An operating system (OS) is a software program that serves as the core interface between a computer's hardware and its users. It manages the computer's resources, provides a platform for running applications, and facilitates communication between the hardware and software components of a computer system.
There are specific programs or components within an operating system that are crucial for its functionality. These include:
Kernel: The kernel is the core component of the operating system. It manages system resources such as CPU, memory, and input/output devices, and provides essential services to applications. The kernel interacts directly with the hardware and controls low-level operations.
Boot Loader: The boot loader is responsible for loading the operating system into memory during the boot process. It typically resides in the boot sector of the storage device and is executed by the BIOS or UEFI firmware.
Shell: The shell is the command-line interface (CLI) or graphical user interface (GUI) through which users interact with the operating system. It interprets user commands and executes them, allowing users to run programs, manage files, and configure system settings.
Device Drivers: Device drivers are software components that enable the operating system to communicate with hardware devices such as printers, scanners, network adapters, and graphics cards. They provide an interface for the operating system to access and control hardware resources.
File System: The file system is responsible for organizing and managing files and directories on storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs, and flash drives. It provides mechanisms for file creation, deletion, reading, and writing, as well as directory manipulation.
System Services: System services are background processes or daemons that run continuously to perform various tasks such as network communication, printing, time synchronization, and system monitoring. They provide essential functionality to the operating system and user applications.
These programs and components work together to form the operating system, which serves as the foundation for running applications and managing computer resources.
Popular examples of operating systems include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Unix, and various distributions of Linux such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS. Each operating system has its own features, capabilities, and target audience, but they all serve the fundamental purpose of managing computer resources and enabling users to run applications effectively.
Some Basic Linux commands are referred in the following repository (Here). Please check it out for further Information.