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Definition: Operating System
An operating system is a low-level piece of software that manages the computer’s hardware & software. That also provides an interface between the user and the computer.
Most people use computers because they want to use application software(such as word processing, internet browsing) however these applications only work inside of an operating system environment. The operating system is the software that controls, manages and run all of the applications on the computer.
The functions of an operating system include:
Loading a software interface for the user to interact with (usually a GUI or CLI)
Managing hardware resources such as memory and devices
User management
authentication & security
File management
When a user is using a computer they are either interacting directly with the operating system ( e.g. logging in to the computer) or via an application (e.g. saving a word processing document)
Graphical User Interface
Graphical User Interface
Graphical user interfaces allows the user to interact with the system with the combination of a keyboard and a mouse/point (or a touch screen).
Advantages of GUI
Can display images, videos and graphics
Because of the use of a pointer or touch screen they are far more beginner friendly
Pretty looking
Can have multiple windows open for multi-tasking
Disadvantages of GUI
Take longer to code
More prone to bugs
More resource intensive
Screen clutter can be distracting.
Command Line Interface
Command Line Interface
Command line operating systems were the original interfaces that all computers used.
Advantages of CLIs
Quick and easy to program
Fast to use when you are experienced in the system
Very Reliable
Distraction free
Disadvantages of CLIs
Very difficult / un-intuitive for beginners ( you have to know the commands)
Can’t display graphics
Not good for multi-tasking
Multitasking
Multitasking
Most general use systems (e.g. desktops, laptops, tablets) allow multitasking, where most than one program is open at one time.
Advantages
Allows a combination of active and passive user interaction, e.g.:
Type up a word processing document while listening to music.
Editing images while burning files to an optical device (DVD / CD)
Allows rapid switching between applications which can make the use more efficient.
Disadvantages
Multiple open applications can slow down the computer, making it harder to use.
Requires more physical resources (CPU power / memory) so uses more battery.
Can offer unwanted distractions from the task at hand.
Peripherals
Peripherals
One of the main jobs of the Operating System is to control and manage the external peripherals connected to the PC.
These can include:
Printers / Scanners
Mice / Keyboards
Speakers /headphones
Games controllers
External storage devices
When a peripheral is connected, the Operating System locates the appropriate device driver software and loads it in to the kernel. If the computer cannot find an appropriate device driver, the user will have to download and install an appropriate driver from the internet before the device will work.
User Management
User Management
User management Software allows the user to:
Add users
Edit user permissions
Delete Users
Controls the amount of resources (especially storage space) each user can use.
On most centrally managed server based computer systems, such as school systems, user management will be disable for most users and only those with administrative privileges will be able to load / use the software.
File Management
File Management
This software allows the user to :
Find, move, edit and delete files
Inspect files to find out the their properties (e.g. creation date, size, type)
Organise files into a series of folders and sub-folders
View directory trees
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