Controls the backing storeA computer's primary data store, ie the hard disk. and peripheralA device that connects to a computer, eg a mouse, keyboard, printer or scanner. such as scanners and printers.
Deals with the transfer of programs in and out of memory.
Organises the use of memoryThe part of a computer that stores data. between programs.
Organises processing timeThe time it takes for a processor to process an input and generate an output. between programs and users.
Maintains security and access rights of users.
Deals with errors and user instructions.
Allows the user to save files to a backing store.
Provides the interface between the user and the computer - for example, Windows VistaAn operating system by Microsoft. and Apple OSXA version of Apple's Mac OS operating system for Apple computers..
Issues simple error messages.
In a larger computer such as a mainframe the operating system works on the same principles.