# Definición de Sistema Operativo

Un Sistema Operativo es una colección de programas de sistema que juntos controlan la operación de una computadora. Actúa como intermediario entre el usuario y el hardware de la computadora con dos objetivos principales.

* **Controlar el hardware de la computadora**: Estos recursos de hardware incluyen el procesador, memoria, dispositivos de almacenamiento, entre otros.
* **Proveer una interfaz al usuario:** Organiza las aplicaciones de tal forma que sean de fácil acceso para el usuario. Cuando una aplicación es abierta el sistema operativo le provee una forma estable y consistente de comunicarse con el hardware para que no tenga que lidear con todos los detalles del hardware.

## Tipos de Sistemas Operativos

### **Batch-Processing Operating System**

### **Time-sharing or Multiuser Operating System**

### **Multitasking Operating System**

### **Real-time Operating System**

### **Multiprocessor Operating System**

### **Embedded Operating System**

## **FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING SYSTEM**

The main functions of a modern operating system are as follows:

* **Process Management:** As a process manager, the operating system handles the creation and deletion of processes, suspension and resumption of processes and scheduling and synchronization of processes.
* **Memory Management:** As a memory manager, the operating system handles the allocation and deallocation of memory space as required by various programs.
* **File Management:** The operating system is responsible for creation and deletion of files and directories. It also takes care of other file-related activities such as organizing, storing, retrieving, naming, and protecting the files.
* **Device Management:** Operating system provides input/output subsystem between process and device driver. It handles the device caches, buffers and interrupts. It also detects the device failures and notifies the same to the user.
* **Security Management:** The operating system protects system resources and information against destruction and unauthorized use.
* **User Interface:** Operating system provides the interface between the user and the hardware. The user interface is the layer that actually interacts with the computer operator. The interface consists of a set of commands or menus through which a user communicates with a program.