mobile operating system.
A mobile operating system (OS) is software that allows smart phones, tablet PCs (personal computers) and other devices to run applications and programs. A mobile OS typically starts up when a device powers on, presenting a screen with icons or tiles that present information and provide application access.
Following are some of important functions of an operating System.
- Memory Management
- Processor Management
- Device Management
- File Management
- Network Management
- Security
- Control over system performance
- Job accounting
- Error detecting aids
- Coordination between other software and users
Memory Management
Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is a large array of words or bytes where each word or byte has its own address.
Main memory provides a fast storage that can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a program to be executed, it must in the main memory. An Operating System does the following activities for memory management −
- Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in use by whom, what part are not in use.
- In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get memory when and how much.
- Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.
- De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it or has been terminated.
Processor Management:
In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which process gets the processor when and for how much time. This function is called process scheduling. An Operating System does the following activities for processor management −
- Keeps tracks of processor and status of process. The program responsible for this task is known as traffic controller.
- Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process.
- De-allocates processor when a process is no longer required.
Device Management:
An Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does the following activities for device management −
- Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for this task is known as the I/O controller.
- Decides which process gets the device when and for how much time.
- Allocates the device in the efficient way.
- De-allocates devices.
File Management:
A file system is normally organized into directories for easy navigation and usage. These directories may contain files and other directions.
An Operating System does the following activities for file management −
- Keeps track of information, location, uses, status etc. The collective facilities are often known as file system.
- Decides who gets the resources.
- Allocates the resources.
- De-allocates the resources.
Other Important Activities
Following are some of the important activities that an Operating System performs −
- Security− By means of password and similar other techniques, it prevents unauthorized access to programs and data.
- Control over system performance− Recording delays between request for a service and response from the system.
- Job accounting− Keeping track of time and resources used by various jobs and users.
- Error detecting aids− Production of dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and error detecting aids.
- Coordination between other software’s and users− Coordination and assignment of compilers, interpreters, assemblers and other software to the various users of the computer systems.
What are the different mobile operating system?
- Android (Google)
- iOS (Apple)
- Bada (Samsung)
- Blackberry OS (Research in Motion)
- Windows OS (Microsoft)
- Symbian OS (Nokia)
- Tizen (Samsung)
Android OS: The Android operating system is the most popular operating system today. It is a mobile OS based on the Linux Kernel and open-source software. The android operating system was developed by Google. The first Android device was launched in 2008.
The Android OS is the most common operating system among the mobile operating system. Furthermore, Google is the developer of Android. Moreover, it is an open source and free operating system. This OS is based on the Linux kernel. The name for every new version of update is based on ‘desserts’ for example Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Oreo, Kitkat, etc.
Apple (iOS)
After android, it is one of the most popular OS. It is designed to run on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPad tablets, etc. Moreover, like the android devices have the playstore for apps download. Likewise, apple iOS contains the app store. Also, it has very strong security features.
Bada(Samsung)
Samsung is the launcher of this operating system. It came into market in 2010. Moreover, it includes features like 3-D graphics, application installation, multipoint touch etc.
Blackberry OS
The BlackBerry operating system is a mobile operating system developed by Research in Motion (RIM). This operating system was designed specifically for BlackBerry handheld devices. This operating system is beneficial for the corporate users because it provides synchronization with Microsoft Exchange, Novell GroupWise email, Lotus Domino, and other business software when used with the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
Windows Mobile Operating System
The developer of this OS is Microsoft. It is basically designed for pocket PCs and smartphones. Moreover, it has the features of computer based Windows OS and additional features for mobile phones.
Symbian OS:
Symbian operating system is a mobile operating system that provides a high-level of integration with communication. The Symbian operating system is based on the java language. It combines middleware of wireless communications and personal information management (PIM) functionality. The Symbian operating system was developed by Symbian Ltd in 1998 for the use of mobile phones. Nokia was the first company to release Symbian OS on its mobile phone at that time.
Features of Mobile Operating System
1. Easy to use
- The graphics should be attractive.
- The buttons and features should be easy to use. Moreover, the functionalities should not be very complicated.
- Features should be powerful and useful.
2. Good app store
- An app is one of the basic parts of an OS.
- Good and useful apps form an important part of an OS.
- The apps should be simple and interactive.
3. Good battery life
- Power is one of the main requirements of a smart phone.
- They require power for processors sensors etc. Therefore, the battery holds a very important role.
- Smart phones power usage keeps on increasing therefore, a good battery backup is very essential.
4. Data usage and organization
- An operating system should focus on controlling the data and network usage. It should keep the limit and requirement in focus.
- Secondly, the organization of data related to to-do lists, calendars, alarms, reminders etc is very important. A good OS should keep this data in a very organized and safe manner. Moreover, the data should be readily and easily available
Components of a Mobile Operating System
The components of a mobile OS are same as a basic OS. The components are as follows:
1. Kernel
A kernel is the core/heart of an OS. It contains all the functions and operations to manage the working of OS.
2. Process Execution
The OS executes various processes so that the statements will execute and connect the application program to the hardware. Whenever a process executes it uses memory, space and other resources as well.
3. Interrupt
Interrupts are basically used be the hardware devices to communicate with the CPU. It is basically a signal which the device generates to request the CPU. Moreover, whenever an interrupt occurs the CPU temporarily stops executing its current process.
4. Memory Management
It is the management of the main or primary memory. Furthermore, whatever program is executed, it has to be present in the main memory. Therefore, there can be more than one program present at a time. Hence, it is required to manage the memory.
The operating system:
- Allocates and deal locates the memory.
- Keeps a record of which part of primary memory is used by whom and how much.
- Distributes the memory while multiprocessing.
5. Multitasking
It is performing more than one task at a time. The OS allows the user to work wit more than one process at a time without any problem.
6. Security
The OS keeps the system and programs safe and secure through authentication. A user id and password decide the authenticity of the user.
7. User Interface
GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. As the name suggests, it provides a graphical interface for the user to interact with the computer. It uses icons, menus, etc. to interact with the user. Moreover, the user can easily interact by just clicking these items. Therefore, it is very user friendly and there is no need to remember any commands.