Transcript Windows XP File System

Computer Operating Systems
Huh?
Computer Operating Systems
This lesson will cover:
• Different Systems for Different Needs
• GUI versus Command line
• Operating System overview
• The Microsoft Windows Family
• Windows XP
• Computer File Systems
…these topics are from Chapter 2...
Computer Operating Systems
Operating systems (OS) manage the input and output of
data and the interpretation of instructions. It is the
operating system of a computer that allows all the hardware
to communicate and provide the services that the user
requests. An operating system is no more than a software
application, but it is the most important software on any
computer.
Different Systems for different needs
Computers are just like any machine, different uses require
different functions. The range of computers from
mainframes to handheld devices, perform very different
tasks and do so at various levels of competency. When we
discuss Operating Systems for computers these factors are
very important. Some systems, like UNIX or Linux, are
very robust and secure, but they are also very difficult for
the average user to understand and use effectively.
Different Systems for different needs
Windows however, is not so finicky. It is also not very
secure or stable (compared to a UNIX system), but it is
easy to master. There lies its strength; it is the operating
system of the masses, a compromise between
functionality and usability.
GUI versus Command line
Windows XP, like Windows 2000, Windows 98 and all the
Windows that came before, uses a Graphical User
Interface, or GUI. A GUI employs graphical
representations of the file system and the intricate
functions of the operating system to eliminate the need to
learn complex commands. This makes learning to use
the software easier, and therefore, more useful to more
people.
GUI versus Command line
Systems that do not incorporate a GUI generally accept
commands from a command line. For example, you
might enter a text command such as dir or ls to show
the contents of a folder (or directory).
Windows was originally developed as a Graphical
User Interface for MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk
Operating System) in an effort to shield the user from
the command line and make DOS (Disk Operating
System) more “user friendly”.
Using a Command Line Interface…
After entering the command
“ver” at the command prompt
and pressing the enter key…
The operating system name and
version number are displayed…
Then the prompt returns for the
entry of another command…
This is the command prompt that is accessible through Windows
XP. It is a command line interface to the XP operating system.
Notice the difference…
Two commands, “time” and “date”, are entered with
primitive results…
Notice the difference…
…when one click on the Windows XP taskbar gives you this.
A (very brief) overview of some
Computer Operating Systems
The following slides show screen captures of
various operating systems in action. Though
their internals differ, you will notice a similarity
among the GUIs…
The Apple Lisa…
Apple released the Lisa in 1983. It featured a 5-MHz CPU, 1MB RAM,
a 12-inch Black and White monitor, dual 5.25-inch floppy drives, and a
5MB hard drive all for the low price of $10,000…
MS-DOS…
time, displays the current system
time and allows you to change it
type /?, displays help for the
type command… /? is the
command to display help.
type dos.txt, displays the contents of the file dos.txt which is on the C:
drive (because the filename was issued without a path it looks in the
current directory, C:).
This is an example of the MS-DOS command line session. Three
commands have been entered, time, type /?, and type dos.txt.
MS-DOS…
This screen capture shows the MS-DOS program “edit”, which is not a
command line application, but still is a native DOS program.
Windows, version 1.01
The earliest version of Windows were basically graphical interfaces to
MS-DOS. Microsoft prefers the phrase “graphical operating
environment”. Windows, version 1, was released in November 1985.
Windows, version 3.1
Windows, version 3.1 …still a graphical interface for MS-DOS,
included more features and “native” application support.
OS/2
Although it is starting to show its age, OS/2 is still used by many large
corporations in mission critical functions such as banking.
AtheOS
AtheOS is a free desktop operating system. AtheOS currently runs on
Intel, AMD and other compatible processors.
Linux (SuSE distribution)
Linux, much the same as with UNIX systems, can be used with a GUI
(here is shown the KDE desktop using XFree86) or from a command
line.
Mac OS 8
Apple’s use and development of the Graphical User Interface, as shown
here in a Mac OS 8 screen capture, shaped standards, which are still
used today in many other systems from UNIX to Windows.
Mac OS X…or, OS 10
Mac OS X is a completely new operating system for the Macintosh. It
is based on UNIX and runs many applications originally written for
those systems.
LindowsOS
LindowsOS is a Linux distribution that is setting itself up as the “bridge”
to lead PC users from Microsoft’s Windows products.
GNOME Desktop for Windows
GNOME is a free, open source desktop that runs on many operating
systems, including Windows. Here you see the GIMP, a free graphics
program like Photoshop, running on Windows desktop.
The Microsoft Windows Family
Microsoft Windows began as an idea for a friendlier
interface for the current Disk Operating System (DOS).
In fact, the first development by the company in this area
was called the Interface Manager. This was in September
of 1981, the same year Bill Gates said, “640 K ought to be
enough for anybody” (referring to a PC’s memory
requirements).
