Operating Systems and Dorm Life

The functions of an operating system remind me a lot of the role of a Residential Director or a Residential Assistant. There are four functions that we discussed in class, that I relate to this job. First of all, these people act as a resource and overseers of the residents, just like the OS oversees functions of a computer. The RDs and RAs also form relationships with each resident, which allow them to get to know one another. Within this relationship, the resident can trust and confide in his/her RA/RD. This means that the RD/RA will store and retrieve files, just like an OS does. The RA or RD will use their memory (brain) to remember characteristics and information about each person so that they can act as a friend and mentor to the resident. An important part of being a RA in a dorm is about planning programs for the residents to attend. An OS schedules programs for execution, which I think of as a program for the residents. The RAs plan programs that targets the interests of their residents so that their residents can be active and form relationships among other residents. Finally, the RAs will coordinate (not only plan) and attend the programs they put together or take their residents to. The OS will coordinate the execution of programs just like a RA does. The OS has to do all of these roles at one time (called concurrency parallelism). As a RA/RD you are required to multi-task and be able to juggle your personal life and RA life at once-just like a OS.