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Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is an Operating System?
3.
Functions of the Operating System
4.
Advantages of Operating Systems
4.1.
User-Friendly Interface
4.2.
Source of computing
4.3.
Sharing Resources
4.4.
Data Protection
4.5.
Uninvolvement of Coding Lines
4.6.
Multitasking
4.7.
Updated software
5.
Disadvantages of Operating Systems
5.1.
System Error
5.2.
Expensive
5.3.
Complex Structure
5.4.
Threats from Viruses
5.5.
Fragmentation
6.
Other Benefits of Using OS
7.
Some Other Drawbacks of OS
8.
Frequently Asked Questions
8.1.
What are the 5 important features of an operating system?
8.2.
What are the different types of operating systems?
9.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Jun 11, 2024

Advantages and Disadvantages of Operating System

Author Sneha Mallik
4 upvotes
Operating System

Introduction

An operating system handles all essential functions, such as handling files, programs, and memory. 

As a result, the operating system serves as the resource manager for all resources. As a result, the operating system serves as an interface between the user and the computer. This blog will cover the advantages and disadvantages of operating systems.

Operating System

What is an Operating System?

A functional framework is a product that manages all aspects of PC design, including equipment, external devices, and any other elements. It takes the client's input, measures the information, and calculates the corresponding yield. It also serves as a connection point between the framework's equipment and the client. A working framework is also designed to execute a variety of tasks, such as data management, estimations, task planning, memory distribution, deallocation, etc.

The origins of OS can be traced back to standard programming advancements. One key contrast between web application and mobile application development is that mobile applications simply evolved to use certain new features of a mobile phone. During the assembly of modern mobile phones, a few applications are currently being introduced. Every cell phone requires an operating system (OS) to execute its services, such as short message service, voice calls, and so on. The capabilities of previous portable operating systems were limited. An operating system is required to profit from any type of versatile application.

Operating System

Functions of the Operating System

  • Process Management: Manages the execution of processes, including multitasking, process scheduling, and termination. 
  • Memory Management: Allocates and deallocates memory space as needed, ensuring efficient memory use. 
  • File System Management: Organizes and manages files and directories on storage devices. 
  • Device Management: Controls and coordinates the use of hardware devices through device drivers. 
  • Security and Access Control: Protects data and resources from unauthorized access and ensures secure user authentication. 
  • User Interface: Provides a user interface, such as a command-line interface (CLI) or graphical user interface (GUI), for interacting with the system. 
  • Error Detection and Handling: Detects and handles errors in hardware and software to maintain system stability.

Advantages of Operating Systems

In this section, we will look at some of the advantages of operating systems. 

Advantages of Operating System Illustration

User-Friendly Interface

When the Windows operating system was first released, it also included GUI(Graphical User Interface), which made using computers far more natural than the previous Command Line Interface. Furthermore, users can swiftly comprehend, interact with, and communicate with computers.

Source of computing

The operating system is a software program that connects the user to the hardware. It enables users to enter data, process it, and view the results. Users can also interface with computers via the operating system to conduct various operations such as arithmetic calculations and other essential tasks.

Sharing Resources

Printers, modems, players, and fax machines are all used by operating systems to share data and important information with other users. Furthermore, a single user can send emails to several users at the same time to share the same info. Using an operating system, you can also transfer applications, photos, and media items from your PC to other devices.

Data Protection

On the computer, there is a lot of user data that can only be accessed with the help of an operating system. Apart from storing and accessing data, an OS's other crucial role is to handle data safely and securely. Windows Defender, for example, finds and eliminates dangerous and harmful files in Microsoft Windows. It also protects your information by encrypting it bit by bit.

Uninvolvement of Coding Lines

Operating systems now allow users to access hardware without writing programs, thanks to the GUI. Users do not need to write lines of code to access the hardware capability of a computer system as they did previously.

Multitasking

An operating system can manage multiple tasks at once. It enables users to complete multiple things at the same time.

Click on the following link to read further: Multitasking Operating System

Updated software

The operating system is a piece of software that needs to be updated on a regular basis in order to keep up with the rapidly changing features. OS must increase benchmarks and handle all aspects of computer operation as other programs and software receive upgrades to improve their usefulness. An operating system can be updated without difficulty.

