Manages resources such as memory, processors, and storage. It controls access to hardware to help keep the system stable.
Interfaces
Provide points of interaction between users, programs, devices, and other systems.
Main responsibilities
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Resource management | Distribute CPU time, memory, storage, and I/O resources efficiently among processes. |
| Resource protection | Protect resources from unauthorized access and erroneous operations. |
| Hardware interfaces | Give applications consistent ways to use different devices. |
| User interfaces | Help people interact with the system. |