1. Operating System Basics
Chapter 6
Operating System Basics

2. Operating System Basics
Types of OS
Functions of OS
Enhancing an OS
PC OS
NOS (Network Operating System)
Embedded OS

3. 1. Types of Operating Systems
Real-time operating system
Very fast small OS
Built into a device
Respond quickly to user input
E.g. MP3 players, Medical devices

4. 1. Types of Operating Systems
Single user/Single tasking OS
One user works on the system
Performs one task at a time
Take up little space on disk
Run on inexpensive computers
E.g. MS-DOS and Palm OS

5. 1. Types of Operating Systems
Single user/Multitasking OS
User performs many tasks at once
Most common form of OS
Windows XP and OS X
Require expensive computers
Teaching tip
It is true that multi-tasking operating systems are complex. However both XP and OS X make the multitasking process painless for the user.

6. 1. Types of Operating Systems
Multi user/Multitasking OS
Many users connect to one computer
Each user has a unique session
Windows 2003/2008 Server, UNIX, Linux
Requires a powerful computer
Teaching tip
Multi-user Multitasking OS's are found on supercomputers, mainframes and minicomputers. Through Linux, a PC can also support user sessions and terminal connections.

7. Multi user/Multi tasking OS

8. 2. Functions of Operating Systems
Provide a user interface (GUI, CLI)
Run programs
MS. Word, MS. PowerPoint, Photoshop, …
Manage hardware devices
RAM, Hard disk, …
Organized file storage
File names e.g. a file name can’t contain “/” …
Teaching Tip
File and folder storage is covered in chapter 6.

9. A. Providing a User Interface
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Uses a mouse to control objects
Uses a desktop
Shortcuts open programs or documents
Task switching (From MS.Word to Excel)

10. A. Providing a User Interface
Command line interfaces
Older interface
DOS, Linux, UNIX
User types commands at a prompt
Commands – keywords (e.g. dir, md, … )
User must remember all commands
Teaching tip
Demonstrate the command line interface in Windows by running cmd. In the command line interface use ping and ipconfig as commands that cannot be run in the GUI.

11. 3. Enhancing an OS Utilities Backup software
system software designed to help analyze, optimize or maintain a computer
E.g. Disk Cleanup, Firewall, anti-virus …
Backup software
Archives files onto removable media
Most OS include a backup package
Discussion point
With Windows XP and SP2, Microsoft has included a firewall and pop-up blocker both typically considered utility software. In the near future, the core services provided by an OS may include security features.

12. 3. Enhancing an OS Anti-virus software Crucial utility
Finds, blocks and removes viruses
Must be updated regularly
McAfee, Bitdefender, Norton Anti-Virus, …

13. 3. Enhancing an OS Firewall Crucial utility
Protects your computer from intruders
Makes computer invisible to hackers
E.g. Zone Labs , CISCO Firewall
Teaching tip
Windows XP includes a firewall. Service pack 2 will turn this firewall on by default. To test your computer’s security visit and run the various Shields Up! tests
Intruders – s/o who enters illegally

14. 3. Enhancing an OS Screen savers
Crucial utility for command line systems
Prevents burn in
Merely fun for GUI systems

15. 11-Jan-2016 desktop OS market share. (Credit: netmarketshare.com)
4. PC Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows is the most popular
11-Jan-2016 desktop OS market share. (Credit: netmarketshare.com)

16. 4. PC Operating Systems DOS Windows NT Windows 9x Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8/8.1
Windows 10
Teaching tip
Students often fail to see the value in older OS or applications. As an example, a metal fabrication plant in Pittsburgh PA is still using a program written in the early 70’s that calculates metal temperatures.

17. DOS Application

18. 4. PC Operating Systems UNIX Linux Very stable and fast
Can cost thousands of dollars
Linux
Free or inexpensive version of UNIX

19. Linux Desktop

20. Macintosh operating systems
4. PC Operating Systems
Macintosh operating systems
OS X
Very stable and easy to configure
Only runs on Mac hardware
Teaching tip
OS X versions change often. Keep track of the most current and present this to the class. Visit to keep up to date. At press time the latest version was 10.4 Tiger.

21. 5. Networking Operating Systems
NT Server
2000 Server
2003 Server
2008 Server
2008 R2 Server
2012 Server

22. 5. Networking Operating Systems
UNIX for servers
Oldest NOS in widespread use
Stable secure and fast
Main OS for Internet and Web
Large organizations depend on UNIX
Linux for servers
Popular in small businesses
Stable, fast and inexpensive
Linux’s popularity is growing

23. 6. Embedded Operating Systems
Devices have EOS built in
Cell phones, PDAs, medical equipment
Stable and fast

24. 6. Embedded Operating Systems
Symbian
Found in smart cell phones
Games, Instant Messaging, Internet
Full color display

25. Embedded Operating Systems
iOS
Android
Windows Phone
BlackBerry
MeeGo
Ubuntu