Transcript Operating Systems

Operating Systems
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
Development of computers
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
1st Generation computers
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Used vacuum tubes.
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Vacuum tubes are electronic devices that control the flow of
electrons.
Had no operating systems.
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Used custom application programs, which were made for the
specific task that the computer was to perform.
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D. Beecroft
Instructions were necessary for every aspect of the computing job.
Fremont High School
2009-2010
2nd Generation computers
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Used transistors.
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Transistors performed
functions similar to vacuum
tubes, but they were smaller,
cheaper, less power-hungry,
and more reliable.
Ran programming language
compilers.

Used English like commands
rather than binary numbers.
 Made it possible to develop
software.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
3rd Generation computers
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Used integrated circuits.
Minicomputers were introduced.
and less powerful than 1st and 2nd generation
computers, but had the ability to run multiple
programs for multiple users simultaneously.
 Smaller
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
4th Generation computers

Used general-purpose microprocessors.
 Computer
systems were smaller, faster, and less
expensive than 3rd generation computers.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
System Software
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A type of software that consists of
a set of programs that control the
operations of a computer system,
including the computer itself and
all components and devices that
comprise the computer system.
System software serves as the
interface between the user, the
user’s application software, and
the computer’s hardware.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
Operating System (OS)

A type of software that
creates a user interface
and supports the
workings of computer
devices and software
programs that perform
specific jobs.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
Platform

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A hardware and/or software architecture.
Two popular platforms
 PC
 Mac
Multitasking
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The ability of an operating system to run more
than one software program at a time.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A computer interface that enables a user
to control the computer and launch
commands by pointing and clicking at
graphical objects such as windows, icons,
and menu items.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
Application Software
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Programs that enable a user to perform specific
tasks.
Common application software:
 Word processors
 Database programs
 Spreadsheets
 Desktop
D. Beecroft
publishing
Fremont High School
2009-2010
Data Files
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Created using
application
programs.
Files cannot be
opened alone. Can
only be opened
within the application
software.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
Definitions

Program

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Drive
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A location on a network that is set aside for the collection of data.
Folder

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A set of instructions to be executed by a computer; types of
programs include applications and operating systems.
A simulated file folder that holds data, applications, and other
folders.
File

A collection of bytes stored as an individual entity.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
Definitions…Continued
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Menu
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An on-screen set of options from which a user
can make selections by clicking on an option.
Icon

A graphic symbol that represents a software
program, a command, or a feature.
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010
Resources
Fuller, Floyd. Computers: Navigating
Change. EMC Paradigm, 2002.
Parsons, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja.
Computer Concepts. Boston: Course
Technology - Thompson Learning, 2002.
Shelly, Gary B.; Cashman, Thomas J.;
Vermaat, Misty E. Discovering Computers
2003. Boston: Course Technology –
Thompson Learning, 2002.
http://cil.usu.edu/comptech/OSTutorial/
D. Beecroft
Fremont High School
2009-2010