Question

Discuss functions of the Operating System. Reflect on the benefit of running the OS in a virtual cluster or in a cloud.

Answer 1

Operating System (OS) comprises of software programs that are dedicated to controlling computer system functions. Its main purpose is to coordinate the operations between the hardware and software of a system. The main functions of operating software systems are.

• The OS is responsible for allocating system resources on a system including storing data, input-output operations, scheduling tasks, storage etc.
• The OS also controls the system performance which includes CPU scheduling, CPU utilization and system security of a system.
• The OS is also responsible for file system transfer within a system like data sharing.

An operating system can be built within a system or it can be operated using a virtual environment the above functions are also done using a virtual OS. Virtual OS is nothing but an operating system runs on a virtual environment. It can be implemented using software simulation and hardware virtualization. The major advantages of virtual OS over in-built OS is.

• It can be easily maintained than a built-in operating system.
• It offers an appropriate recovery of the machine because the system files are on a cloud or virtual environment.
• We can create multiple operating system environments within a system.