Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Chapter 5:Defining the Role of

the Operating System

Computer Literacy

Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions

Introduction

• _________ System Functions• Capabilities and Limitations of an

OS• Common OS Problems and Their

Solutions

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Operating System Functions

• Create and maintain user _________• Manage system __________• _________ and maintain files• Act as a _______ between

applications and hardware• Provide ________

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Create the User Interface

• On-screen ________ and objects that enable you to ________ with the computer

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Create the User Interface

• On-screen prompts and objects that enable you to interact with the computer

• The _________ to everything the computer offers

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Manage System Hardware

• BIOS for core hardware• Software programs (device drivers) for

other hardware– Software for additional hardware comes on

driver discs or via downloads from the Web.

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Organize and Maintain Files

• Files-Files go in folders on mass storage devices. – File types

• File extensions (i.e. .doc, .jpg, .html)– Files go in folders on mass storage

devices and what program to open to edit that file, like Word to open a .DOCX file

• Unique icons

• Folders

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Bridge the Hardware and Applications

• Operating system enables applications to ____________ with hardware

• “Program support”

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Capabilities and Limitations of an OS

• ___-based• __________-based

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Character-based User Interface

• Prompt: c:\>• Type commands: c:\>dir• Press [Enter] to make the commands go

– You need to know the commands or names of executable (program) files for the command line to work properly.

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Graphical User Interface

• Point and click on icons• Just like typing a command• To the computer, it’s the same

thing!

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Major _________ Systems

• Command-line– DOS– Linux– UNIX

• GUI– Windows– Macintosh OS X– Linux– UNIX

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Microsoft _________

• Graphical interface

• Command-line interface as well

• Windows 9x• Windows NT• Windows 2000• Windows XP• Windows Vista• Windows 7

• Microsoft released Windows 95 in 1995 to replace DOS and Windows 3.11; later released Windows 98, 98 SE, and Millennium Edition (Me).

• In their “professional” line of operating systems, Microsoft released Windows NT, 2000, XP Home, XP Professional, Media Center, numerous Server versions.

• Current offerings include Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Apple __________

• Currently at OS X (ten, not ex)• Graphical interface• Command-line interface as well

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

UNIX and _____

• Command-line interface• Graphical (overlay) interface

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

________ Operating Systems

• Smartphones• PDAs• Portable video

and music players• e-book readers

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

OS Limitations

• Software support– Programs work for only one OS– Most programs written for Windows

• Hardware support– Most hardware today works for

Windows and Linux– Macintosh somewhat proprietary

• Some hardware can connect to Windows, Macs, and Linux computers, particularly those using more universal ports like USB and FireWire. LCD monitors and speakers of all sorts work on all three OSs as well.

• Case sensitivity-Windows is case aware, but not case sensitive on anything but passwords. Linux and Macs are case sensitive.

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Common OS ____________

• _____________– System runs

slowly– System locks up– Blue screen of

death– Computer starts in

Safe mode

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Common OS Problems

• ______ Instability– Drive _________

• Go to Computer, right-click the drive, select Properties

• In Properties, select Tools tab then click Check Now

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Common OS Problems

• Instability caused by ________________– Computer runs slowly– Computer accesses hard drive frequently– Fix by defragmenting the disk, or “defrag”

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Common OS Problems

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Common OS Problems

• Failure to ______– Safe Mode– System Restore

Computer Literacy Chapter 5: Defining the Role of the Operating System

Common OS Problems

• Access ________– Check [Caps Lock] key– You may not have the proper permissions

(standard vs. administrator account)– Try again, carefully

Computer Literacy Chapter 3: How to Speak Geekand Make Informed Purchasing Decisions

Summary

• Operating System Functions• Capabilities and Limitations of an

OS• Common OS Problems and Their

Solutions