Disadvantages of Operating Systems

Disadvantages of Operating System Illustration

System Error

If the central operating system fails, the entire system will fail, and the machine will stop working. Furthermore, a computer system cannot work without an operating system. If the central system fails, all communication will be disrupted, and no further data processing will be possible.

Expensive

Some of the operating systems are more expensive than open-source platforms like Linux. While free operating systems are available, they are often more difficult to operate than others. Furthermore, operating systems with GUI functionality and other built-in features, such as Microsoft Windows, are expensive.

Complex Structure

Operating systems are extremely complicated, and the language used to create them is not well defined. Furthermore, if there is an issue with the OS that users do not understand, it cannot be fixed quickly.

Threats from Viruses

Operating system threats are worse since they are more vulnerable to viral attacks. Many users install malicious software packages on their computers, which cause the operating system to stop working and slow down.

Fragmentation

When stored memory in a computer splits, it is known as fragmentation. When the technique of processing is larger than the memory size, internal fragmentation develops. When a method or process is eliminated, external fragmentation happens.

Other Benefits of Using OS

  • The interaction between users and equipment is provided by O/S.
  • Since it provides multiple menus, catches, symbols, and more for a simple route, O/S allows for a user-friendly and intuitive graphic user interface for all customers.
  • It is responsible for overseeing and controlling all PC capabilities.
  • Working with a GUI does not require any specialized skills. 
  • For all projects, these stages are acceptable.
  • It has the best features, such as "attachment and play," which means they don't need any drivers to utilize their devices like a mouse or console, and the sky is the limit from there.
  • Memory division, paging, and trading are some of the techniques used by O/S. Using those approaches, the working framework may deal with its own memory.
  • The Operating System aids in the management of all data and output devices within the PC structure.
  • O/S assists in converting all projects into executable directions and is responsible for synchronizing all cycles.
  • Working systems can also deal with a variety of interfering factors.
  • For organizing the entire cycle in the CPU for execution, O/S implements a variety of booking schemes, such as first-come-first-served, round-robin, priority planning, briefest employment first booking, and others.
  • It helps to compress surrounding discontinuities.
  • O/S is responsible for distributing all information within the framework.
  • O/S grants permission to request paging.
  • It is not necessary to fracture it.
  • It aids in the effective planning of all pages.
  • O/S allows you to send a single piece of information to several clients.
  • It can also share resources such as printers, fax machines, etc.
  • The operating system can be refreshed at any moment.
  • It provides an adjustable interface for introducing and running a wide range of games and programming.
  • Some operating systems, such as Windows, include protection against malicious files and infections.
  • Open-source software consists of a variety of operating systems, such as Unix/Linux. Working System can be run without cost on a PC framework (Free cost).

Some Other Drawbacks of OS

  • It has increased memory access times for things like page table queries.
  • TLB(Translation Lookaside Buffer) usage has to be improved.
  • Protected page tables are required. More memory is required for the memory board.
  • Inner fracture is required.
  • The virtual memory size must be connected to the PTLR (Page Table Length Register).
  • Staggered page tables and varying page sizes required more improvement.
  • Even without your permission, unauthorized clients can use your system.
  • If the functioning framework fails, your data will be erased from the operating system.
  • Given that any risk might be implanted at any time, providing complete protection from all viruses is a very difficult task.

Must Read Multiprocessing Operating System

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 important features of an operating system?

Operating systems offer process management, memory management, file and disk management, security and access control, and user interface services, ensuring efficient hardware utilization, data organization, and a user-friendly interaction environment for application execution and data management.

What are the different types of operating systems?

Operating systems vary based on their functionality and the devices they support, including Batch Operating Systems, Real-Time Operating Systems, Multi-user Operating Systems, Multiprocessing Systems, Distributed Operating Systems, Network Operating Systems, and Mobile Operating Systems. Each type serves distinct operational requirements and environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, operating systems offer numerous advantages such as efficient resource management, enhanced user experience, and improved system security. However, they also come with disadvantages including complexity, susceptibility to vulnerabilities, and potential for system failures. Despite their challenges, operating systems remain essential for managing computer resources and facilitating user interaction with computing devices.me with disadvantages including complexity, susceptibility to vulnerabilities, and potential for system failures. Despite their challenges, operating systems remain essential for managing computer resources and facilitating user interaction with computing devices.

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