Operating Systems

Operating Systems

1. File system

2. Interface

   • An interface is the mechanism by which the user controls the functions of the computer.

3. Graphical User Interface

   • A GUI is used by most PC and phone operating systems. Graphical representations of the computer’s functions are shown to the user and controlled by touchscreen or a mouse and keyboard. Programs often run in windows and several can be shown at the same time.
   • Advantages
     • they make computer operation more intuitive, and thus easier to learn and use.
       • GUIs generally provide users with immediate, visual feedback about the effect of each action. GUI allows multiple programs and/or instances to be displayed simultaneously.

4. Command Line Interface

   • A CLI is a text-based interface. The user types commands, and the result is shown as text. Nearly every operating system provides a CLI. These are harder to use, but are very lightweight and robust – they use few system resources and are very unlikely to crash or break

5. Customisation

   • The ability to customise the interface is a feature of most operating systems. Some provide options to change the colour scheme and desktop background Others allow a completely different desktop environment to be installed.
   • Advantages

6. Task Management

   • Operating systems manage processes and allow multitasking. The also provide the user with the option to quit programs, or kill unresponsive processes. Some also allow the user to prioritise certain processes, allowing certain apps to use the full processor speed.
   • Advantages
     • Increase excecution rates

7. Customisation

   • The ability to customise the interface is a feature of most operating systems. Some provide options to change the colour scheme and desktop background Others allow a completely different desktop environment to be installed.