Operating Systems & System Software Prin of Information Technology

Operating System An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources Start and shut down a computer Provide a user interface Manage programs Manage memory Coordinate tasks Configure devices Establish an Internet Connection Monitor performance Provide utilities Automatic Updates Control a network Administer Security

Operating System The control center of your computer Makes sure files are stored properly on storage devices software programs run properly Instructions to peripherals are sent Without your OS, your computer would not be able to perform even basic tasks

Operating System Functions With a command-line interface, a user uses the keyboard to enter data and instructions

System software Utility Programs System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices Utility Programs

Operating System Functions A user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen With a graphical user interface (GUI), you interact with menus and visual images

Operating System Functions The operating system determines the order in which tasks are processed

Operating System Functions Operating Systems allow hardware and software to “talk” to each other. This is possible through the use of drivers. Plug and Play automatically configures new devices as you install them Many USB devices are “Plug and Play” (PnP) devices

Operating System Functions Operating systems typically provide a means to establish Internet connections

Operating System Functions Automatic update automatically provides updates to the program

Operating System Functions Some operating systems are designed to work with a server on a network A server operating system organizes and coordinates how multiple users access and share resources on a network A network administrator uses the server operating system to: Add and remove users, computers, and other devices Install software and administer network security

Operating System Functions Each user has a user account A user name, or user ID, identifies a specific user A password is a private combination of characters associated with the user name

Operating System Functions Operating systems often provide users with the capability of: Manage files Search for files Viewing images Securing a computer Uninstalling programs Cleaning up disks Defragmenting disks Diagnosing problems Backing up files and disks Setting up screen savers

Types of Operating Systems

Stand-Alone Operating Systems Windows 7 is Microsoft’s fastest, most efficient operating system to date and is available in multiple editions:

Stand-Alone Operating System The Macintosh operating system has set the standard for operating system ease of use Latest version is Mac OS X

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

Server Operating Systems Windows Server 2008 UNIX Inux Solaris

Embedded Operating Systems An embedded operating system resides on a ROM chip on a mobile device or consumer electronic device Windows Embedded CE Windows Phone 7 Palm OS iPhone OS Blackberry Google Android Embedded Linux Symbian OS

How Are Operating Systems Created? Programming languages provide instructions to operating systems. There are many different types of programming languages that computer programmers use to create software and operating systems.

Utility Programs A utility program is a type of system software that allows a user to perform maintenance-type tasks

Utility Programs A file manager is a utility that performs functions related to file management Displaying a list of files Organizing files in folders Copying, renaming, deleting, moving, and sorting files and folders Creating shortcuts

Utility Programs A search utility is a program that attempts to locate a file on your computer based on criteria you specify

Utility Programs An uninstaller removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files An image viewer allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file

Utility Programs A disk cleanup utility searches for and removes unnecessary files Downloaded program files Temporary Internet files Deleted files Unused program files

Fragmentation As you add, move, & delete files on the computer, parts of the files end up saved in different areas of the hard drive. File fragmentation occurs when a file is broken into pieces that are saved in different places on the hard drive. File fragmentation reduces disk efficiency because the read/write head must travel longer distances to retrieve parts of a file together

Utility Programs A disk defragmenter can gather all the file pieces and place them together, making your hard drive work faster & better Defragmenting

Utility Programs A backup utility allows users to copy files to another storage medium A restore utility reverses the process and returns backed up files to their original form

Utility Programs A screen saver causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no activity occurs for a specified time A personal firewall detects and protects a personal computer from unauthorized intrusions

Utility Programs An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses.

Utility Programs Disc burning software writes text, graphics, audio, and video files on a recordable or rewritable optical disc

Utility Programs A personal computer maintenance utility identifies and fixes operating system problems, detects and repairs disk problems, and includes the capability of improving a computer’s performance

Utility Programs A media player allows you to view images and animation, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer

Utility Programs A file compression utility shrinks the size of a file(s)Compressing files frees up room on the storage media Compressed files sometimes are called zipped files Can be uncompressed

Windows 7 Desktop Use your textbook or GCFLearnFree.org to learn more about the features of the Windows 7.

Graphical User Interface 5. GUI: Graphical User Interface Helps user navigate & access programs 10. task Bar: Includes the Start Menu and the Clock 9. Start Menu: Contains basic operations such as run, shut down, log off and find 8. recycle bin: Where you put things you no longer want 6. Title Bar: Contains title and buttons to close, minimize and resize 2. Icon: A small picture that links to a file or program 4. Window Programs and applications that can be opened, closed or resized 3. Explorer Bar: Contains icons or options that allow you to perform specific tasks 7. Scroll Bar: Allows you to see all of the information in a window

Windows Menus pull-down menu Pop-up menu (right-click)

My Computer Shortcut to the computer system & its drives.

Icons Graphic symbols that represent a program, document, or hardware. 1

Windows Help & Support Click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click on Help and Support Windows Help and Support Click on Help and Support to open the Windows Help and Support window. Click on Browse Help Topics

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