INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS

An operating system is a program that controls the

overall activity of a computer.

Like an orchestra conductor an operating system ensures that all parts of your computer work together smoothly and efficiently.

CONTROLS YOUR HARDWARE

An operating system controls the different parts of the computer system, such as the printer and monitor, and enables them to work together.

RUNS YOUR PROGRAMSAn operating system starts and runs programs, such as Microsoft Word and Lotus 1-2-3. Programs let you write letters, analyze numbers, manage finances, draw pictures and even play games.

ORGANIZES YOUR INFORMATION

An operating system provides ways to organize and manage documents stored on your computer. You can use an operating system to sort, copy, move, delete and view your documents.

MS-DOS is an operating system that uses text commands you enter

to perform tasks.

Note: MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating system

COMMAND PROMPTTells you that MS-DOS is ready to accept a command.

CURSORThe flashing line on the screen. The cursor indicates where the text you type will appear

DIRECTORY

MS-DOS uses directories to organize the data stored on a computer

COMMANDYou enter a command to perform a task or start a program.

A single command can usually tell the computer what you want to accomplish. For example, the DIR command tells the computer to list the subdirectories and files stored in a directory.

Windows 95 was the successor of

windows 3.1. It was a true operating system because it

does not need MS-DOS to operate

Lets you view all the folders and

documents stored on your computer.

MY COMPUTER

RECYCLE BINStores all the

documents you delete and allows

you to recover them later.

START BUTTON

Gives you quick access to programs and documents.

This dialog box let you change the date and

time in windows 3.1.

Displays the name of each

open window on your screen. This

lets you easily switch between

the open windows.

TASKBAR

SHORTCUTYou can place a shortcut to a

document on your screen. This lets you quickly open documents

you use regularly.

PLUG AND PLAYWindows 95 supports Plug and Play technology. This technology lets you add new features to a computer without complex and time-consuming installation procedures. FILENAMES

Windows 95 let you use up to 255 characters to name a document.Note: windows 3.1 filenames can be up to 8 characters long with a 3 character extension (example: myletter.doc).

THE MICROSOFT NETWORKLike CompuServe or Prodigy, The Microsoft Network is an online information service. It provides data from sources around the world and lets you communicate with other people connected to the service.

The Microsoft Network also lets you connect to the internet. The internet provides a vast amount of information, new and advice and now reaches over thirty million people.

Windows 98 – the next version of windows – contained several new and improved features. It offered improved access to the Internet and World Wide Web through its Web browser, Internet Explorer. It also provided support for multimedia peripherals, including DVD-ROM drives and USB devices.

Windows 2000, introduced in late 1999, was designed for use with business computers and was the successor to Windows 98. Its more advanced operating system was particularly well-suited for newer, faster, and more powerful PCs.

Windows XP – was designed to keep files and settings separate for every PC user. It was ideal for school computer labs and for businesses where multiple

users shared the same PC. It was extremely user friendly. For example, a new CD could be burned simply by

dragging folders and files onto the CD burner icon.

Windows Vista was released in 2007. It included much more robust security

features than any earlier version. Also home networking became easier than ever

with Windows Vista.

Conclusion:The operating system is the most important piece of software on a

personal computer. It manages main memory, or RAM; controls and configures peripheral devices;

formats and copies disks; manages essential file operations; monitors system performance; and provides

a user interface.