Bahria University, Islamabad Campus

Operating System
ASSIGNMENT #1
Fall 2023 Semester

2023
Name: Muhammad Umair.
Enrollment: 01-135221-039.
Class: BS(IT), 4th-B.
Question # 1:

Consider two different operating systems (windows/Linux/Android) and present the comparative analysis
based on

– Performance

– Reliability

– Extendibility

– COST

– Complexity

– Distribution of Kernel and User Level Services

Question # 2.

Why user-friendly feature of operating system is important in designing the operating system. Support your
answer with the help of proper examples

Question # 3.

Discuss the role and requirement of main memory in perspective of operating system. Support your answer
with suitable examples
Question #1:
Performance:

Windows:

1. While Windows offers a user-friendly GUI, it may sometimes suffer from higher
resource overhead due to its graphical interface, which can impact performance on
low-end hardware.
2. Windows benefits from proprietary drivers for certain hardware components, resulting
in optimized performance.
3. In enterprise settings, Windows Server editions provide robust performance and
stability for mission-critical applications.
4. Frequent Windows updates and background processes can introduce variability in
system performance.

Linux:

1. Linux is celebrated for its efficiency and resource optimization, making it ideal for
running on older or resource-constrained hardware.
2. Open-source nature allows for fine-tuning, minimizing resource usage and enhancing
overall system performance.
3. Linux server distributions, such as CentOS and Ubuntu Server, offer outstanding
performance, particularly in web server and database server scenarios.
4. Linux grants administrators’ precise control over system resources, facilitating
performance optimization.
5. A plethora of lightweight desktop environments, like Xfce and LXQt, caters to resource-
efficient user experiences.

Reliability:

Windows:

1. Windows has evolved over the years to enhance reliability, with more recent versions
demonstrating greater stability.
2. The need for occasional reboots and updates can disrupt continuous uptime.
 3. Enterprise reliability may vary based on specific use cases and configurations.

Linux:

1. Linux is renowned for its robust reliability, often operating for extended periods
without necessitating reboots.
2. Its modular kernel design ensures that issues in one component do not lead to system-
wide failures.
3. Swift community support and efficient bug-fixing contribute to Linux's sterling
reliability record.
4. Linux's superior reliability has made it the preferred choice for web servers,
supercomputers, and embedded systems.
5. Server distributions like CentOS and Ubuntu LTS prioritize long-term stability,
guaranteeing uninterrupted services.

Extendibility:

Windows:

1. Extending Windows typically involves proprietary tools and licensing, incurring costs.
2. A vast ecosystem of software and hardware compatibility simplifies the process of
finding extensions.
3. Windows provides extensive APIs and development tools for building custom
applications.
4. Microsoft's Azure services offer scalable cloud-based extensions for businesses, albeit
at a price.

Linux:

1. Linux stands out with its unparalleled extendibility, thanks to its open-source
foundation, enabling users to tailor the system to their exact needs.
2. Package managers, like APT and YUM, facilitate the installation of an extensive range of
software and utilities.
3. Linux boasts a comprehensive suite of developer tools, scripting languages, and APIs
for creating custom solutions.
4. The open-source community contributes to an ever-expanding array of extensions,
catering to various requirements.
5. Containerization and virtualization technologies, such as Docker and Kubernetes,
empower flexible and scalable deployments on Linux-based systems.

COST:
Windows:

1. Windows licenses can be substantial, especially for enterprise editions like Windows
Server or Windows 10/11 Enterprise.
2. Costs fluctuate based on the version, licensing model, and the number of users or
devices.
3. Subscription models, such as Microsoft 365 and Azure services, are often associated
with ongoing costs.

Linux:

1. Linux is celebrated for its cost-effectiveness, as it is open-source and generally free to

use, minimizing software licensing expenses.
2. Costs may be incurred for professional support, training, or custom development.
3. Some enterprise-grade Linux distributions, like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, provide paid
support options.

Complexity:

Windows:

1. Windows provides a user-friendly GUI, but it can be intricate when handling system
administration tasks, particularly in enterprise environments.
2. GUI-based tools and settings simplify usage for non-technical users.
3. Administering user permissions, security settings, and complex group policies can be
daunting.

Linux:

1. Linux offers powerful command-line interfaces (CLIs), which may appear complex to
newcomers, demanding technical proficiency.
2. Its high degree of customizability and modular design requires a deeper understanding
of system administration.
3. Package management and software installation predominantly rely on CLI commands.

Distribution of Kernel and User Level Services:

Windows:
 1. Windows tightly integrates the kernel and user-level services, offering a seamless,
unified system.
2. User interfaces and system utilities are deeply ingrained in the Windows ecosystem,
providing a consistent user experience.

Linux:

Linux's modular design decouples the kernel from user-level services, granting flexibility in
choosing different desktop environments and software.

Various Linux distributions (distros) offer a varied selection of user-level environments,

maintaining compatibility with the same Linux kernel, giving users and organizations the
freedom to choose the most suitable configuration.

Question #2:

1. Accessibility:

 User-friendly interfaces make technology accessible to a wider audience,

including non-technical users.

