Operating Systems

Operating Systems

1. Definition: is a software program that controls a computer and manages its tasks and allows one component to work with another.

2. Tasks:

   • Accepts Inputs from external sources
     • Mouse
     • Keyboard
   • Sends outputs to Monitor and/or Printer
   • Recognizes and uses external devices
     • external harddisks
     • thumbdrives
     • web cam
   • Manages files and folders in system
     • Naming,, Creating, Moving, Funding and Deleting folders/files
   • Shares out system memory. Decides how much memory is needed to perform a certain task. Controls memory input and output
   • Manages System security with passwords
   • Moves data to and from hard disks
   • Loads and runs software applications

3. Types of OS Interfaces (used to give computers commands)

   • Command Line Interface (CLI)
     • Old system where commands are typed in keyboard
     • No icons or images
     • All black screen (like terminal app) so it uses less energy/power
     • Around 270 different commands that all need to be typed without errors
     • Hard to Use/Complicated system because commands have to be memorized
   • Graphical User Interface (GUI)
     • Use more power
     • easy to use and thus more popular
     • commands are entered by mouse clicks not keyboard
     • Features: WIMP
       • Windows
       • Icons
       • Menus
       • Pointers
   • Touchscreen Interface (post WIMP interface)
     • No room for mouse use, fingers are used to select icons
     • Similar to a GUI due to icon and menus
     • Main Features: pinching, scrolling, rotating