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Properties of an Operating System.

 

Properties of the Operating System are as follows:

  1. Multiprogramming
  2. Real-time system
  3. Distributed environment
  4. Batch processing
  5. Interactivity
  6. Spooling
  7. Multitasking

 

Multiprogramming

 

Multiprogramming can be defined as the ability of an operating system to run multiple programs on a single processor machine at the same time.

Multiprogramming is economical, utilizes the CPU to its maximum capability, and manages the main memory efficiently. 

 

Real-time system

 

The operating system ensures that the response is given in a specified time constraint to provide accurate performance. 

 

Distributed environment

 

The distributed environment is used when the data has been saved at different locations but needs to be available locally most of the time, it also reduces the impact of hardware failure or any specific site. 

It can be defined as a set of multiple processors in a single computer system.

 

Batch processing

 

The operating system defines a set of jobs that are re-assigned to a command sequence, programs, and data with a single unit. 

In batch processing, the performance is increased as the old job gets completed faster without any manual interference and the new job is started earlier. 

 

Interactivity

Interactivity means the user’s ability to interact with the computer system.

To help users interact with the system, the OS handles input and output devices and provides an interface to the user.

 

Spooling

Spooling stands for Simultaneous Peripheral Operation Online. It is a process in which data is temporarily held to be used and executed by a device, program, or system.

The OS manages I\O device spooling when it has multiple data access rates.

 

Multitasking

In multitasking, the CPU executes multiple jobs at the same by switching between the jobs. The OS handles multiple operations at the same time, this is also known as time-sharing.

Reference:

Properties of Operating system.