1. Introduction to Computers
Introduction to Operating Systems and Windows

2. Operating Systems
Operating systems serve as an interface between the hardware of the computer and applications running
Provides a standardized toolset or platform for applications to run on. Without this, every single app would need its own unique way to do basic tasks like draw to the screen, take input from the keyboard and write to the hard drive
Moderates hardware and provides a way for applications to access hardware without having to worry about what specific hardware is installed. Without this, every application would have to make an instruction set for every CPU and graphics card it would want to run on

3. Other Responsibilities of the Operating System
Provides security - Operating systems may require some credentials in the form of logging in with a username and password
Managing the File System - The operating system is responsible for organizing and storing all of the data you are working on, as well as the data for any applications

4. Kernel The Kernel is the core of the operating system
This is what loads into memory when the system boots up
It performs most of the critical operating systems we talked about:
Hardware management
User security
File system management
Provides a platform for applications to run on
Runs behind the scenes and does the bulk of the operating system work

5. Utilities
These are the features of an operating system that most users will recognize and use
For example; task manager and file explorer in Windows
This tends to be the largest part of a modern operating system. A lot of design goes into this because it is the part that the users will see

6. Interface
This is how the user interacts with the utilities, applications and kernel
There are two types of interface:
Command line Interface
This type of interface is controlled by typing out commands for the computer to follow
This can be a very powerful interface, allowing users to enter commands with modifiers and to make their own macro commands; lists of commands that the computer will automate
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
This is the more user friendly interface of the two. This interface uses icons and other visual elements to represent commands
This interface is newer and requires more resources to run compared to a command line interface

7. Windows (Generic)
Revolves around a GUI, but still has access to command prompt
Very popular OS since it comes pre-installed in many PCs
Left click is select, double left click is open, right click is properties/menu
Alt-Tab switches between applications
Alt-F4 ends applications
Ctrl-Alt-Del will interrupt applications and open up task manager

8. Windows 7 Start Menu Start menu File system options Power options
Main control center / frequently used apps
File system options
Explore the computer and configure settings
Power options
Shut down / restart / sleep / switch users
Jump Lists
Lists associate files or program features
All programs
Access to all programs on the computer
Searching programs and files
Search for info on the computer

9. Windows 7 Taskbar Taskbar includes
Default utilities (Start Menu, Internet Explorer, Windows Explorer)
Currently running applications
Apps the user has pinned to the taskbar
Users can also customize the start menu by pinning apps to it as well
Users can customize the desktop utility in two major ways by adding
Shortcuts - icons that will start applications
Gadgets - Single purpose applications (such as a clock, calendar or calculator)
This is in addition to the cosmetic changes users can make

10. Windows 8
Not very popular. Made to be a cross-platform operating system
One code base was used for PC, tablet, ARM, phones, and embedded devices
Ended up being poorly optimized for every task
No start button, instead has a start screen with tiles

11. Windows 8 Tiles No start button, instead has a start screen with tiles
There are 4 different tile types
App Tiles
Standard tile used to open an app
Live Tiles
Some tiles display update information on them. Weather and calendar for example
Desktop Tile
The desktop tile changes the UI from Metro UI (The tile/app based new interface) and returning to a more familiar style
User Tile
Provides options for the user account, like locking the screen and signing out

12. Windows 8 App Bar and Charms Menu
The app bar could be brought up to display context-sensitive commands, features, options and settings
The Charms Menu contained various operating system utilities
Search - search the local device as well as the internet
Share - allows you to send a file or other data with other Windows user
Start - returns you to the Start Screen
Devices - opens up management options for hardware devices connected to the computer
Settings - allows you to configure various Windows 8 options and settings

13. Windows 10 Why was 9 skipped?
Considered to be a return to form for Windows after 8
Combines design elements from different versions of Windows
Moving from the naming convention of programs vs apps. Now all applications are referred to in the system as apps

14. Windows 10 Start Menu
Combines Windows 7 start menu with Windows 8 start screen
From Windows 7
Has the most frequently used apps on the left
Has an “All Apps” button
Has other utilities such as Power and Settings directly on the menu
Able to pin apps to the start menu
Taskbar works very similar
From Windows 8
Has tiles to click on apps
Has live tiles that are updated and dynamic

15. Windows 10 New and Unique
A lot of functionality typically stored in the control panel is being migrated to the settings app
Able to switch between multiple “virtual desktops” using the task view button to conserve screen space
Cortana is integrated into the operating system. Cortana is like Siri; a digital assistant that can search locally and online, as well as set up reminders for users. It can respond to voice prompts as well as store your search history in the cloud in order to customize its recommendations to you