The operating system (OS) controls almost all functions on a computer. In this chapter, you learn about the components, functions, and terminology related to mobile operating systems, Linux, and OS X.

Activity

Matching e-mail protocols

This chapter introduces you to mobile devices, the operating systems used on mobile devices, how to secure mobile devices, the uses of cloud-enabled services for mobile devices, and the way that mobile devices connect to networks, devices, and peripherals.

This chapter also covers Ubuntu Linux and Apple OS X operating systems and some of its main characteristics including, command line interface, command line-based tools, graphical user interfaces used and some GUI-based tools.

The basics of troubleshooting mobile operating systems, Linux and OS X are discussed with examples of simple solutions for common problems. The following concepts from this chapter are important to remember.

• • Open source software can be modified by anyone with little or no cost.

  • Use only trusted content sources to avoid malware and unreliable content.

  • Both Android and iOS have similar GUIs for using apps and other content.

  • Email accounts are closely tied to mobile devices and provide many different data synchronization services.

  • Android devices use apps to synchronize data not automatically synchronized by Google.

  • iOS devices use iTunes to synchronize data and other content.

  • Passcode locks can secure mobile devices.

  • Remote backups can be performed to backup mobile device data to the cloud.

  • Remote lock or remote wipe are features to secure a mobile device that has been lost or stolen.

  • Antivirus software is often used on mobile devices to prevent the transfer of malicious programs to other devices or computers

Additional Resources

Understanding Operating Systems

Operating Systems Quiz

Operating Systems Tutorial