Operating Systems

Basic Concepts &

System Software

Objectives: Know These

1. Common functions of operating systems2. Types of operating systems3. Types and functions of utility programs

What is an OS?

• Operating System: set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.

• In Other Words: It’s what runs your computer.

Operating System is to Softwarewhat Motherboard is to Hardware

Performance

Devices

Internet

File Management

Memory Programs

Security

User Interface

Updates

Network

Start &

Shut Down

OS Functions

Starting & Shutting Down a Computer

Shut down options:– Power off– Sleep mode– Hibernating

GUI vs. Command-line

• Visual vs. Textual• Mouse vs. Keyboard

Coordinating Tasks

• Task = (job) an operation the processor manages.

• Examples:– Receiving data– Processing instructions– Sending information to an output device– Transferring items from storage to memory

• Buffer = place in memory while waiting• Spooling (buffer for printing)

Spooling

Queue = order of operations, a line

Configuring Devices

• Driver = small program that tells the OS how to communicate with a specific hardware device.

• Boot loads drivers.• Plug & Play = OS

automatically configures new devices as you install them.

Security• Log on = access• User name or User ID = identity• Password = restricting access

Most Popular Operating Systems

Types of OS

• Windows 7, Vista, XP• Mac OS X• UNIX• Linux• Coming Soon: Google Chrome

• Embedded Operating Systems

Utility Programs• System software that allows a user to perform

maintenance type tasks.• Some are included in OS• Others are added over time with software installs.

File Manager

• Tasks:– Organize files– Copying– Renaming– Deleting– Moving– Sorting

• Folder = named location on hard drive

Search Utility

• Locates files on your computer

• Searches by criteria

Uninstaller

• Removes installed programs

• More complete than deleting file

Image Viewer

• Graphics files– Displays– Copies– Prints

• See pictures without opening in an image editor

Disk Defragmenter

• Reorganizes files and unused space on hard drive

• Makes computer run faster

Firewall

• Detects and protects computer from intrusions.

• Monitors connection traffic

• Internet connection makes you vulnerable to attacks from hackers.

• Router = hardware firewall The internet is full of

viruses.

I better use protection!

Antivirus Programs

• Virus= harmful program• Antivirus = program that

finds and removes viruses.

• Worm = makes copies and uses up your resources shutting your computer down

• Trojan Horse = hidden file

What should I do?

Don’t be this guy.

Media Player

• View images, animations, listen to music• Watch videos• Organize files• Convert from

different formats• Download files• Burn CDs