What Operating Systems Need from the Hardware

In this paper, we aren’t talking about primitive operating systems. We will discuss what is required of the computer hardware for a robust multiprogramming operating system. Let’s examine that description for a minute. A multiprogramming operating system is one that can run two or more programs at the same time, possibly for two or more users. A robust operating system is one where each user appears to have complete control of the machine, and where errors in a running program can’t affect other programs running at the same time, or the operating system itself. In other words, the operating system is able to protect itself and the other programs it is running from malicious or defective programs.