Objective #33

 

 Device Manager

Device management encompasses the implementation, operation, and maintenance of devices by the operating system. Devices can include peripherals like mouse, keyboard, scanner, printer, and even pen drives.

Functions of Device Management

• Device Tracking: The I/O controller keeps track of all connected devices.

• Status Monitoring: It monitors the status of each device, including storage drives, printers, and other peripherals.

• Resource Allocation: Based on preset policies, it decides which process gets access to a device and for how long.

• Efficient Allocation and Deallocation: It efficiently allocates and deallocates devices as needed.

Types of Devices

• Boot Device: Stores information in fixed-size blocks, each with its own address (e.g., disks).
• Character Device: Delivers or accepts a stream of characters (e.g., printers, keyboards).
• Network Device: Transmits data packets.

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