Computer System Structure Computer system can be divided into four
components
Hardware – provides basic computing resources
CPU, memory, I/O devices
Operating system
Controls and coordinates use of hardware among various
applications and users
Application programs – define the ways in which the system
resources are used to solve the computing problems of the
users
Word processors, compilers, web browsers, database systems,
video games
Users
People, machines, other computers
Operating System Definition
• OS is a resource allocator
– Manages all resources
– Decides between conflicting requests for
efficient and fair resource use
• OS is a control program
– Controls execution of programs to
prevent errors and improper use of the
computer