operating systems

operating systems

1. what is an operating system?

   • the low level software that supports a computers basic functions, such as scheduling tasks and controlling peripherals

2. what is the purpose of an operating system

   • An operating system is software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is an essential component of the system software in a computer system. Application programs usually require an operating system to function.

3. what are the most common operating systems in use today?

   • Windows XP Professional This is built upon the Windows 2000 architecture and ideal for business and advanced home computing. •Windows XP Home An upgrade to Windows ME incorporating some of the features and functionality of Windows XP Professional. •Windows 2000 This is built upon the Windows NT architecture and the best choice for most business uses. This is NOT an upgrade of Windows 98. •Windows ME Designed for home use, and is the logical step for Windows 98 users. Windows Millennium Edition is a stand alone operating system unlike Windows 3.1, Windows 95 and Windows 98 that were built on TOP of DOS. ME operating system includes new system safeguards such as "System Restore" and improved help functions when troubleshooting. •Windows CE Designed for personal computers often called Handhelds or Palmtops that use a stylus or keyboard for input. The Windows CE operating system is very similar to that of Windows 95. •Linux A free Unix style operating system originall

4. List as many of the functions of an operating system

   • managing the hardware and software
   • file management
     • looking after the files
   • booting the computer
     • making it faster
   • provides an interface
   • backing store
     • extra storage
   • memory
     • being able to store documents

5. what is a GUI

   • graphical user interface.
   • disadvantages
     • when it is not properly built, it can be very difficult to work with.
     • it generally requires more memory resources than a non-graphical one.
   • advantages
     • - it can be user-friendly and speed up the user's work.
     • - it can be more attractive for non-technical people.
     • - in general, it looks more professional (but this does not mean it is always the best solution).

6. what is a CLI

   • Command-line interface A command-line interface, also known as command-line user interface, console user interface, and character user interface, is a means of interacting with a computer program where the user issues commands to the program in the form of successive lines of text.
   • disadvantage
     • Not intuitive, especially to a lay user.
     • -No media.
     • Complex combinations can be difficult to remember, and slower to type (but that is on a task by task basis, as often you can perform tasks faster with CLI) 1 0
   • advantage
     • -Easy to integrate with scripting, and other programmatic interfaces.
     • Requires a lower threshold for the interface. This means that a relatively simple program like telnet (available almost on all machines) is all you need to interface via CLI.
     • -They can be quite powerful in the right hands. Piping multiple commands together, parsing feedback, etc