Technology in Action - MCCCokikeq/documents/Chapter4.pdf · The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Step 4: Checking Further Configurations and Customizations • Checks registry

Technology in Action

Alan Evans • Kendall Martin

Mary Anne Poatsy

Tenth Edition

Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

Technology in Action

Chapter 4 System Software:

The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management


Chapter Topics

• Operating System Fundamentals • What the Operating System Does • The Boot Process: Starting Your Computer • The Windows Interface • Organizing Your Computer: File

Management • Utility Programs

Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 2

Understanding System Software Operating System Fundamentals

• Two basic types of software – Application software is used to do everyday

tasks at home and work. – System software is the set of programs that

helps run the computer • Operating system is a group of programs that

controls how a computer system functions. • Utility programs are small programs that perform

many general housekeeping tasks.


Understanding System Software Operating System Fundamentals (cont.)

• Categorized by type of device in which they are installed – Mainframes – Network computers – Personal computers – Mobile devices – Robots


Understanding System Software Operating System Fundamentals (cont.)

• Operating System Fundamentals (cont.) – Modern operating systems allow multitasking – Windows and OS X provide networking

capabilities – Operating systems can be categorized by

type • Robots and specialized equipment • Mainframes and network computers • Mobile devices • Personal computers


Understanding System Software Real-Time Operating Systems

• Used for machinery that performs a repetitive series of specific tasks in an exact amount of time

• Require minimal user interaction – Car engines – Medical devices – Common appliances – Robotic cameras


Understanding System Software Operating Systems for Networks, Servers, and Mainframes

• Multiuser operating system enables more than one user to access the computer at one time

• Networks require a multiuser operating system


Understanding System Software Operating Systems for Networks, Servers, and Mainframes (cont.)

• Manage all user requests, ensuring they do not interfere with each other

• Examples include Windows Server, Linux, and UNIX


Understanding System Software Operating Systems for Networks, Servers, and Mainframes (cont.)

• UNIX is a…. – Multiuser, multitask operating system – Network operating system used primarily with

mainframes – A brand that belongs to The Open Group – Any vendor who meets requirements can use

the UNIX name and can modify the code to run specifically on their hardware


Understanding System Software Operating Systems for Mobile Devices

• Smartphones do more than let user make and answer phone calls

• Include productivity, media player, camera features, and Web connectivity


Understanding System Software Operating Systems for Mobile Devices (cont.)

• Most modern smartphones have modest multitasking capabilities – Check e-mail while making phone call

• Gaming systems and personal media players require system software developed for the device


Understanding System Software Operating Systems for Personal Computers

• Top three operating systems – Windows – Max OS X – Linux


Understanding System Software Operating Systems for Personal Computers (cont.)

• Windows – Multitasking capabilities – Networking capabilities – Windows 8 includes ability to use touch

commands on touch-screen monitors



• Mac OS: In 1984, first commercially available OS to incorporate a GUI

• Mountain Lion adds features: Messages, reminders, notes, and a notification center

• Mac OS X based on UNIX



• Linux – Open source OS – Personal computer and network OS – Reputation as a stable OS – Can be modified or updated quickly – Available for download as distros



• Platform: Combination of an OS and processor

• Windows and Linux run on most hardware sold today

• Application software is OS dependent



• More than one OS can run on one computer – Boot Camp utility in OS X – Parallels or VMware Fusion for Windows – Partition hard drive in Windows



• Cloud based OS – Prototypes are being developed – Still need a computer, operating system, and

web browser – Enables users to access applications and

content via the web anywhere, on any machine, and at any time

– Google is taking steps toward developing a complete web-based operating system


What the Operating System Does


OS: Coordinates and directs the flow of data and information through the computer system

What the Operating System Does The User Interface

• Enables user to interact with the computer

• Types of interfaces – Command-driven

interface – Menu-driven interface – Graphical user

interface (GUI)


What the Operating System Does The User Interface (cont.)

• Graphical user interface (GUI) – Used in Windows and Mac OS – Linux: No single default GUI interface; users

choose • GNOME • KDE


What the Operating System Does Processor Management

• CPU usually is asked to perform several tasks at once

• OS arranges for execution of all activities • Assigns a slice of time to each activity • Switches among processes millions of

times a second • Appears that everything is happening

seamlessly Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 22

What the Operating System Does Processor Management (cont.)

