Protective functions, like distributing working memory or limiting user rights didn’t play any role whatsoever in the early days of developing operating systems today, however, these features are key in helping to thwart both program and system crashes and preventing outside attacks. It’s clear that operating systems aim to achieve a diverse array of goals, and these have gone through some radical changes over the years. The command-line interpreter allows the computer user to communicate with the operating system with the help of commands, and the file system makes it possible to store files within a file tree. The kernel, also known as the system kernel, constitutes the system’s basic functions and is responsible for tasks like managing storage as well as other individual processes. These programs are made up of three fundamental elements:
In order to carry out this task, every operating system is composed of a series of programs that enable users to interact with and manage individual hardware components. No alternative exists that allows users to operate physical machines, as these serve as intermediaries operating between material resources, users, and their respective applications.
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One component in particular needs to be available so that application software can access a computer’s hardware resources: the operating system.