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T111. Operating Systems. Define: Operating System (OS). “ An operating system (commonly abbreviated to either OS or O/S) is an interface between hardware and user; it is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the limited resources of the computer.”
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T111 Operating Systems
Define: Operating System (OS) “An operating system (commonly abbreviated to either OS or O/S) is an interface between hardware and user; it is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of the limited resources of the computer.” (Wikipedia, 2009)
Operating Systems • A collection of programs used to control a computer • The most fundamental and important program on a computer • Controls and manages a PC’s resources • Provides the foundation for all application software
Why do we need an OS? • Wouldn’t applications run faster without a bloated OS using up a PC's resources? • This is how it used to be done!
Then… User Application Hardware
Now… User App App App O/S Firmware Hardware
Functions of an Operating System The operating system's tasks, in the most general sense, fall into six categories: • Process management • Memory management • Device management • Storage management • Application interface • User interface
OS Terminology • GUI • Contains graphics and icons and is commonly navigated by using a mouse • Multi-user • Allows for multiple users to use the same computer at the same time and/or different times • Single-user, single task • Can effectively do one thing at a time. • Multiprocessing • Supports and utilises more than one computer processor
OS Terminology • Multitasking • Capable of allowing multiple software processes to be run at the same time • Multithreading • Allow different parts of a software program to run concurrently
Types of OS • DOS • Windows • Linux • Unix • Mac OS • Chrome OS Many different flavours
OS Usage • Windows XP is still the most popular operating system. The Windows family counts for about 90% • http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_os.asp
32-bit VS 64-bit • Refers to the address bus width • 64-bit allows the OS to address more than 32-bit limit of 4GB of memory • OS and CPU must be 64-bit for it to work • Requires programs to be compiled as 64-bit or to run in emulated mode
Windows XP • Still the most used OS • Compatible with most software / hardware • Still being updated / patched with security fixes • All support will be dropped on April 8, 2014 • Versions • Professional • Home • 64 bit Edition • Starter Edition (very limited, for developing countries eg. Maximum of 512MB RAM)
Windows Vista • Requires much higher hardware specs than XP • Versions: • Home Basic • Home Premium • Business • Ultimate • Starter Edition (Maximum of 1GB RAM)
Windows Vista • Criticism affecting uptake • Bloated • Difficult to do simple tasks • Requires hardware upgrade in many cases • Not suitable for businesses • Poor driver support • Windows 7 is just around the corner – slated to cure most of these problems
Windows 7 • Latest version of Windows • Some new features • New Task bar • Better device management eg. Mp3 players • Better search functions • Redesigned Task bar / Start Menu • New version of calculator! • Some features removed • Windows Sidebar • Windows Mail • Windows Movie Maker • Windows Calendar
Windows 7 System Requirements Windows Vista Windows 7
Windows 7 Editions • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions#Comparison_chart
Ubuntu • Free! • Based on Linux • Stable • Secure • Uses Gnome • Has a few variants: • Kubuntu (KDE) • Xbuntu (For low spec machines) • Ubuntu Server • “In January 2009 the New York Times reported that Ubuntu now has over ten million users.”-Wikipedia
Ubuntu • System Requirements