Operating Systems Computer Technology Created by M. Guymon Pleasant Grove High School Spring 2003 Modified by M. Corbett Lehi Junior High Summer 2010

Development of computers

1 st Generation computers  Used vacuum tubes. Vacuum tubes are electronic devices that control the flow of electrons.  Had no operating systems. Used custom application programs (hardwired) which were made for the specific task that the computer was to perform.  Instructions were necessary for every aspect of the computing job.

2 nd Generation computers Used transistors.  Transistors performed functions similar to vacuum tubes, but they were smaller, cheaper, less power-hungry, and more reliable. Ran programming languages.  Used English like commands rather than binary numbers.  Made it possible to develop software.

3 rd Generation computers Used integrated circuits. Minicomputers were introduced.  Smaller and more powerful than 1 st and 2 nd generation computers. Had the ability to run multiple programs for multiple users simultaneously. (terminals)

4 th Generation computers Used general-purpose microprocessors.  Computer systems were smaller, faster, and less expensive than 3 rd generation computers.

Operating System Software Master controller for all that takes place within a computer. Interacts with application software, device drivers, and hardware to manage a computer’s resources. Ensures that input and output proceed in an orderly manner.

Operating System Software Windows is an Operating system Mac OS is an Operating system

Platform Underlying hardware and software of the computer system. Two popular platforms for personal computers  PC – (IBM compatible)  Mac – (Apple Computers)

GUI (Graphical User Interface) A type of user interface that features on- screen objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse. Abbreviation is pronounced “gooey”. Replaced the Command Interface (MS- DOS) Example – to rename a file Rename c:\letters\home\moneyned.doc c:\letter\home\moneyFeb.doc

Multitasking An important feature of today’s operating systems is the capability of running more than one program at a time. The operating system makes sure that the instructions and data from one area of memory don’t interfere with memory allocated for other programs.

Definitions important to GUI Operating Systems Drive  A location on a network that is set aside for the collection of data. Folder  The subdirectory or subdivision, of a drive that can contain files or other folders. File  A named collection of data that exists on a storage medium.

Definitions important to GUI Operating Systems Icon  Small pictograms that are used to represent shortcuts to a program or file. Menu  An on-screen list of alternatives or commands.

Resources Parsons, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja. Computer Concepts. Boston: Course Technology - Thompson Learning, 2002.