110 likes | 267 Views
IST 222. Day 3. Homework for Today. Take up homework and go over Go to Microsoft website and check out their hardware compatibility list. Complete discussion from Day 2 Outline. Read about the hardware – Chapter 2 pp. 42-51. How an Operating System Works. An OS Provides a User Interface
E N D
IST 222 Day 3
Homework for Today • Take up homework and go over • Go to Microsoft website and check out their hardware compatibility list
How an Operating System Works • An OS Provides a User Interface • An OS Manages Files and Folders • An OS Manages Applications • An OS Manages Hardware
An OS Manages Files and Folders • Windows uses several different file systems: • FAT – most recent version is FAT 32 • NTFS • Supported by Windows NT, 2000 and XP • Designed to be used on hard drives to give more security than does FAT
Files and Directories • When a hard drive is first installed and formatted, there is a single directory on the drive that is called the root directory (C:\) • A physical drive can be divided into one or more partitions, either primary or extended • Primary partition can have just one logical drive • Extended partition can have one or more logical drives • Most hard drives contain one primary partition that has one logical drive (C:) and one extended partition that has one or more logical drives • Each logical drive is formatted for a specific file system (FAT or NTFS) • Each logical drive has its own root directory • C: might be formatted using FAT and D may be formatted using NTFS
An OS Manages Applications • OS allows us to install and run a application • XP is available to the application for the entire time it is running • The application passes certain information to XP as it executes • An application is written to work with a specific OS • Windows NT/2000/XP offer four ways to execute software: • Shortcut icon on the desktop • Use start menu • Use the run command • Use Windows Explorer
OS Manages Hardware • OS uses device drivers to interface with hardware • Device drives are small programs stored on the hard drive • A device drive is specific to a certain device • Windows 98 supports 16-bit and 32-bit drivers • Windows NT/2000/XP only support 32-bit drivers • Always check HCL before installing a device
OS Tools • Device Manager – primary tool used to manage hardware devices • You can update a driver, enable or disable a device, or uninstall a device from this window • System Information Utility • Similar to Device Manager, but gives more info • Microsoft Diagnostic Utility – available in DOS and Windows 9x
Homework for Next Class • Chapter 2 – Go over the Reviewing the Basics – p. 69. You don’t have to turn this in, just go over the material • P. 71 of your A+ text: Project 2-1 – Using the System Information utility. Answer questions a.-g. using this utility. • Lab 1.3 of your lab book. Use Shareware to examine a computer. Answer all questions associated with the lab.