• Event: Created by keystrokes, mouse clicks, and printer and drive signals; requires OS to respond – Sequentially or concurrently – OS switches back and forth



• Interrupt: unique signal generated by the printer

• Interrupt handler: prioritizes the requests • Preemptive multitasking: the OS

processes tasks assigned a higher priority before processing a task assigned a lower priority



• When OS receives interrupt, it suspends current activity and creates memo in the stack

• OS coordinates activities for peripheral devices – OS puts request in buffer – Requests wait in buffer for the spooler – a

program that helps coordinate all print jobs Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 25

What the Operating System Does Memory and Storage Management

• OS uses RAM as a temporary storage area for instructions and data

• Processor accesses these instructions and data from RAM when it needs them

• OS is responsible for coordinating space allocation in RAM

• Clears item from RAM when processor no longer needs them


What the Operating System Does Virtual Memory

• RAM has limited capacity • When RAM is full, instructions and data

are stored on the hard drive


What the Operating System Does Virtual Memory (cont.)

• Borrowing hard drive space is called virtual memory – Swap file – Paging – Thrashing

• Increase RAM to avoid using virtual memory


What the Operating System Does Hardware and Peripheral Device Management

• Device drivers – Facilitate communication between device and

the operating system – Translates device’s commands into

commands the operating system can understand

• Plug and Play (PnP) – Hardware and software standard – Facilitates the installation of new hardware


What the Operating System Does Software Application Coordination

• For programs to work, they must contain code the CPU recognizes

• Application programming interface (API) – Blocks of code for similar procedures – Prevent redundancies in software code – Make it easier for software developers


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer

• The boot process loads the operating system into RAM


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Step 1: Activating BIOS

• CPU activates the basic input/output system (BIOS)

• BIOS: Program that manages the exchange of data between the OS and all the input and output devices attached to the system – Responsible for loading OS into RAM – Stored on ROM


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Step 2: Performing the Power-on Self-Test

• Power-on self test (POST): The first job BIOS performs, ensuring essential peripheral devices are attached and operational – CMOS: Complementary metal-oxide

semiconductor


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Step 3: Loading the OS

• System files – the main files of the OS • Loads OS into RAM

– Kernel is loaded – Kernel: Essential component of the OS

• Responsible for managing the processor and all components


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Step 4: Checking Further Configurations and Customizations

• Checks registry for configuration of other system components – Registry – contains all the different

configurations used by the OS and other applications

• Authentication: Verification of login name and password


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Step 4: Checking Further Configurations and Customizations

• Windows 8 • Default setting: Windows Live account -

free desktop and Web-based applications from Microsoft, most of which can be accessed from a personal home page


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Handling Errors in the Boot Process

• Uninstall recently installed software – Use uninstall program or Control Panel

• Last Known Good Configuration • Try refreshing your computer

– New in Windows 8


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Handling Errors in the Boot Process (cont.)

• Refresh your PC: New utility program in Windows 8 – Attempts to diagnose and fix errors – Back up PC prior to refreshing


The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Handling Errors in the Boot Process (cont.)

• During the boot process, BIOS can skip a device or improperly identify it

• Device won’t respond – Rebooting – Check for patches – Technical assistance


The Windows Interface

• Windows 8 – Designed for laptops, desktops, and tablet

PCs – Three ways to accomplish tasks

• Using a mouse • Touching the screen • Using keystrokes

– Start screen: the place where you begin all computing activities


The Windows Interface (cont.)

• Metro apps: Applications specifically designed to run on Metro interface of Windows 8 – Preinstalled: Photos, Messaging, and

Calendar – Download from Windows Store – Displayed full screen – Controls and settings are contained in app

bars – contains controls and settings Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 41


• Start screen based on Windows smartphones – Customizable

• Charms: Special shortcuts in Windows 8 – Located on Charms bar

• Pinning: Adding Metro apps to Start screen – Right-click icon to remove



• Ways to return to Start screen in Windows 8 – Press the Windows key – Display the Charms bar and click (or touch)

Start – Move your cursor to the lower left corner of

screen to display Start screen icon



• Right-clicking lower left corner of screen displays quick links menu

• Jump List: Most recently or commonly used files or commands for an application



• Switching between programs – Point cursor to upper left corner and drag

from left – Drag thumbnail of previous program to middle

of screen – Repeatedly swiping from left will scroll

backward through all open programs



• For a list of open programs – Position cursor in upper left corner until

thumbnail appears – Move cursor down to display list of

thumbnails: Switch list or press Alt + Tab



• Closing Metro App – Metro apps can snap into place on left or right

side of screen – Windows suspends Metro apps that aren’t

displayed – Press Alt + F4 to close Metro app from within

the app



• Mac OS X and Windows aren’t compatible but similar in functionality – Programs appear in resizable windows – Use menus and icons – OS X uses a Dock instead of Start screen



• Linux: Different distros feature different user interfaces – Most are based on familiar Windows and OS

X paradigms


Organizing Your Computer: File Management

• Additional function of the operating system is to enable file management

• Provides an organizational structure to the computer’s contents

• Uses hierarchical directory structure – Folders – Libraries – Drives


Organizing Your Computer: File Management Organizing Your Files

• A file is a collection of related pieces of information stored together

• A folder is a collection of files • A library gathers files from different

locations and displays them as if they were all saved in a single folder

• Root directory organizes all other folders and files


Organizing Your Computer: File Management Organizing Your Files (cont.)

