Final answer:
An Operating System manages mass storage through disk formatting, partitioning, file management, access control, space management, and disk defragmentation, ensuring efficient and secure storage operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operating System Management of Mass Storage
Operating Systems (OS) perform a variety of critical functions to manage mass storage devices. These activities include disk formatting, which prepares the storage device for use by initializing the file system structure. Another key function is disk partitioning, which divides the physical storage into separate logical sections that can be managed independently. The OS is also responsible for file management, including the creation, deletion, and organization of files on the storage medium.
Furthermore, Operating Systems handle disk access control and permissions, ensuring that users have the correct authorization to access or modify files. Space management is another critical activity, as the OS must efficiently allocate and deallocate storage space to minimize waste and optimize performance. Disk defragmentation, which reorganizes fragmented data to increase access speed, is also managed by the Operating System.
In summary, the OS ensures efficient and secure storage operations, facilitating both user and system access to mass storage devices. These activities are integral to the OS's role in maintaining the system's overall functionality and stability