🔹 What is an Operating System?

The Operating System (OS) is a set of programs that manages the connection between a computer's hardware resources and the user's applications (such as word processors, video games, etc.).

It acts as a bridge between the hardware and the software, allowing applications to use hardware devices (keyboard, printer, memory...) through generic access points.

🎯 Main Roles of the Operating System

The OS works like a conductor of an orchestra, coordinating all system activities and ensuring efficient use of the computer's resources.

🧠 1. Memory Management

• Allocates and frees main memory (RAM) for running programs.

⚙️ 2. Processor Management

• Manages CPU time by distributing processing power among multiple programs running simultaneously (multitasking).

🔌 3. Device Management

• Handles input/output (I/O) operations with external devices like the mouse, keyboard, printer, etc.

📁 4. File Management

• Organizes and controls the reading/writing of data on storage devices (hard drives, SSDs, USBs...).

🧰 5. Resource Management

• Allocates system resources (CPU, memory, I/O devices) to applications as needed.

🚦 6. Program Execution

• Ensures each program runs properly without interfering with others.

👤 7. User Management

• Allows multiple users to work on the same computer without interfering with each other’s work and data.

📝 Summary Table