• Windows Explorer: Main tool for finding, viewing, and managing the contents of computer – Shows location and contents of every drive,

folder, and file – Divided into two panes

• Creating folders is key to organizing files


Organizing Your Computer: File Management Viewing and Sorting Files and Folders

• Views button offers different ways to view folders and files – Details view – Large and Extra Large

Icons view – Search app – best way to search in Windows

8


Organizing Your Computer: File Management Viewing and Sorting Files and Folders


Organizing Your Computer: File Management Naming Files

• File name is the name you assign to the file when you save it – First part is similar to your first name

• In Windows, an extension, or file type, follows the file name and a period or dot (.) – Similar to a last name, extension identifies the

application needed to read the file – Mac and Linus don’t require file extensions


Organizing Your Computer: File Management Naming Files (cont.)



• Each OS has its own naming conventions • Up to 255 characters • All files must be uniquely identified



• File Save Location – Determine location of a file by its file path – File path includes drive, folders, subfolders,

the file name, and the extension • Path separators include a backslash (\) for

Windows, or colon (:) for Mac




Organizing Your Computer: File Management Working with Files

• File-management actions – Open – Copy – Move – Rename – Delete

• Recycle Bin (Windows) • Trash (Mac)


Utility Programs

• Small applications that perform special functions

• Some are incorporated into operating system – Firewall and file-compression utilities


Utility Programs (cont.)

• Stand-alone utility programs offer more features and require frequent updating – Antivirus and security programs – Freeware


Utility Programs Display Utilities

• Personalization has features to change the appearance of your desktop – Background – Screen savers – Window colors

• Vast array of downloadable options are available on the web


Utility Programs The Programs and Features Utility

• Installing a new program usually runs a wizard automatically that walks you through installation

• Delete programs by – Selecting the program’s own uninstall option – Windows uninstaller utility


Utility Programs File Compression Utilities

• Make a large file more compact • Easier and faster to send files over

Internet • Windows has built-in file compression

– Take out redundancies – Look for repeated patterns


Utility Programs System Maintenance Utilities

• Disk Cleanup removes unnecessary files – Recycle Bin – Temporary Internet files – Offline Web pages

• If not deleted, these files can hinder efficient performance


Utility Programs System Maintenance Utilities (cont.)



• Disk Defragmenter regroups related pieces of files on the hard disk

• FAT – file allocation table



• Error-checking checks for lost files and fragments and physical errors on hard drive

• Use Task Manager to check on program that has stopped working or to exit nonresponsive programs


Utility Programs System Restore and Backup Utilities

• Rolls system settings back to a specific date before problems – System restore point – Made every week – Before installing software – Custom restore point


Utility Programs System Restore and Backup Utilities (cont.)

• File History utility in Windows 8 creates a duplicate of libraries, desktop, contacts, and favorites and copies it to another storage device

• Backup – Creates a copy of data on the hard drive to

another storage device – Back up important files – Keep backup copy in safe location


Utility Programs How Disk Defragmenter Utilities Work

• Disk defragmenting: Groups together related pieces of files on the hard drive, allowing the OS to work more efficiently

• Defragmenting tools: Files scattered over the disk are placed together and arranged sequentially


Utility Programs How Disk Defragmenter Utilities Work (cont.)

• Windows 8: Disk defragmentation is set by default to automatically defragment the hard drive on a regular basis.

• Macs don’t have defragmentation utility built into the system


Utility Programs Accessibility Utilities

• Ease of Access Center – Centralized location for assistive technology


Chapter 5 Summary Questions

1. What software is included in system software?



2. What are the different kinds of operating systems?



3. What are the most common operating systems?



4. How does the operating system provide a means for users to interact with the computer?



5. How does the operating system help manage resources such as the processor, memory, storage, hardware, and peripheral devices?



6. How does the operating system interact with application software?



7. How does the operating system help the computer start up?



8. What are the main features of the Windows interface?



9. How does the operating system help you keep your computer organized?



10. What utility programs are included in system software and what do they do?


All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America.


Documents

Technology in Action - MCCCokikeq/documents/Chapter4.pdf · The Boot Process: Starting the Computer Step 4: Checking Further Configurations and Customizations • Checks registry