Operating Systems

Operating System (OS)The software that manages the

sharing of the resources of a computer.

Examples of Operating Systems◦Windows◦Mac◦Linux

Operating System SoftwareMaster controller for all activities

that take place within a computer; primary purpose is to help the computer system monitor itself in order to function efficiently.

Interacts with application software, device drivers, and hardware to manage a computer’s resources.

Ensures that input and output proceed in an orderly manner.

PlatformUnderlying hardware and

software of the computer system.Two popular platforms

◦PC◦Mac

MultitaskingRunning more than one program

at a time.Making sure that the instructions

and data from one area of memory don’t interfere with memory allocated for other programs.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)A type of user interface that

features on-screen objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse.

Abbreviation is pronounced “gooey”.

DefinitionsProgram

◦Set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task.

Application Software◦Set of computer programs that help

a person carry out a task.

Basic definitionsDrive

◦A location on a network that is set aside for the collection of data.

Folder◦The subdirectory or subdivision, of a

drive that can contain files or other folders.

File ◦A named collection of data that

exists on a storage medium.

DesktopDesktop

◦The main working space on your computer screen

Icon: an image that represents an executable file

◦are pictures of the menu item you are choosing – an executable program or shortcut to a file.

DesktopTask Bar -The bar located at the bottom

of the desktop is called the Task Bar. It allows you to The Taskbar enables users to quickly and easily locate and launch programs they may be interested in running through Start, see any program that is currently open, display the time and/or date

Status Bar – Sits on top of the Task Bar; displays page number, word count, zoom

Navigating Windows

The path to get to your Student drive (H: drive:)◦My Computer > H: drive

What is the path to get to the shared drive:◦My Computer > Shared on SyracuseJr (S:)

Navigating WindowsThe root of a drive is the

beginningA file is a collection of data or

information that has a name, called the filename. Almost all information stored in a computer must be in a file

Files are created when a document is saved

Navigating Windows•Folders - a way to organize files into logical and manageable groups

•In graphical user interfaces such as Windows and the Macintosh environment, a folder is an object that can contain multiple documents. Folders are used to organize your documents. 

Navigating Windows

 Creating, deleting, and renaming a folder

Navigating WindowsUsers can also right click to

create, delete, or rename folders

Files and folders can be moved by:◦ Dragging and dropping◦Cutting and Pasting

Print ScreenPrint Screen allows you to print something

that normally could not be printed

Take a picture of what is on your screen

To take the picture:◦ Press the “Print Screen” button on your keyboard

To paste and print the picture:◦Open Word

Right click and paste• File/Office Button - Print

Print Screen

Resources

M. Guyman – Pleasant Grove High – 2003

Parsons, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja.

Computer Concepts. Boston: Course

Technology -Thompson Learning, 2002.