Operating Systems and File Management - Study Notes

Lesson Objectives

  • Explain the pros and cons of different types of operating systems

  • Explain how an operating system works

  • Personalize a computer operating system, as well as its software and hardware, to increase productivity

  • Manage files and folders

Differences Between Operating Systems and System Software

  • System software: the software that runs a computer, including the operating system and the utilities

  • Operating system (OS): a program that manages the complete operation of your computer or mobile device and lets you interact with it

    • Platform

    • Most operating systems come installed on your computer or device

Differences Between the Major Operating Systems (Overview)

  • Desktop Operating Systems (table-like overview):

    • Windows: Desktop computers, laptops, and some tablets; Notable features include Cortana, touchscreen input, HoloLens headsets, and built-in apps such as the Microsoft Edge browser

    • macOS: Macintosh desktop computers and laptops; Notable features include the Siri virtual assistant, coordination with Apple mobile devices, and cloud file storage

    • UNIX: Most computers and devices; Multitasking operating system with many versions (code licensed to different developers)

    • LINUX: Desktop computers, laptops, and some tablets; Distributed under the terms of a General Public License (GPL) allowing copying, sharing, or selling

    • Chrome OS: Chromebook laptops; Based on Linux; uses the Google Chrome browser as its user interface and primarily runs web apps

  • Server Operating Systems (table-like overview):

    • Windows Server: The server version of Windows with advanced security tools and Internet Information Services for managing web apps/services

    • macOS Server: Supports networks and servers; lets authorized users access servers from iPhones or other Apple devices

    • UNIX: Multipurpose OS for desktops and servers; widely used for web servers

  • Mobile Operating Systems (table-like overview):

    • Android: Developed by Google based on Linux; designed for smartphones and tablets

    • iOS: Runs only on Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod); derived from macOS

Desktop Components

  • Desktop

  • Window

  • Menu

  • Dialog boxes

  • File

    • Data file

    • Executable file

    • File format

    • File extension

  • Folder

  • Library

Explain How an Operating System Works

  • Describe the purpose of an operating system

  • Describe how an operating system manages memory

  • Outline the steps necessary for the boot process

  • Explain how operating systems manage input and output

The Purpose of an Operating System

  • Responsible for coordinating the resources and activities on a computer

  • Manages interactions between hardware and software

Describe How an Operating System Manages Memory

  • Memory components and types:

    • RAM (random access memory)

    • Cache

    • Virtual memory

    • ROM (read-only memory)

    • Flash memory

  • Distinguish between volatile and nonvolatile memory

  • Understand how memory is allocated to running programs and processes

Describe the Boot Process

  • Boot Process steps:

    1. The computer receives power from the power supply or battery and sends it to the circuitry

    2. The processor runs the bootstrap program

    3. The bootstrap program executes tests to check the components

    4. The computer loads the operating system files into RAM, including the kernel

    5. The computer loads the system configuration information and startup programs

How Operating Systems Manage Input and Output

  • Input: data and instructions entered into memory of a device

  • Output: information processed into a useful form

  • Output is the goal of input

  • Buffer/Spooling

Personalize an OS to Increase Productivity

  • Customize system software

  • Customize hardware using system software

  • Manage desktop windows

  • Use administrative tools

Customize System Software (1 of 2)

  • Customize Settings—change default settings:

    • Change screen brightness

    • Add desktop themes

    • Adjust screen resolution

    • Adding a sound scheme

    • Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar

    • Selecting items to appear in the Notification area

Customize System Software (2 of 2)

  • Link your smartphone to your computer

  • Uninstall apps

  • Add accounts

  • Manage network connections

  • Adjust privacy settings

  • Customize desktop

    • Move taskbar

    • Add shortcuts

Customize Hardware Using System Software

  • Customize Hardware:

    • Pointing device: switch mouse buttons; adjust trackpad sensitivity

    • Keyboard: change commands for keys/shortcuts; change language/dialect; adjust toggle-key settings

Manage Desktop Windows (1 of 2)

  • Common Elements of Windows:

    • Center area displays contents

    • Title bar at the top displays the name of the app, file, or folder shown in the window

    • Buttons: Maximize, Minimize, Close, Restore Down

    • Vertical and horizontal scroll bars

Manage Desktop Windows (2 of 2)

  • Multiple windows can be open at once and appear side-by-side or stacked

  • The active window is the one currently in use

  • Windows can be resized and dragged to new locations

  • Program window

  • Folder window

Use Administrative Tools (1 of 6)

  • Resources: Components required to perform work (processor, RAM, storage space, and connected devices)

  • Windows Task Manager

  • Interact with a GUI: Tile, Icon, Button

Use Administrative Tools (2 of 6)

  • Adjust Power Settings: Shutdown/sleep options; Battery usage

Use Administrative Tools (3 of 6)

  • Utilities: Disk cleanup utility; Recycle bin/trash; File utilities (file management; search tool; file compression)

Use Administrative Tools (4 of 6)

  • Customize Windows Operating System:

    • Settings app

    • Control panel

    • Menus: Shortcut menu, Dialog box

    • Option/radio buttons

    • Check boxes

    • List boxes

Use Administrative Tools (5 of 6)

  • Run More than One Operating System:

    • Virtual machine: Requires an app designed to set up/manage VMs

    • Installation files for the OS to run on the VM are required

    • Runs on a partition

Use Administrative Tools (6 of 6)

  • Manage User Accounts:

    • User accounts identify resources a user can access

    • Protect your computer against unauthorized access

    • Administrator account provides full access

Manage Files and Folders

  • Compress and uncompress files

  • Save files to folders and filing systems

  • Determine file properties

  • Manage file names and file placement

  • Manage folder names and folder placement

  • Organize files using file management tools

Compress and Uncompress Files

  • File size is usually measured in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB)

  • Files and folders may need to be compressed before they can be shared or transferred

  • Note on sizes:

    • 1 KB = 10^3 bytes

    • 1 MB = 10^6 bytes

    • 1 GB = 10^9 bytes

    • In short, sizes can be expressed in KB\text{KB}, MB\text{MB}, GB\text{GB} as needed

Save Files to Folders and Filing Systems

  • Name the file

  • Save to the computer, flash drive, or cloud

  • If creating or editing a file, save frequently; web apps save changes automatically as you work

  • Use Save As or Save a Copy to save with a new name or in a new location

Determine File Properties

  • Every file has properties: name, type, location, size

  • Dates: created, modified, last accessed

  • The operating system assigns some properties (e.g., type or format) and updates others (date, size, location)

Manage File Names and File Placement (1 of 2)

  • File Names:

    • When you save a file, you must give it a name that follows the OS's file-naming conventions

    • Most file names contain an extension that indicates its contents or the application that can open it

    • File name extensions are added automatically when you save, but you can change the extension in some cases

Manage File Names and File Placement (2 of 2)

  • File Placement:

    • Each folder can include only one file with the same name and type

    • Be as specific as possible when naming files

    • Copying or moving files: use the Clipboard or drag between file management windows

    • To open a saved file, navigate to the file’s location using the file manager or Open dialog within a program; double-click or select and click Open

Manage Folder Names and Folder Placement

  • You can create a new folder in a file manager such as File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (macOS)

  • To create a folder, click New Folder; the default name is "New folder"; to rename, select the folder and click again to edit, then type the new name and press Enter

  • Within the file manager, you can move, copy, and delete folders just as with files

Organize Files Using File Management Tools

  • File management tools:

    • Windows 10: File Explorer

    • macOS: Finder

  • File manager functions include:

    • View frequently or recently opened files and folders

    • View the main folders on your computer or device

    • Search by file name, content, date, and more