Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System Up to this point, the student understands an operating system as simply something vague that enables the user to give commands to the hardware, but Chapter 5 opens things up a lot. This chapter teaches three sections: Functions of an OS Capabilities and limitations of OSs, including a tour of the major OSs out there Common OS problems and solutions Computer Literacy

_________ System Functions Capabilities and Limitations of an OS Introduction _________ System Functions Capabilities and Limitations of an OS Common OS Problems and Their Solutions This chapter is all about Operating System Functions, Capabilities and Limitations of an OS, and Common OS Problems and Their Solutions.

Operating System Functions Create and maintain user _________ Manage system __________ _________ and maintain files Act as a _______ between applications and hardware Provide ________

Create the User Interface On-screen ________ and objects that enable you to ________ with the computer

Create the User Interface On-screen prompts and objects that enable you to interact with the computer The _________ to everything the computer offers

Manage System Hardware BIOS for core hardware Software programs (device drivers) for other hardware Software for additional hardware comes on driver discs or via downloads from the Web. Software for additional hardware comes on driver discs or via downloads from the Web.

Organize and Maintain Files Files-Files go in folders on mass storage devices. File types File extensions (i.e. .doc, .jpg, .html) Files go in folders on mass storage devices and what program to open to edit that file, like Word to open a .DOCX file Unique icons Folders Files go in folders on mass storage devices. File extensions tell Windows what type of file one is, plus what program to open to edit that file, like Word to open a .DOCX file.

Bridge the Hardware and Applications Operating system enables applications to ____________ with hardware “Program support”

Capabilities and Limitations of an OS ___-based __________-based

Character-based User Interface Prompt: c:\> Type commands: c:\>dir Press [Enter] to make the commands go You need to know the commands or names of executable (program) files for the command line to work properly. You need to know the commands or names of executable (program) files for the command line to work properly.

Graphical User Interface Point and click on icons Just like typing a command To the computer, it’s the same thing!

Major _________ Systems Command-line DOS Linux UNIX GUI Windows Macintosh OS X

Microsoft _________ Graphical interface Command-line interface as well Microsoft released Windows 95 in 1995 to replace DOS and Windows 3.11; later released Windows 98, 98 SE, and Millennium Edition (Me). In their “professional” line of operating systems, Microsoft released Windows NT, 2000, XP Home, XP Professional, Media Center, numerous Server versions. Current offerings include Windows Vista and Windows 7. Graphical interface Command-line interface as well Windows 9x Windows NT Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Microsoft released Windows 95 in 1995 to replace DOS and Windows 3.11; later released Windows 98, 98 SE, and Millennium Edition (Me). In their “professional” line of operating systems, Microsoft released Windows NT, 2000, XP Home, XP Professional, Media Center, numerous Server versions. Current offerings include Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Apple __________ Currently at OS X (ten, not ex) Graphical interface Command-line interface as well

UNIX and _____ Command-line interface Graphical (overlay) interface Command-line interface with graphical overlay interface, which means the OS is fully functional from the command line only, unlike Windows or Macintosh OS X

________ Operating Systems Smartphones PDAs Portable video and music players e-book readers

OS Limitations Software support Hardware support Programs work for only one OS Most programs written for Windows Hardware support Most hardware today works for Windows and Linux Macintosh somewhat proprietary Some hardware can connect to Windows, Macs, and Linux computers, particularly those using more universal ports like USB and FireWire. LCD monitors and speakers of all sorts work on all three OSs as well. Case sensitivity-Windows is case aware, but not case sensitive on anything but passwords. Linux and Macs are case sensitive. Some hardware can connect to Windows, Macs, and Linux computers, particularly those using more universal ports like USB and FireWire. LCD monitors and speakers of all sorts work on all three OSs as well. Case sensitivity: Windows is case aware, but not case sensitive on anything but passwords. Linux and Macs are case sensitive.

Common OS ____________ _____________ System runs slowly System locks up Blue screen of death Computer starts in Safe mode

Common OS Problems ______ Instability Drive _________ Go to Computer, right-click the drive, select Properties In Properties, select Tools tab then click Check Now

Common OS Problems Instability caused by ________________ Computer runs slowly Computer accesses hard drive frequently Fix by defragmenting the disk, or “defrag”

Common OS Problems

Common OS Problems Failure to ______ Safe Mode System Restore

Common OS Problems Access ________ Check [Caps Lock] key You may not have the proper permissions (standard vs. administrator account) Try again, carefully

Operating System Functions Capabilities and Limitations of an OS Summary Operating System Functions Capabilities and Limitations of an OS Common OS Problems and Their Solutions This chapter is all about