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Peter Norton’s Introduction to Computers
Chapter 5
The Operating System
and the User Interface
Learning Objectives:
• Define the terms “operating system” and “user interface.”
• Name three major functions of the operating system and
explain the importance of each function from the user’s
perspective.
• List five types of utility software and describe how each can
be used to enhance the functionality of an operating system.
• Define the term “multitasking” and list two ways it saves
time for a user.
• List three other significant operating systems, aside from
DOS and Windows.
Operating System(OS) - provides
an interface for the user, software,
hardware, and file management.
Functions of the Operating
System:
• Provides the instruction to display the on-screen
elements with which you interact.
• Loads programs into the computer’s memory so
that you can use them.
• Coordinates how programs work with the CPU,
RAM, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other
hardware as well as with other software.
• Manages the way information is stored on and
retrieved from disks.
Operating Systems:
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DOS
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows NT
OS/2 Warp
Mac OS
UNIX
DOS uses a command-line interface.
Windows 98 features the Active Desktop.
A single user interface allows a user to browse
the internet and the local computer resources.
Graphical User Interface (GUI) (pronounced “gooey”) Uses
graphics (icons) to represent
commands and programs which
are chosen using a mouse.
Icon - a graphic that represents
printers, fonts, document files,
folders, and so on.
Most people like icons because it’s easy to
understand them and remember what they do.
Factors When Upgrading
Your Operating System:
• CPU Type
• Memory
• Disk Space
• Compatibility
Operating System Services:
• Saves the contents of files to a disk for permanent
storage.
• Reads the contents of a file from disk into memory.
• Sends a document to the printer and activates the
printer.
• Provides resources that let you copy or move data
from one document to another, or from one program
to another.
A hierarchical file system
Files can be managed with Windows Explorer.
Operating System Services:
• Allocates RAM among various programs that you
may have open.
• Performs the seemingly simple activity of
recognizing keystrokes or mouse clicks and
displaying characters or graphics on the screen.
The operating system acts as an intermediary
between the software and the hardware.
O.L.E. (Object Linking and
Embedding - data is copied from
one type of document and
embedded into another. The data
that is copied retains a link with
the original document.
Multitasking - means being able
to perform two or more procedures
at the same time--such as printing
a multipage document, sending
e-mail over the Internet, and
typing a letter--all simultaneously.
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Interrupt Request (IRQ) - used
by the operating system to send
requests to use memory and other
hardware devices attached to the
computer system.
Operating System Utilities:
• File Defragmentation
• Data Compression
• Backup Software
• Data Recovery Software
• Antivirus Utilities
• Screen Savers
Defragmenting the hard drive
can make file access faster.
Learning Objectives:
Chapter 5 Review
• Define the terms “operating system” and “user interface.”
• Name three major functions of the operating system and
explain the importance of each function from the user’s
perspective.
• List five types of utility software and describe how each can
be used to enhance the functionality of an operating system.
• Define the term “multitasking” and list two ways it saves
time for a user.
• List three other significant operating systems, aside from
DOS and Windows.