1. The Windows Operating System
Tutorial 1
The Windows Operating System

2. Operating System Tasks
An operating system is software that manages all the basic processes in a computer, coordinates the interaction of hardware and software so that all the components work together, and supports other software, such as application packages.
The operating system handles various tasks:

3. Configures the computer
A program on a chip called the ROM BIOS (Read Only Memory Basic Input Output System) on the motherboard locates the operating system software on the hard disk and load the os into memory.
Os takes control of the computer
Loads remainder of system files
Allocates system resources to hardware devices
Completes the boot process
Connected hardware is detected and configures itself by loading needed device drivers (program file that enables the os to communicate with the specific device and vice versa)

4. Customizes the computer
Loads optional programs, at your choice
Anti-virus software
Displays a user interface—combination of components used to interact with the computer
Screen view
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Command-line interface

5. Handles input and output
Provides support services to applications to promote continuity among packages
Saving and retrieving data (disk to RAM)
Volatile—dependent upon power
Handles input and output
Keyboard produces “scan code,” which the os interprets for display on the monitor
Printing uses a process called “spooling” to store the processed document in a temporary file on disk (a spool file) and to transmit the spool file to the printer in the background (possibly in a print que)

6. Manages the file system
Organizes the manages all the disks, drives, folders and subfolders (directories), and files
Logical drives—partitions of a hard disk drive
Manages system resources
Assures all components work together
When an application is opened, the os loads the application from disk into RAM and allocates memory to that application. When closed, the os reclaims the memory for other uses. If too little RAM exists for an application, unused hard disk space can be set aside for additional memory, called “virtual memory.”

7. Resolves system errors and problems
Often providing error messages to user
Saving with no disk in drive
Printing when the printer is not on
Providing help
Via tutorials, wizards, hyperlinks
Optimizes system performance
A variety of utilities are used to . . .
check hard drive for errors and repair them
Improve speed in access of data
Provides troubleshooting tools
Safe Mode

8. PC Operating Systems
DOS (Disk Operating System) refers to three related operating systems: PC-DOS, IBM-DOS, and MS-DOS. Many versions of these were developed by Microsoft and IBM, beginning in 1981, for IBM and IBM-compatible computers.
Uses a command-line interface for communication—type a command after an operating system or command prompt.
C:\>
Similar to UNIX, VAX/VMS, Linux

9. Windows operating environment
Relied on a graphical user interface (GUI) rather than a command-line operating system
In 1985 Microsoft introduced the first Windows operating environment (Windows 1.0); did require a version of the DOS os in the background to handle file functions, etc.
DOS was the predominant PC os for 14 years ( ); the Windows operating environments were important in the evolution to the Windows operating system—no longer requiring the DOS os.

10. Windows 95/98 Operating Systems
Replaced the DOS operating system
First Internet-oriented os
Docucentric approach—can select and open files; system opens related application
Object-oriented interface—components treated as objects which have properties and on which action can take place
New system structure
Multitasking—simultaneous or concurrent use of more than one application
Task-switching—ability to switch from one open task to another
Multithreading—the execution of multiple units of program code (threads) within the same application

11. Backward compatibility
Supported use of DOS applications (for original 8088 processor forward) as well as older devices
Plug and Play (PnP)—
A Set of specifications for automatically detecting and configuring hardware
Alternative to setting jumpers or DIP switches
Jumper is a small metal block used to complete a circuit for two pins on a circuit board
DIP (dual in-line package) switch is a set of toggle switches mounted on a chip, which can be set to “on” or “off.”
Sometimes had to manually set COM (Communications) port or IRQ (interrupt Request) settings.

