ICT Lecture 06
ICT Lecture 06
ICT Lecture 06
• Operating System
– A collection of programs that manage and coordinate the
activities taking place within a computer
– Acts as an
intermediary
between the
user and the
computer and
between the
application programs
and system
hardware
Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 15th Edition
Functions of an Operating
System
• Interfacing with Users (typically via a GUI)
• Booting the Computer
– Loads essential part of operating system (kernel) into
memory
– Reads opening batch of instructions
– Determines hardware connected to computer
• Configuring Devices
– Device drivers are often needed; can be reinstalled if
needed
– Plug and Play devices are recognized automatically
• Windows
– The predominant personal operating system developed by
Microsoft Corporation
– Windows 1.0 through Windows Vista
• Windows 1.0 released in 1985
– Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x were operating
environments for DOS
• Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME
• Designed for personal computers
– Windows 7
• Released in late 2009
• Home Premium (primary version for home users)
• Professional (primary version for businesses)
• Libraries feature gives you virtual folders
– Windows 8
• Current version of Windows
• Designed to be used with smartphones,
desktop computers, with or without a keyboard
or mouse
• Supports multi-touch input
• Includes Start screen, tiles, and charms bar
Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 15th Edition
Windows
– Windows Server
• The version of Windows designed for server use
– Windows Server 2012 is the latest version
– Supports both virtualization and cloud computing
– Windows Home Server
• Preinstalled on home server devices
• Designed to provide services for a home network
• Can be set up to back up all devices in the home on a
regular basis
• Mac OS
– Proprietary operating system for computers made by
Apple Corporation
– Based on the UNIX operating system
– Originally set the standard for graphical user
interfaces
– Mac OS X Family
• Mac OS X Mountain Lion and Mac OS X
Mavericks
– Mac OS X Server
• Server version of Mac OS X
Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 15th Edition
Mac OS
• UNIX
– Operating system developed in the late 1960s for
midrange servers
– Multiuser, multitasking operating system
– More expensive, requires high level of technical
knowledge; harder to install, maintain, and upgrade
– “UNIX” initially referred to the original UNIX operating
system, now refers to a group of similar operating systems
based on UNIX
– Single UNIX Specification
• A standardized UNIX environment
• Linux
– Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991—resembles UNIX but
was developed independently
– Is open-source software; has been collaboratively modified
by volunteer programmers all over the world
– Originally used a command line interface, most recent
versions use a GUI
– Strong support from mainstream companies, such as
IBM, NVIDIA, HP, Dell, and Novell
– Individuals and organizations are switching to Linux and
other open source software because of cost
• Chrome OS
– The first cloud operating system
– Essentially is the Chrome Web browser redesigned to run a
computer, in addition to accessing Web resources
– Replaces traditional desktop operating systems
– Is currently only available preinstalled on Chrome devices
Smart Cars
– Use of computers in cars has skyrocketed
– Self-driving systems and self-parking systems
– Lane departure and blind spot detection systems
– Windshield displays
– Collision warnings and auto
brake systems
– Keyless entry and ignition
systems
– Distraction-prevention
systems
– Safety of gadgets is a
concern
Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 15th Edition
Operating Systems for Mobile
Devices
• Windows Phone 8, Windows RT, and Windows Embedded
– Windows Phone
• Latest version of Windows designed for smartphones
• Windows Phone 8 is based on the Windows 8 operating
system
– Windows RT
• Designed for tablet use
– Windows Embedded
• Designed primarily for consumer and industrial devices
that are not personal computers
• Utility Program
– Software that performs a specific task, usually related to
managing or maintaining the computer system
– Many utilities are built into operating
systems (for finding files, viewing
images, backing up files, etc.)
– Utilities are also available as
stand-alone products
and as suites
• Search Tools
– Designed to search for documents and other files on the
user’s hard drive
• Windows 8 has Search charm to search for files, apps,
and Store items
– Are often integrated into file management programs
– Third-party search tools are also available
• Diagnostic and Disk Management Programs
– Diagnostic programs evaluate your system and make
recommendations for fixing any errors found
– Disk management programs diagnose and repair problems
related to your hard drive
• Commercial Software
– Copyrighted software developed and sold for profit
– Typically comes with a single-user license
• Shareware
– Copyrighted software distributed on the honor system
– Consumers should either pay for it or uninstall it after the trial
period
• Freeware
– Copyrighted software programs that are given away by the
author for others to use free of charge
• Public Domain Software
– Software that is not copyrighted and ownership rights have
been donated to the public domain
Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 15th Edition
The Basics of Application Software