The operating system is the program that controls the hardware in the computer. It splits the amount of time each application has to utilize the CPU. It also assigns disk space and shields data from unauthorised access. It also acts as an interface between the hardware and application programs. It allows the program to interact with a variety of hardware devices, including printers, WiFi adapters, and disk drives.
A OS also allows multiple software applications to run simultaneously on a single processor. Multitasking is also known as. It also allows users to communicate with the computer via an GUI (graphical) or command-line interface. The operating system can be one program running in memory, or a set of programs and libraries that reside on the hard drive and are loaded into memory as required.
Error detection is yet another crucial aspect of operating systems. The system continuously monitors input and output in order to detect errors and stop them from causing additional issues. It also has the responsibility to monitor network connections and establish security protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
The OS also records device drivers in a standard format that allows for easy identification. It is also able to install and configure new drivers when hardware changes. In addition, the OS can translate a user program from high-level languages to machine code through a compiler and loader. It can even relocate the data stored on a hard drive if it detects the presence of a bad sector.