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What exactly does an operating system do? I know that operating systems can be programmed, in, for example, C++, but I previously believed that C++ programs must be run under an operating system? Can somebody please explain and give links? thanks in advance, ell
An operating system is a layer between your code (user code) and the hardware.
The OS is responsible for managing the physical components and giving you a simple (hopefully) API off of which to build. It handles which programs run, when, who goes first, how memory is handled, who gets memory, video drawing, and all that good stuff.
For example, when making a GUI, instead of you sending each bit to the monitor, you tell the OS (or window manager) to make a window. You then tell it to place a button in your window. The OS then handles drawing the window, moving the window, moving the button (but keeping it where it should be in the window).
Now, you can program an operating system in C++, but it’s not easy. You have to develop your kernel and whatnot, find a way to interface with the hardware, then expose that interface to your users and their programs.
So, essentially, an OS handles software-to-hardware interfacing and manages your physical resources. C++ programs can be run in an OS or, with enough work, run by themselves or even be an OS.