1. The Role of the Operating System
The Basics

2. Four Main Functions Control Hardware Access File Management
User Management
Manage Software Applications

3. Some OS Facts
All Computer Systems require an OS to provide an interface between the User, Hardware and Application Software
GUI [Graphical User Interface]
CLI [Command Line Interface]

4. Terms to know [1] Multi-User – Systems can support more than one User
Multi-Tasking – Can run more than one task or application at the same time

5. Terms to know [2]
Multi-Processing – Can support the use of two or more CPUs
Multi-Threading – OS manages Applications by loading only the elements it needs

6. Classes of OS Desktop Operating System Network Operating System [NOS]
Windows 98
Windows XP
Fedora
Network Operating System [NOS]
Windows Server 2003
Red Hat
Novell Netware

7. Features of Desktop OS Supports Single User
Runs Single User Applications
Shares Files, Folders and Peripherals
Used on small Networks

8. Features of a Network OS
Support for multiple Users
Runs multi-User Applications
Robust, Redundant and Centralised Security
Designed for large Networks

9. Comparing OS [Minimum Requirements]
Features and Functions
Desktop OS
Win XP
Network OS
Server 2003
User Interface
User Management
File Management
Security
Hardware Control
Software Control