Operating System

In ICT grade 10, I learn about Operting System.

OPERATING SYSTEM

What is Operating System?
The Operating System (OS) of a computer is the complex software that actually controls the input, output and storage devices of the computer, as well as acting as an interface between the user and any other software that is installed.


Example of Operating System:

Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows NT, LINUX and UNIX are different operating systems that can be used to control computers.

    What Can Operating System Does?

• Managing the priorities for each programming task that is running

•Allocating and keeping track of the memory used for storing programs and data

•Managing the transfer of data between memory and the backing store

•Handling input operations from the user and from other input devices

•Handling output operations

•Managing the system security

Graphical User Interface, sometimes called a WIMP interface (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer).

The contents of folders (directories) and the output from programs are displayed in rectangular 'windows' which
can be moved. Icons (small pictures) are used to represent files or software and the mouse can be used to move the icons, run programs and select options from the menus.

 Features of a good GUI:

a)      Items are placed in similar positions on different screens.

b)      Navigation between screens is easy and consistent with an escape route available to return to a main screen.

c)       Text should be easy to read for all users.

Command Line Interface, commands are typed directly into the computer and then the enter button is pressed to run them.

The commands must be entered correctly and are often abbreviated. They can be difficult to remember.

Example:

c:>copy c:\examplefile.doc a:

 This command would copy a file called 'examplefile.doc' from the hard drive (drive C) to a floppy disk (drive A).

 This command would copy a file called 'examplefile.doc' from the hard drive (drive C) to a floppy disk (drive A).

CLI	GUI
The user has to know the commands or look them up	The commands are much more intuitive
The commands usually have to be entered in full	Command shortcuts are possible such as <Ctrl> C to copy
The user has to learn the commands and more training is needed	Less learning and training by the user is required
The interface can be more difficult to use and the user is more likely to make mistakes	The GUI is more user-friendly
There are no graphics	Graphics are used to represent tasks, files etc.
There are no menus	Menus are used for making choices and selections
The user has complete control	The user choices are restricted to those on the menus
Commands have to be entered accurately with the correct spellings and syntax (rules)	Spelling and typing errors are avoided
No pointing device is used	A pointing device is used to select items and make choices