5-1note

1. 5-1note

2. BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TODAY • Chapter Five • Killer Applications— • Using Your Operating System and Word Processor 2

3. FOCUS QUESTION • How can I use my operating system and word processor to work more productively? 3

4. Operating System • The operating system is the most important piece of software in your computer. • Many functions to help manage computing resources • process management • memory management • file management • network management • device management 4

5. Process Management • Processing tasks should be scheduled for different times to avoid crashing. • Scheduled processing tasks include • software updates • virus scanning • backup of data to other locations 5

6. Memory Management • The operating system can be configured to maximize the memory used by programs. This helps to avoid crashing and allows for more efficient multitasking. 6

7. File Management • There are two types of files: • 1. program files (applications) • 2. data files (documents) • File extensions help to recognize the kind of file you are accessing by the last few letters after the period. 7

8. File Management(continued) • When naming data files, keep in mind the following tips: • 1. Use fewer than 15 characters. • 2. Use a symbol to divide sections of information. • 3. Include the initials of the author in two characters or less. • 4. Identify the subject in five characters or less. • 5. Identify the date. • 6. Add an extension. 8

9. File Management(continued) • To organize files using folders and paths • store files in a logical place • think of electronic storage devices as filing cabinets • use folders to make paths that make sense to you • create folders and then subfolders to group your files together • Paths are the set of folders that must be opened to access a file. 9

10. Network Management • The operating system manages the computer’s connection to WANs, LANs, wireless networks, and the Internet. • Establish network connections using a wizard. • An ISP gives details on what to enter when using the wizard. 10

11. Device Management • Software called drivers must be installed on your computer to ensure communication between OS and device. • If more than one printing device is connected to a computer, you can select a default. 11

12. Keeping Things Organized • Clean up files every couple of weeks to keep your computer organized: • 1. Back up all important files. • 2. Delete files no longer needed. • 3. Move files to appropriate folders. • 4. Archive files that are rarely used. • 5. Empty Trash or Recycle Bin frequently. 12

13. Keeping Things Organized(continued) • Perform maintenance tasks regularly: • 1. Scan hard drive once a month using a tool like Windows XP Disk Cleanup. • 2. Clean monitor, keyboard, and mouse several times a month. • 3. Clean the dust out of computer case at least once a year. • 4. Ensure that cards in the motherboard are correctly inserted when you move your computer. • 5. Defragment your hard drive at least once a month. 13

14. Cleaning Computers Carefully • For a CRT monitor • clean using glass cleaner and soft cloth • clean case using a damp cloth • For a LCD monitor or a laptop • clean using special cleaner and soft cloth • do not use glass cleaner • For a keyboard • use cans of compressed air or sticky notes • For a mouse • use a damp cloth to remove dust from the outside of the case 14

15. Making Things Fit • Defragmenting eliminates gaps and puts file fragments closer to similar file fragments. • Once a month, you should defrag your computer. It can be a lengthy process. Follow these steps: • 1. Close all applications and disable screensaver. • 2. Start defragmenting software. • 3. A message will appear when defragmenting is complete. • 4. Enable the screensaver again. 15