Java Installation

 

Contemporary operating systems are software systems that manage computer hardware and software resources. They provide a platform for operations to run and users to interact with. Some features of the operating system are the graphic user interface. This is a type of interface that allows users to interact with devices like cell phones, computers, tablets etc.  Multi-tasking and multi-threading, this refers to the operating system’s ability to run multiple processes. Symmetric multi-processing, memory management, file system management, device management, process management and security protection.

     Operating systems enable processes to share and exchange information through a process known as Inter-Process communication. Processes are isolated from each other for stability and security, but applications require them to work together by exchanging data to achieve a common goal. This is achieved through shared memory and message passing. With shared memory process are granted access to a common region of shared memory. This is the fastest form of IPC once it has been established. Communication occurs at memory speeds without needing the kernels involvement for every data transfer. Message passing communicates by sending and receiving discreet messages.

     The main memory, which is called RAM and virtual memory work together to solve memory management problems. The main memory provides fast storage for actively used data and virtual memory uses disk space as overflow.  Virtual memory uses a portion of the hard drive as an extension of RAM called swap space or paging file. When the Ram fills up the operating system moves parts of the program that are not used as often from RAM to swap space. Allowing more programs to run than physical ram would allow.

     In the modern computer the operating system acts as the central manager for files, storage and input/output operations. This simplifies hardware interactions for users and applications. Parts of the modern computer consist of files, this is where documents, pictures and programs are stored. Other parts of the modern computer are the hard drive where data is stored even when is off. The data is physically stored on the hard drive. Input/output is also a part of the modern computer. The input out consists of communication between the computer and other external devices like the mouse, printer, keyboard and network cards.

     Access lists say who is allowed in and what they can do. Permissions are stored with the object. Access lists strengths are that the owners can see and manage who has access to their specific items and the owner can easily remove a user's access by deleting a name. Weaknesses of access list is that it is hard to see everything a specific user can access without checking every object and it's hard to change a user's privileges if a role has changed.

With capabilities emissions are stored with the subject. Strengths with capabilities are that access is easy to revoke and you can give a read only key. Weaknesses with capabilities are that it can be hard to quickly see who has access to a specific file without checking every key. It can also be hard to ensure the keys are unforgivable. 

     I work at consumer cellular and understanding operating systems and theory will allow me to get promoted from my current position as a Team Support Specialist to a position in Cyber Security. In that position I will need to identify vulnerabilities and design defenses. Access control. Memory protection and secure boot form the foundation of security. Even in my current position understanding hardware and operating systems will help me to perform better in my current role.