Operating System Basics

Lecture 6
 Functions of Operating Systems
• Provide a user interface
• Run programs
• Manage hardware devices
• Organized file storage

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 Types of Operating Systems
• Real-time operating system
– Very fast small OS
– Built into a device
– Respond quickly to user input
– MP3 players, Medical devices
 Types of Operating Systems
• Single user/Single tasking OS
– One user works on the system
– Performs one task at a time
– MS-DOS and Palm OS
– Take up little space on disk
– Run on inexpensive computers
 Types of Operating Systems
• Single user/Multitasking OS
– User performs many tasks at once
– Most common form of OS
– Windows XP and OS X
– Require expensive computers
– Tend to be complex
 Types of Operating Systems
• Multi user/Multitasking OS
– Many users connect to one computer
– Each user has a unique session
– UNIX, Linux, and VMS
– Maintenance can be easy
– Requires a powerful computer
Multi user/Multi tasking OS
 Providing a User Interface
• User interface
– How a user interacts with a computer
– Require different skill sets
 Providing a User Interface
• Graphical user interface (GUI)
– Most common interface
• Windows, OS X, Gnome, KDE
– Uses a mouse to control objects
– Uses a desktop metaphor
– Shortcuts open programs or documents
– Open documents have additional objects
– Task switching
– Dialog boxes allow directed input
Graphical User Interface
 Providing a User Interface
• Command line interfaces
– Older interface
• DOS, Linux, UNIX
– User types commands at a prompt
– User must remember all commands
– Included in all GUIs
Command Line Interface
 Running Programs
• Many different applications supported
• System call
– Provides consistent access to OS features
• Share information between programs
– Copy and paste
– Object Linking and Embedding
 Managing Hardware
• Programs need to access hardware
• Interrupts
– CPU is stopped
– Hardware device is accessed
• Device drivers control the hardware
 Organizing Files and Folders
• Organized storage
• Long file names
• Folders can be created and nested
• All storage devices work consistently
 Enhancing an OS
• Utilities
– Provide services not included with OS
– Goes beyond the four functions
– Firewall, anti-virus and compression
– Prices vary
 Enhancing an OS
• Backup software
– Archives files onto removable media
– Ensures data integrity
– Most OS include a backup package
– Many third party packages exist
Backup Software
 Enhancing an OS
• Anti-virus software
– Crucial utility
– Finds, blocks and removes viruses
– Must be updated regularly
– McAfee and Norton Anti-Virus
 Enhancing an OS

• Firewall
– Crucial utility
– Protects your computer from intruders
– Makes computer invisible to hackers
– Zone Labs is a home firewall
– Cisco sells hardware firewalls
 Enhancing an OS
• Intrusion detection
– Often part of a firewall package
– Announces attempts to breach security
– Snort is a Linux based package
 Enhancing an OS
• Screen savers
– Crucial utility for command line systems
• Prevents burn in
– Merely fun for GUI systems
– Screen saver decorates idle screens
Productivity Software
 Acquiring Software
• Commercial software
– Software that must be purchased
– Stand alone products
• Solve one type of problem
– Software suites
• Integrated tools that work together
• Solve many problems
– Shareware
• Try before you buy
• May deactivate if not purchased

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Software Suite

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 Acquiring Software
• Freeware
– No obligation to purchase
• Donations often accepted
– Software may be distributed freely
– Public domain software

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 Acquiring Software
• Open source
– Programs distributed with source code
– Allows users to modify the software
– Modifications and comments are welcome
– Linux and OpenOffice

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Open Office

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 Word Processing Programs
• Creates text documents
• Graphics and other objects are supported
• Professional quality can be achieved
• Simple web pages may be created

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 Word Processing Programs
• Interface
– Document area
– Menu bar
– Toolbars
– Rulers
– Scroll bars
– Status bars

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 Word Processing Programs
• Entering and editing text
– Text is entered by typing
– Cursor indicates position
– Blocks of text can be manipulated
– Most other programs include text tools

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 Word Processing Programs
• Formatting text
– Controls the document’s appearance
– Character formatting tools
• Fonts
• Type style
– Paragraph formatting tools
• Line spacing
• Tabs
– Document formatting tools
• Margins
• Headers

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 Spreadsheet Programs
• Calculates numbers and finances
• Data viewable in many ways
– Tables
– Graphs
• Complex calculations can be automated

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 Spreadsheet Programs
• Interface
– Rows, columns and cells
• Cell holds data or formulas
– Formula bar
– Labels describe cell contents
– Values
– Dates
– Formulas

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 Presentation Programs
• Creates slides or transparencies
• Complete set is a presentation
• Enhances a speech or lecture
• Color and animation enhance the slides

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Spreadsheet Interface

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 Presentation Programs
• Interface
– Similar to a word processor
– Slide window
– Outline window
– Speaker notes

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Presentation Interface

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 Presentation Programs
• Creating a presentation
– Templates can simplify the process
– Build the slides
• Pick a layout
• Enter the desired text
• Apply special formatting
– Continue adding slides in order
– Apply slide transitions if desired

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 Presentation Programs
• Presenting slide shows
– Use to enhance a speech
– Mouse click advances to next slide
– Physical transparencies on an overhead
– Computer screen delivery
– Large monitor delivery
– Data projector

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Using a Large Monitor

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 Personal Information Managers
• PIM software
• Keep track of contact information
• Track upcoming events and times
• MS Outlook is popular

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 Personal Information Managers
• Data organization
– Contact information organized by last name
– Users may search for data
– Appointment reminders can be set

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