1 Module - Operating Systems Configuration and Use by Mark John Lado

Module 1
for
Operating Systems: Configuration and Use
Bachelor of Science and Information System
Designed and Compiled by
Mark John Perez – Lado

Table of Contents
Learning Objectives
Lesson 1 Introduction to OS
What is an Operating System?
The Basic task of Operating System
Types of Operating System
OS’s Manage Applications
Learning Activity 1
Assessment 1
Lesson 2 Computer Memory
Operating System Functions
OS - Memory Storage and Management
Cache Memory
RAM Memory
Virtual Memory
Virtual Memory – Swap File
Learning Activity 2
Assessment 2

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Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you will be able to;
1. appreciate the concept of Operating System
2. engage with the basic task of Operating System
3. identify the types of Operating System
4. explain process management
5. discuss memory management
6. distinguish process and memory management
7. differentiate I/O management and file management
8. optimize the role Virtual Memory – Swap File

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WHAT IS AN OPERATING SYSTEM?
It is the most important program that runs on your computer. It manages all other programs on the
machine. Every PC has to have one to run other applications or programs. It’s the first thing
“loaded”.
It performs basic tasks, such as:
1. Recognizing input from the keyboard or mouse,
2. Sending output to the monitor,
3. Keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and
4. Controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
IS THERE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF OS?
Generally, there are four types, based on the type of computer they control and the sort of
applications they support.
1. Single-user, single task - This type manages the computer so that one user can effectively
do one thing at a time.
2. Multi-user, multi-task - Allows two or more users to run programs at the same time.
Some operating systems permit hundreds or even thousands of concurrent users.

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3. Real Time Operating Systems - RTOS are used to control machinery, scientific instruments,
and industrial systems.
There is typically very little user interface capability.
Resources are managed so that a particular operation executes precisely the same every time.
4. Single-user, Multi-tasking - This is the type of operating system most desktops and laptops
use today.
Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s MacOS are both examples of operating systems that will let a
single user have several programs in operation at the same time.

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OS’s MANAGE APPLICATIONS
Operating systems provide a software platform on top of which other “application” programs can
run.
The application programs must be written to run on a particular operating system.
So, your choice of operating system determines what application software you can run.

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Learning Activity 1
Write your answers on a clean yellow pad paper.
1. Why does operating system is important in every device?
2. Narrate the basic tasks of an operating system.
3. Cite the types of an operating system and give a brief dialog in each type.

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Assessment 1
Test I. Read each item carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. This type manages the computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time.
A. Single-user, single task
B. Multi-user, multi-task
C. Real Time Operating Systems
2. This is the type of operating system most desktops and laptops use today.
A. Single-user, Multi-tasking
3. Allows two or more users to run programs at the same time. Some operating systems
permit hundreds or even thousands of concurrent users.
4. RTOS are used to control machinery, scientific instruments, and industrial systems.
5. An operating system that allows a single user to perform only one task at a time

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Test II. Essay: Write your answers on the space provided below.
Criteria
● Organization of thoughts - 5 points
● Content - 5 points
● Accuracy (Spelling and Punctuations) - 5 points
Total = 15 points
What are the disadvantages of single user system?

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OPERATING SYSTEM FUNCTIONS
Besides managing hardware and software resources on the system, the OS must manage
resources and memory. There are two broad tasks to be accomplished.
OS - MEMORY STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT
Each process must have enough memory in which to execute, and
It can neither run into the memory space of another process,
Nor be run into by another process.
The different types of memory in the system must be used properly so that each process can run
most effectively.
Memory management is all about making sure there is as much available memory space as possible
for new programs, data and processes to execute. As memory is used by multiple parts of a modern
system, memory allocation and memory management can take on different forms.

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Cache Memory
Cache - A section of a computer's memory which temporarily retains recently accessed data in
order to speed up repeated access to the same data.
Cache memory is an extremely fast memory type that acts as a buffer between RAM and the CPU.
It holds frequently requested data and instructions so that they are immediately available to the
CPU when needed. Cache memory is used to reduce the average time to access data from the Main
memory.
It provides rapid access without having to wait for systems to load.
RAM Memory
Random access memory (RAM) is the best known form of computer memory.
RAM is considered "random access" because you can access any memory cell directly if you
know the row and column that intersect at that cell.
The more RAM your computer has, the faster programs can function.
The two main types are called DRAM and SRAM. SRAM is faster than DRAM, but, more
expensive.

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Remember, that if the power is turned off, then all data left in RAM, that has not been saved to
the hard drive, is lost.
VIRTUAL MEMORY
Virtual memory is a feature of an operating system that enables a computer to be able to
compensate shortages of physical memory by transferring pages of data from random access
memory to disk storage. This process is done temporarily and is designed to work as a combination
of RAM and space on the hard disk.
A method of using hard disk space to provide extra memory. It simulates additional RAM.
In Windows, the amount of virtual memory available equals the amount of free RAM plus the
amount of disk space allocated to the swap file.

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VIRTUAL MEMORY – SWAP FILE
A swap file is an area of your hard disk that is set aside for virtual memory. Swap files can be
either temporary or permanent.
A swap file (or swap space or, in Windows NT, a page file) is a space on a hard disk used as the
virtual memory extension of a computer's real memory (RAM). Having a swap file allows your
computer's operating system to pretend that you have more RAM than you actually do.

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Learning Activity 2
Write your answer on a clean yellow pad paper.
1. What is the storage management?
2. What is difference between storage and memory?
3. Why is memory management important?
4. What do you mean by cache memory?
5. What is meant by RAM memory?
6. What do you mean by virtual memory?
7. What is virtual memory – swap file?

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Assessment 2
Test I. Read each item carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. A section of a computer's memory which temporarily retains recently accessed data in order to
speed up repeated access to the same data.
A. Cache Memory
B. RAM Memory
C. Virtual memory
2. Memory that appears to exist as main storage although most of it is supported by data held in
secondary storage, transfer between the two being made automatically as required.
A. Cache Memory
B. RAM Memory
C. Virtual memory
3. Considered "random access" because you can access any memory cell directly if you know the
row and column that intersect at that cell.
A. Cache Memory
B. RAM Memory
C. Virtual memory
4. A method of using hard disk space to provide extra memory. It simulates additional RAM.
A. Cache Memory
B. RAM Memory
C. Virtual memory
5. A form of computer memory that can be read and changed in any order, typically used to store
working data and machine code.
A. Cache Memory
B. RAM Memory
C. Virtual memory

Page | 15
Test II. Essay - Write your answers on the space provided below.
Criteria
● Organization of thoughts - 5 points
● Content - 5 points
● Accuracy (Spelling and Punctuations) - 5 points
Total = 15 points
What is a memory stick used for?

1 Module - Operating Systems Configuration and Use by Mark John Lado

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