 Operating systems that prioritize accessibility enhance inclusivity and broaden

their user base.

2. Reduced Learning Curve:

 A user-friendly design minimizes the time and effort required for users to learn
and operate the system.

 This is essential for new users and in business environments with frequent
employee turnover.

3. Error Minimization:

 User-friendly interfaces guide users and reduce the risk of errors, such as
accidental data loss.

 Examples include clear prompts, warnings, and user-friendly error messages.

4. Efficient Productivity:

 User-friendly operating systems enable efficient navigation, task management,

and easy access to features.
  Such systems enhance user productivity and streamline workflow.

5. Accessibility and Inclusivity:

 User-friendly OS features, like voice recognition and screen readers, support

users with disabilities.

 Inclusivity ensures that technology is available to all, regardless of physical or

cognitive limitations.

6. Acceptance of New Technology:

 User-friendly systems ease the transition to new technologies and interfaces.

 They encourage user adoption of innovative features, such as touch interfaces or

virtual assistants.

7. Customer Satisfaction:

 A user-centric approach enhances user satisfaction and loyalty.

 Satisfied users are more likely to recommend the OS to others and stay loyal to
the platform.

Examples:

1. Accessibility: Microsoft's commitment to accessibility in Windows 10 with features like

Narrator and the Ease of Access Center makes it more inclusive.
2. Reduced Learning Curve: macOS is known for its intuitive interface, making it user-
friendly for both beginners and experts.
3. Error Minimization: Mobile OS like iOS and Android feature user-friendly interfaces that
minimize user errors, such as app installation and system updates.
4. Efficient Productivity: Ubuntu Linux, with its user-friendly Unity desktop environment, is
designed for efficient task management and productivity.
5. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Apple's macOS and iOS prioritize accessibility, aiding users
with disabilities through features like Voiceover and Magnifier.
6. Acceptance of New Technology: Windows played a significant role in introducing users
to innovations like touch interfaces in Windows 8 and Windows 10.
7. Customer Satisfaction: The user-centric approach of Apple's macOS and iOS results in
high customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Question #3:
1. Role of Main Memory:

 Main memory is a fast, volatile storage medium that is directly accessible by the CPU.
Its primary role in the context of the operating system includes:

2. Memory Partitioning:

 User Space and OS Space: The main memory is typically divided into two major
partitions - one for user processes and the other for the operating system. This
separation is crucial to ensure security and stability. The OS has its space to store
critical data and control structures, while user processes have their allocated memory
for running applications.

 Example: In Linux, the division of memory into user space and kernel space is evident.
User processes run in user space, isolated from the kernel space, where the operating
system resides.

3. Process Management:

 The operating system uses main memory for loading and managing processes. When a
process is initiated, its executable code and data are loaded into RAM for execution.

 Example: When you launch a word processing application, such as Microsoft Word, its
code and data are loaded into main memory to facilitate fast execution.

4. Virtual Memory Management:

 Virtual memory extends RAM's capabilities by using disk storage as an extension. It

allows running processes to use more memory than physically available, with the OS
managing data swaps between RAM and disk.

 Example: In Windows, virtual memory management enables running multiple

applications, even if the RAM is limited, by using space on the hard drive as virtual
memory.

5. Cache Management:

 Modern processors utilize cache memory, which is a small, high-speed type of RAM.
The OS plays a role in managing this cache, ensuring frequently used data and
instructions are readily available for the CPU.

 Example: CPU cache management in the operating system ensures that critical
instructions are quickly accessible, improving system performance.
6. Software and Data Storage:

 The OS uses RAM to load and execute software applications and manage data storage.
This helps in faster data access and manipulation.

 Example: When you open a web browser, the OS loads the browser's code and data
into RAM for quick access. Similarly, when you open a large document, the OS caches
data from the storage device into RAM.

7. Process Scheduling and Multitasking:

 Main memory plays a crucial role in process scheduling and multitasking. It holds the
data and state of each process, enabling the operating system to quickly switch
between processes.

 Example: In a multitasking environment, the OS manages several running applications

by loading and unloading their data into and out of RAM.

8. Data Security and Isolation:

 The OS uses memory protection mechanisms to ensure the integrity and security of
both user space and kernel space. This prevents one process from interfering with or
accessing the memory of another process.

 Example: Modern operating systems employ memory protection to prevent

unauthorized access to critical system resources.

Requirements of Main Memory:

1. Capacity: Main memory should have sufficient capacity to accommodate the operating
system, user processes, and their data. Inadequate memory can lead to performance
degradation.

2. Speed: Main memory should be fast to ensure that data can be read and written to quickly.
This speed is essential for efficient process execution.

3. Reliability: Main memory should be reliable, as any faults or corruption in RAM can lead to
system crashes and data loss.

4. Addressability: Main memory should be addressable, allowing the operating system to

locate and manage specific regions of memory for processes.
5. Expandability: The OS should support expandable memory, allowing users to increase RAM
capacity as needed, for better performance.

In conclusion, the main memory (RAM) is a fundamental component of an operating system,

facilitating process management, multitasking, data storage, and overall system performance.
Its correct management and allocation are critical to ensure a stable and efficient computing
environment.