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Introduction: Difference between revisions
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== What is an Operating System? ==
An operating system is a software controlling the operation of a computer system and its resources.
Capable of loading and executing user programs providing standardized (hardware-independent) input / output interface for them.
Major functions of operating systems may include:
* Managing memory and other system resources.
* Imposing security and access policies.
* Scheduling and multiplexing processes and threads.
* Launching and closing user programs
* Providing a basic user interface and application programmer interface.
Not all operating systems provide all of these functions. Single-tasking systems like MS-DOS would not schedule processes, while embedded systems like eCOS may not have a user interface, or may work with a static set of user programs.
An operating system is '''not''':
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