Page 27 - Viva ICSE Computer Studies 5 : E-book

• Processor Management: The operating system manages the working of the processor.
It allocates various jobs to the processor.

• File Management: The operating system tracks various operations like creating,
transferring, copying, storing and deleting fi les in an organised manner.

• Working of Software: Various application software like Paint, Microsoft Word and
Microsoft PowerPoint run on the operating system.

• Security: The operating system keeps the computer secured by assigning the means

of passwords. This helps in preventing the misuse of the computer.

Types of Operating Systems
Operating systems are basically of two types—single-user and multi-user.

• Single-user operating systems are designed only for the use of a single user. In these
systems, there is only one terminal on which the operating system is installed and can
be accessed by a single user only. It allows only one person to work and operate the

system at a time. MS-DOS, PC DOS and OS/2 are examples of single-user operating
systems.

• Multi-user operating systems are designed for multiple users which are used for
computers having many terminals. It allows two or more users to use the computer
resources at the same time. Unix, Xenix, Windows and OS/400 are some examples of

multi-user operating systems.

• Multitasking operating systems allow the user to work on more than one application
program at a time. The user can switch from one program to another without any loss
of data and information in a multitasking operating system. For example, Windows

(a multitasking operating software) allows you to work on the Word document and
take printouts of the work done at the same time.

Learn More

MS-DOS, developed by ‘Microsoft Inc.’ in 1981 has been the most widely used operating system of
IBM compatible microcomputers.

Utility Software

Utility software performs specifi c tasks like managing, maintaining and controlling
computer resources. The software ensures proper functioning of computer and its
resources. Antivirus software, backup software, fi le management, network programs,

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