Computing Fundamentals Module A Unit 2 Using Windows

Computing Fundamentals Module A Unit 2: Using Windows Vista Lesson Topic 8 Looking at Operating Systems 9 Looking at the Windows Desktop 10 Starting Application Programs 11 Looking at Files and Folders 12 Using the Recycle Bin 13 Customizing System Settings 14 Installing and Uninstalling Programs © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 1

Lesson 8: Looking at Operating Systems • what an operating system is • identifying different operating systems • how operating systems interact with other computers • capabilities and limitations of operating systems • common problems related to operating systems © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 2

Looking at Operating Systems • Controls interaction and communication with user to: – Manage input devices, output devices, and storage devices – Manages files stored on computer and recognizes file types • DOS was text-based software and required single line commands to perform functions • With exception of Unix, all other computers use graphical operating system like Windows or Mac OS • GUI enables you to use pointing device to point and select functions – Many functions or commands appear as buttons or icons to represent task © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 3

Looking at Operating Systems • Vista – Operating system for PCs – WYSIWYG screen display enables instant preview of what is available © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 4

Looking at Operating Systems • Designed for Apple Macintosh computers • Uses graphics interface so computer will be much easier and faster • Newer versions of Mac operating systems use Unix as its underlying structure © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 5

Looking at Operating Systems • Unix – Released in early 1970 s by programmers for programmers – Designed with portability in mind for multiple uses and users – Main drawback is it is based on one-line commands controlling functions – Very popular with universities and scientific or research organizations • Linux – Based on Unix with a graphical user interface – Readily available and very popular for use with high-end servers and entrepreneurial software developers © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 6

Looking at Operating Systems • Handheld Operating Systems – Work with PDA device • Embedded Operating Systems – Manage and control operations for specific types of equipment for which they are designed – Follows process similar to those used in typical computing devices, but recognizes purpose of specialized equipment – Some manufacturers embedding modified version of Windows for programs so they simulate PC environment © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 7

Using Different Operating Systems • Operating systems designed to interact with each other to share data or communicate • Network system manages and controls resources and data for network – May be combination of one or more servers with varying operating systems, and devices to secure servers and data storage – May be set to identify hardware person using as well as rights to network access, internal or external • Equipment with embedded operating systems interact with larger systems with network operating systems installed © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 8

Identifying Capabilities and Limitations • Save files using names up to 256 characters long – If PC, cannot use ? : < > | – If Mac, : cannot be used • Can open two or more programs at same time • Can customize operating system to your preference – May be restricted in environments such as school or company network • Can install programs or download items from the Internet. • May be restricted in environments such as school or company network • Can view contents of folders for other departments but cannot move or delete any of these files – Can make copy of the file to your own folder but cannot change original © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 9

Common Issues with Operating Systems • Incompatibility between application program and operating system • If device does not work, operating system cannot identify hardware • Other problems can arise from: – Power failures – Shutting down computer incorrectly – Installing too much software or installing it incorrectly – Viruses – Conflict between software and the operating system – Deleting system files • If system displays many error messages or requires you to restart computer several times, check with specialist to reinstall or upgrade the operating system • Operating system or an application program may fail after an update • If cannot access particular PC, drive, software program, file, or folder, then login ID is incorrect, or network restrictions placed on your ID © CCI Learning Solutions Inc. 10