12. Multi-media support
Hardware support
Network support
Support for portable computers
Support for on-line services
Web integration

13. Windows NT Workstation 4.0 OS
Windows NT--Advanced network operating system which supported computers with different types of processors and file systems
Introduced in 1993
Gained reputation for corporate and industrial applications because of its security features and stability
In summer of 1996, the Windows NT Workstation 4.0 for introduced for desktop computers
Combined features of NT and Windows 95 (though more like Windows 3.1—not object oriented; no PnP)

14. First 32-bit os
Supported its own native file system—NTFS (New Technology File System)—as well as FAT 16 but not FAT 32
Limited capabilities in relation to Windows 95 and 98 but introduced a network os for use on desktop systems

15. Windows 2000 Professional OS
Originally Windows NT 5.0, incorporates Windows 95, 98 and NT 4.0
Object-oriented
Internet Explorer 5.0 integrated into interface
New features . . .
Support for Intel Pentium III, Pentium III Zeon, and Pentium 4 processors and emerging devices
Advanced power management
Standby mode—hardware devices such as monitor and hard disk are turned off and computer is in low power state
Hibernation mode—writes the contents of RAM onto the hard disk and then shuts down the computer; restores contents of RAM when computer cut on

16. Support for different file systems
NTFS, FAT 16 (DOS, Win 95, 95, NT), FAT 32 (Win 98)
Windows Update Wizard
Connects to web and suggests software updates, device driver updates, and add-on components for your computer
Windows 2000 was an important step in providing a stable network operating system with enhanced security features for desktop users. XP systems are upgrades to the Win 2000 professional operating system.

17. Windows XP (“Experience”) Operating System
3 versions released on October, 2001
Windows XP Professional Edition—for business users and advanced users who prefer to use it on their home computer systems
Windows XP Home Edition—for home users and for entertainment
Windows XP 64-Bit Edition—for scientific, engineering, business, and other types of resource-intensive applications (movies, 3D animation)
Designed for use with Intel’s new Itanium processor—supports up to 16 GB of RAM and 16 TB of virtual memory; perform 20 instructions simultaneously

18. Most obvious change in the Windows XP and Home Editions is the redesign of GUI interface including the desktop
Simplified by removing all icons except the Recycle Bin
Start menu now serves as the primary way to access resources
Lists 5 more recent programs opened
Can open My Documents, My Computer, Control Panel
All Programs menu on the Start menu
Control Panel is organized into a new view called “Category View,” which provides links to common tasks for customizing and configuring your computer.

19. Uses “Dynamic Menus”—displays menu options related to your current task and links to other places on your computer where you might want to work
New features
Fast user switching—another user can log onto their account while you remain logged on
Internet connection firewall—protect from intruders while you are connected to the Internet
Network setup wizard—steps you through creating a home network so you can share hardware devices, such as printers, software, files, Internet connection

20. Enhanced multimedia features and capabilities
Capture, edit, and organize video clips derived from a digital video camera or analog camera
Use Scanner and Camera Wizard to scan images or download images from a camera den automatically store those images in your My Pictures folder
Use enhanced Windows Media Player to play CDs and DVDs, burn CDs, and organize music files in the My Music folder
Internet Explorer 6
Side-by-side DLLs
Maintains different versions of the same DDL (dynamic link library) program file used by different applications; this prevents problems caused by replacing a DLL file used by several different applications when installing a new application
Dynamic Update
The Setup program used to install Windows XP can check Microsoft’s Windows update Web site to download updates before it installs Windows XP—guarantees up-to-dateness

21. Convergence of Windows 9X and NT Product Lines
The two windows product lines (9X and NT) reflect differences in the needs of home users and business users.
Convergence must meet both sets of needs
More complex networking and security needs of businesses
Appealing to home users who want simplicity and access to entertainment-based multimedia technologies
XP is moving that way.

22. Concepts to Know (pp 27+) Taskbar Grouping
Web Style versus Classic Style
Keyboard Shortcuts
Folder/Directory System
File System
Hidden, System, and Operating System Files
System Files
Boot.ini, Ntldr, Ntdetect.com,Io.sys, Msdos.sys, Config.sys, Autoexec.bat; relate to Windows Registry

23. Cookies
My Computer properties
Restoring your computer