# Basics of Operating Systems ![rw-book-cover](https://readwise-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/static/images/article4.6bc1851654a0.png) ## Metadata - Author: [[codecademy.com]] - Full Title: Basics of Operating Systems - Category: #articles - Summary: An operating system (OS) runs when a computer turns on. It controls hardware, software, memory, files, and I/O. The OS manages processes so tasks run smoothly for the user. - URL: https://www.codecademy.com/courses/fundamentals-of-operating-systems/articles/basics-of-operating-systems-article ## Highlights - The four main functions of a computer are input, processing, memory, and output ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696e60k12dn460sfrnmgk1e)) - An Operating System, or OS, is system software that’s responsible for handling the basic functionalities of a computer. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696fpzkc85x0zqz8e783bg0)) - Every computer contains at least one operating system which starts working the moment a computer is turned on. The OS has control over both the software and hardware resources of a computer ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696g1511zr6x7pys6d19rce)) - core of an operating system is the *kernel* which manages all the interactions between the hardware and software components of a computer. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696g7er8b60bf6qjadmdw0x)) - Process Management ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696henrsfsc4hkqqf16cjdq)) - When we run a program, the instance of that execution is represented by a process. Operating systems handle the responsibility of managing active processes. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696hhad7vb8szmsprwfhx38)) - Memory Management ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696hy5c5abpfradav5qv447)) - temporary memory is known as primary, or main, memory. While hardware like hard disks are used to store permanent data, the operating system is responsible for the management of primary memory stored in RAM. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696jx4cg8kjskx46548q7ej)) - File System Management ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696kcby32xbh2jxgvw3hf51)) - If we store source code, such as a C program, in a folder on our computer, we are utilizing our computer’s file system. The operating system manages information about individual files as well as the directories they belong in. The OS is also responsible for maintaining file systems by being able to perform tasks such as creating, deleting, renaming, and copying files and/or directories. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696kkz1n4warx3cfd63bp9k)) - IO Management ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696m18c1va0492hh8mf636m)) - The operating system plays a large role in managing IO by ensuring communication between IO hardware and IO software. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01k696m4bngw9hp0px1z0a49tz))