Chapter 2 – Part 1 Introduction To Windows Operating Systems CMPF 112 : COMPUTING SKILLS

Objectives At the end of the lesson, you should be able to : –describe the concept and functions of an operating system (OS) –describe the 3 categories of OS –differentiate among different versions of Microsoft Windows

What Is An Operating System ? OS is a set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources. serves as intermediary between hardware and applications software. OS is device dependent program – runs only on a specific type of computers.

OS Functions Starting and Shutting Down a ComputerProviding User Interface User interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen. Managing Programs Support multiple programs at one time (multi-tasking) Managing Memory To optimize the use of Random Access Memory (RAM) Coordinating Tasks To determines the order in which tasks are processed (schedule of tasks) Configuring Devices Some devices require a driver before it can be used

OS Functions Monitoring Performance A program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices. Providing File Management & Other UtilitiesUpdating Software Automatically Automatically provides updates to a program ( include fixes to program bugs, or errors, enhancements to security & etc.) Controlling a Network For server operating software Administering Security Administrator account enable user to access all files &programs on the computer or network.

Operating System Categories Three basic categories 1. Stand-alone Complete OS works on a desktop computer & notebook computer Also called Client operating system MS-DOS, Windows 7 & 8, Mac OS X, Linux 2. Network OS Used to support a network & resides on a server. Client computers on the network rely on the server(s) for resources. Windows Server 2012, UNIX, LINUX, Novell’s Netware 3. Embedded OS Used in mobile devices & consumer electronics. Stored within device in Read-Only Memory (ROM) Windows Mobile, Palm OS, iPhone OS, Android, Symbian OS

MS-DOS Uses a Command-Line Interface (CLI) –Screen provides prompts for user –User types commands Not user-friendly

Microsoft Windows Uses a Graphical User Interface (GUI) Most popular OS for personal computer Designed for INTEL processors

Mac OS Uses a Graphical User Interface (GUI) – 1 st commercially successful GUI Most popular OS for Apple computers Designed for PowerPC microprocessors

UNIX Uses a Graphical User Interface (GUI) Popular alternative OS to WINDOWS Originally ran on servers on the Web

Cloud OS Browser-based operating system (run in a browser) Can perform task most same like OS installed in our PC