System component
A system component is a process, program, utility, or another part of a computer's operating system that helps to manage different areas of the computer. While similar to a computer program, an end-user does not directly interact with a system component when using a computer.
Multiple system components are at work in a computer operating system, each serving a specific function. Together, they allow the operating system and computer to function correctly and efficiently.
Process management
The process management component is tasked with managing the many processes that are running on the operating system. Software programs each have one or more processes associated with them when they are running. For example, when you use an Internet browser, a process runs for that program. The operating system also has many associated processes, each performing a different function. All these processes are managed by process management, which keeps processes in order, running efficiently, using memory allocated to them, and shutting them down when necessary.
Memory management
The memory management component, sometimes called main memory management or primary memory management, handles primary memory, or RAM (random-access memory). When programs are running, including the operating system, those programs store data in RAM for quick access at any time. Memory management monitors and manages memory, knowing which memory blocks are in use, which programs are using memory, and which memory blocks are available to be used.
File management
The file management component manages anything to do with computer files. When a file is created, file management is involved in its creation, including where it is stored on a storage device. When a file is modified, file management helps modify the file. File management helps delete files and free up space for another file to be stored there later.
File management also handles creating, modifying, and deleting folders or directories on a storage device.
Secondary storage management
The secondary storage management component works with storage devices, like a hard drive, USB (universal serial bus) flash drive, DVD (digital versatile disc) drive, or floppy disk drive. While the file management component takes care of the actual files on the storage device, the secondary storage management component manages the storage device itself. It manages the available space, or free space, on the storage device and allocates space for new files to be stored there.
Requests for data on a storage device are handled by secondary storage management as well. For example, when a user double-clicks on a file to open it, secondary storage management receives that request and helps retrieve it from a storage device.
Access management
The access management component manages user access to data on a computer. User accounts provide users with specific access to software, files, and functionality in an operating system. The ability to install a program is controlled by access management. Access to view, edit, and delete a file is managed by access management. Changing settings in the operating system is managed by access management. How a user interacts with the operating system and uses software is handled by access management.
System resource management
The system resource management component is allocates system resources, like memory and CPU (central processing unit) time. When running, programs require memory and CPU time to function properly. System resource management determines how much memory and CPU time that program can use at any given time.
Managing system resource usage is a big responsibility, as it can directly impact the computer's performance. If too many resources are allocated to one process, other programs and processes may become slow or unresponsive. If the operating system does not have enough resources allocated to it, the entire computer can run slow or stop working altogether. System resource management ensures system resources are allocated properly.
Component, File management, Memory management, Operating System terms, Processes, Secondary storage, Software terms, System resource