Microsoft 1: Windows OS Intro: Ch 2

Myers CompTIA A+ Guide Ch 2 from "Computing Software" on

Software

• Any premade set of binary instructions that a CPU can read and react to. 

• The set of instructions that direct a computer’s hardware to perform a task.

• Types: system software + application software 

Operating System Functions include:

• Creates a User Interface (UI), a visual representation of the computer

• Provides a method for programs to communicate with the hardware of a device.

• Enables users to add, delete, run, and use programs / applications.

• Provides security methods against data loss, improper access, and other threats

User Interface (UI)

Visual representation of the computer on a monitor

Context Menu (from right click)

Pops up to provide options, shortcuts, and actions specific to the program selected.

Notification Area / System Tray

Usually the bottom right section of the taskbar, it provides quick access to system settings like volume, battery, and network connections, and shows notifications and programs running in the background.

Quick Link Menu

• Right click START

• Shortcut: WINDOWS + X

• Provides quick access to utilities applications and settings 

WINDOWS + LEFT/RIGHT ARROW (shortcut)

Pins open application to one half of monitor

Touch-first Apps

Programs designed specifically for touchscreen interfaces

Linux

• A free, open-source Operating System created in the mid 1990’s offering many DISTRIBUTIONS (DISTROS) featuring a variety of Desktop Environments (user interfaces, UIs).

• Ubuntu, a popular Linux distro

CLI

• Command Line Interface = a text-based program used to interact with a computer’s operating system and software, in contrast to the GUI with its visual elements like icons and mouse pointers. 

• Windows CLI = Command Prompt or PowerShell

• macOS CLI = Terminal

• Linux = Terminal

Terminal

Used in macOS and Linux, TERMINAL is a text-based program used to interact with a computer’s operating system and software, in contrast to the GUI with its visual elements like icons and mouse pointers. 

GUI

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE = A user interface in which the user interacts with the operating system through visual indicators like icons, windows, menus, and a mouse pointer, as opposed to text-based commands

• Makes computers more user-friendly and intuitive allowing for a broader range of users. 

Root Directory

• The top-most directory in a hierarchical file system.

• The system folder where the operating system is installed.

• Represented by a backslash (\) in Windows and a forward slash (/) Linux & macOS.

What is the difference between C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files (x86)?

64-bit applications are stored in Program Files and 32-bit applications Program Files (x86).

Where in Windows File Explorer would you go to show hidden files, folders, and drives?

The File Explorer VIEW TAB has options and advanced settings for turning on “show hidden files, etc.”, “show file extensions", icon settings, and more.

File Extension

• A suffix at the end of a computer file’s name (often after a dot), indicating the file's type or format.

• FILE EXTENSIONS have File Associations that tell the operating system which applications can open the file.

• Examples: .txt for text files, .jpg for image files, .mp3 for audio files.

Microsoft Management Console

• A Windows program made up of tools (snap-ins to MMC) for configuring and monitoring the system like “Settings”, “Control Panel”, “Administrative Tools”, “Device Manager”, and more.

• Shortcut: mmc (from run dialog)

• Individual tools often have a .msc file extension (management saved console).
  

Windows Tools / Administrative Tools

An MMC snap-in tool enabling hard drive set-up, disk cleanup, hyper-v manager, event viewer, task scheduler, and other system performance utilities.

Device Manager

• An MMC snap-in tool (or Control Panel applet) enabling users to examine the status of all hardware and device drivers.

• Shortcut: WINDOWS + X

• Shortcut: devmgmt.msc from run dialog

Which Linux KDE feature is essentially the Windows Start button?

Application Launch

Which of the following paths would open Computer Management in Windows 10/11?

Right-click the Start button and select Computer Management from the context menu.

In Linux KDE Plasma Desktop, where would you find the utilities or tools to manage the OS?

Settings app, found by opening the Application Launcher, in the lower left of the desktop, and searching for System Settings or selecting the Settings category

In Linux Gnome 3 Desktop where would you find the utilities or tools to manage the OS?

Settings app, found in the System Menu by clicking the down arrow in the top menu bar