McGraw-Hill Technology Education McGraw-Hill Technology Education
Copyright 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Chapter 7A
Operating System Basics
McGraw-Hill Technology Education
Copyright 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Functions of Operating Systems
Provide a user interface Run programs Manage hardware devices Organized file storage
7A-3
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
Chapter 7A
End of Chapter
McGraw-Hill Technology Education
Copyright 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
