5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Operating System | Limitations & Benefits of Operating System

 

Operating System: What is it?

An operating system is a type of system software that ensures users can control hardware and software operations and make use of computer resources. It permits communication between the installed software and the user.

What are examples of Operating System?

Apart from that, it performs a wide range of other tasks include interacting with the user and application software and managing hardware components. Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 10, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS are a few examples of operating systems.

Which kinds of Operating Systems exist?

There are five distinct kinds of operating systems, each based on the goal of development. Network operating systems, time-sharing operating systems, distributed operating systems, batch operating systems, and real-time operating systems among those. An operating system is an essential part of every computer. The computer cannot just run without it. The operating system is essential to the operation of any device, be it a PC or a smartphone.


Operating systems have various downsides despite all of their advantages. The benefits and drawbacks of the following operating systems must be taken into account in order to determine their effectiveness.

I'll be outlining the 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Operating System | Limitations & Benefits of Operating System in this post. You will learn about the pros and cons of using the operating system from this page.

Now let's get started,

 

Advantages of Operating System

1. User Friendly

A command line interface is significantly less user-friendly than the GUI's interface. It has a variety of buttons, menus, symbols, and other graphical representations that are all easily comprehensible. Users can readily engage and converse with the machine as a result.


2. Security

Operating systems have an obligation to ensure the security of the data they contain. They accomplish this by gradually encrypting data. Additionally, a security program is pre-installed on the majority of operating systems. 

 

As an illustration, Windows has a built-in security mechanism called Windows Defender that actively eliminates malware and other harmful files. Users can also utilize their own anti-malware software for this reason. 

3. Hardware Accessibility

Users may rapidly access hardware functions within the operating system thanks to the graphical user interface. Users don't have to write code to access hardware, unlike with a command line interface. 

 

 
4. Multitasking

Another crucial component of an operating system is multitasking. Through the operating system, users can handle multiple jobs at once. It is not necessary to shut one window in order to open another. 

 

 

5. Sharing Resources

Sharing resources with other users is another feature offered by the operating system. These resources consist of players, modems, fax machines, and printers. 

 

In addition, the operating system permits the sharing of different types of files, including pictures, movies, and programs, among the devices that are linked. Additionally, users can use the email service to send data between several users.


 

Disadvantages of Operating System

1. Cost

Other than operating systems that are open source, all other platforms are typically seen as costly. Although customers have the option of a free operating system, this option is not necessarily the best because it lacks some functions. The cost is further increased if the operating system has GUI features.


2. Reliability

A computer's operating system is an essential piece of software. An operating system is necessary for a computer to function. As a result, any operating system malfunction will have an impact on the entire computer. 

 

This essentially means that other hardware components will stop functioning and the processor will cease processing data.


3. Complexity

The complexity of an operating system is increased by the language that powers it. An average user cannot understand this language. As a result, issues with the O/S cannot be fixed by merely examining its language.


4. Fragmentation

The process of breaking up stored memory into smaller pieces is called fragmentation. Internal fragmentations are another common problem with operating systems. There won't be enough storage space if the process uses more space than was allotted. 

 

Consequently, internal fragmentation will occur as a result of the process consuming far less space than necessary.


5. Virus Attacks

An operating system will always have a higher risk of viruses. Users may inadvertently download harmful software, browse malicious websites, or open email attachments carrying viruses, all of which can leave a computer susceptible to virus infection.