Simple Structure in Operating System

An operating system is a piece of software that lets the user applications talk to the hardware of the system. Because it is such a complicated structure, the operating system should be made with the utmost care to make it easy to use and modify. Partially developing the operating system is a simple approach. With distinct inputs, outputs, and functions, each of these components ought to have clear definitions.

Because an operating system has a complicated structure, we need a structure that is clearly defined to help us applying it to our particular needs. It is simpler to design an operating system in parts than it is to break down a large problem into smaller, simpler sub problems. Additionally, each section is a part of the Operating System. An operating system structure is the method of connecting and integrating multiple operating system components into the kernel. Operating systems are implemented using a variety of different kinds of structures.

Numerous operating systems have a relatively straightforward structure. These started out as small systems and quickly grew much larger than their scope allowed. MS-DOS is a well-known example of this. It was made specifically for a small group of people. It didn't look like it would become so popular.

Simple Structure

It is the simplest and least well-defined structure of an operating system. It is only suitable for limited-sized systems. The interfaces and levels of functionality are well separated in this structure; As a result, programs are able to access I/O routines, which can lead to unauthorized access to I/O routines.

These operating systems are small, straightforward, and limited systems with no clearly defined structure. The connection points and levels of use are not very much isolated. An illustration of such an operating system is MS-DOS. The fundamental I/O routines can be accessed by application programs in MS-DOS. If one of the user applications fails, these kinds of operating systems cause the system as a whole to crash.

In contrast to MS-DOS, modular operating systems are preferable. As a result, you'd have more control over the computer and all of its applications. The measured construction would likewise permit the software engineers to conceal data as required and execute internal routines as they see fit without changing the external details.

The MS-DOS operating system is used to implement this structure:

• There are many layers to the MS-DOS operating system, each with its own set of features.
• These are the layers:
  • MS-DOS device drivers
  • System Program
  • Application Program
  • ROM BIOS device drivers
• Layering gives the MS-DOS operating system an advantage because each level can be defined independently and can interact with each other when necessary.
• If the system is constructed in layers, designing, maintaining, and updating it will be simpler. Therefore, Simple Structure makes it simple to build limited systems of lower complexity.
• The entire operating system crashes in the event of a user program failure.
• Because MS-DOS systems have a low abstraction level, programs and I/O routines are visible to the user, allowing for unauthorized access.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Simple Structure in OS

Advantages:

• Because there are only a few interfaces between the application program and the hardware, it provides better application performance.
• It is simple for kernel programmers to create such an operating system.

Disadvantages:

• The entire operating system fails if just one user application fails.
• Because the layers are connected and communicate with each other, there is no data hiding or abstraction.
• The Operating System's processes can be accessed by layers, which can result in data modification and a system crash.