The Microsoft Windows Family
Windows’ development has been characterized by missteps and
“borrowed” ideas…by the way where did Microsoft Bob come
from…or better yet, where do he go so fast?
The Microsoft Windows Family
If you are interested in dates and timelines go to this web
site:
http://www.computerhope.com/history/windows.htm
More details on the evolution of Microsoft Windows (with
screen captures) can be found at:
http://toastytech.com/guis/
http://members.fortunecity.com/pcmuseum/windows.htm
http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa080499.htm
File Systems – How Computers Manage Data
This subject may seem a bit technical and even unnecessary
for the “average” PC user, but knowing how your file
system works can allow you to:
•
•
•
•
Share your files with other users.
Hide your files from other users.
Save and protect your data from loss.
Move your files or take them with you when you are
not using your “home” PC.
• Organize your data (files) in a way that makes sense
to you and suits your needs.
• Make your Operating System work for you…
Computer File Systems
A computer’s file system is its method of organizing the
data stored on its Secondary or Mass storage devices,
such as hard disks and CD-ROMs. Generally, the file
system is dictated by the operating system, each having
its own preferred type. Some operating systems, such as
Windows XP, can use more than one file system as its
primary file system.
Windows XP File Systems
Windows XP can use three types of file systems; these are considered
native Windows file systems:
• NTFS (New Technology File System) - this is the standard XP file
system, it provides the most efficient storage and the best data security.
• FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32 bit) - This system is compatible
with Windows applications written for Windows 95 and later versions
of Windows.
• FAT (File Allocation Table) - This 16 bit file system was created for
DOS and suffers from poor security, inefficient storage and a filename
limit of 11 characters (8 characters with a 3 character file extension).
Many older programs still require this file system.
Computer File Systems
Computers need to manage data in a way that makes user
access and data management as easy as possible.
Most operating systems use a Hierarchical file system to
organize and mange data. To use a system like this, your
computer needs to define the levels of the hierarchy. This is
done by making the basic data structure a file.
Computer File Systems
Files are organized into folders or directories, which are
placed in a drive.
Relationship of Files to Folders to Drives
Hard Drive
Partition
File
Folder
Hierarchical File Systems
Windows XP uses a
hierarchical file system. The
figure to the right shows a file
system tree. The top level is
called the root. Every drive has
a root. Below the root are
located all the folders and files
on that drive. Some files exist
in the root of the drive; the
others must be situated within a
folder. The subordinate folders
may contain only files, or only
folders or both.
Root level
Windows XP File System
Windows XP uses the same analogy of a tree and the
hierarchy to display the file system to you. You can see
from the view of XP’s My Computer folder on the
following slide. That file system tree closely resembles the
generic tree previously shown. Windows XP does,
however, make some important changes to this view for
your ease of use. The Desktop folder is always shown as
the top-level folder with the actual drives, folders and files
placed in the My Computer branch of the tree.
Remember, the Desktop is NOT the root of a Windows XP
file system!
Windows XP File System
The Windows XP file system as represented by My Computer…
The Desktop folder
The My Computer folder is the place
where the file system tree is located…
The A drive (floppy)
The C drive, the root folder
Zip drive
The CD-ROM drive
Network drives
Windows XP File System
The three basic elements of the Windows XP file system are:
• File – this is the smallest element of a file system.. There are two types of
files: data files and executable files. A data file stores only data and is used by
executable files (or programs) as a source of input or output.
• Folder or Directory – a folder is an object used to organize and store files.
Folders can be divided into sub folders to further aid in organization. Some
operating systems use the term “directory” instead of folder.
• Drive or Partition – a drive is either the whole or a portion of a mass storage
device such as a hard disk. When you divide the hard disk into more than one
drive, you are partitioning it. Drives are given letter names from C and can go to
Z. When a PC uses tape drives and other removable drives, such as Zip and Jazz
drives, they, too, may appear with a drive letter. Floppy drive letters are always
either A or B. Any drive can also have a label which is like a nickname.
Windows XP File System
Some of the common drive types used by Windows XP and
their associated icons are:
Hard disk or a partition of a physical hard drive
Floppy disk drive
CD-ROM or DVD drive
Removable media drive, such as a Zip drive
Network drive
File Paths…
Every file has a path. A file’s path is simply the complete
address for that file within the file hierarchy. For example a
file that exists:
On the C drive…
In the Program Files folder,
In the Windows NT sub-folder,
In the Accessories sub-folder,
Named wordpad.exe
would have the following path:
C:\Program Files\WindowsNT\Accessories\wordpad.exe
The path:
C:\Program Files\WindowsNT\Accessories\wordpad.exe,
as represented in Windows Explorer’s “address” box…