Note on Computer Operating Systems and Related Technologies

Page 2: Operating System

• Role of the Computer and Operating System (OS)

  • The OS is essential for the computer to function, acting as a traffic controller.

  • Manages:

    • Input from keyboard

    • Output on screen

    • Mouse clicks

    • File saving and retrieval

    • Peripheral device commands

  • Provides access to applications (e.g., office software, email).

• Types of Operating Systems for Personal Computers

  • Microsoft Windows OS: Holds the majority market share.

  • Mac OSX: First OS for Mac released in 1984.

  • Linux: Free and open-source, primarily for web servers.

  • Google Chrome OS: Released in 2011 for Chromebook laptops.

Page 3: Cloud Computing

• Definition

  • Access to software and file storage on remote computers via the Internet.

• Features

  • Create and edit files using cloud apps.

  • Share and edit files simultaneously with other users.

  • File visibility options:

    • Publicly visible on the web.

    • Accessible via link without sign-in.

    • Private, requiring sign-in.

  • Collaboration features:

    • View, edit, and comment capabilities for shared users.

Page 4: Advantages of Cloud Storage

• Backup of Important Documents

  • Backup means a duplicate copy of a file.

  • Important to store backups in different geographical locations to prevent loss.

• Share and Edit

  • Access and edit files from any Internet-connected device with appropriate software.

Page 5: Limitations of Cloud Storage

• Challenges

  • No control over the cloud site.

  • Dependence on Internet access.

  • Vulnerability to cybercriminals.

  • Safety concerns regarding information.

  • Users must assess their comfort level with cloud computing.

Page 6: Software Program Copyright

• Open Source

  • Copyright protection with available source code for improvements.

  • Allows peer review for bug elimination (e.g., Google’s open-source projects).

• Shareware

  • Trial use with a fee for continued use; piracy is illegal.

• Freeware

  • Freely available but with restricted usage rights; copyright maintained by the author.

Page 7: Software Program Copyright Continued

• Public-Domain Software

  • No copyright restrictions; can be used freely.

• Commercial Software

  • Significant financial impact due to piracy (global rate around 39%).

  • Legal consequences include fines and jail terms.

• Software Piracy Risks

  • Legal repercussions and potential harm from viruses.

Page 8: Keyboard Shortcuts

• Useful links for keyboard shortcuts:

  • Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Apple Keyboard Shortcuts

Page 9: File Extensions & Data Encryption

• Managing File Extensions

  • File extensions indicate which program to use to open a file.

  • Compatibility through file extension translators in commercial software.

• Disk and Data Encryption

  • Protects private files (e.g., banking, social security).

  • Encrypted files require decryption for access, enhancing security.

Page 10: Speech Recognition

• Overview

  • Translates spoken words into text; has been available for decades.

  • Advances in technology have improved its functionality.

• Examples

  • Google Voice Search, Apple’s Siri, Amazon Echo with Alexa, Google Home.

  • Built-in features in Windows and Apple computers.

Page 11: Helping with Minor Problems

• Troubleshooting Nonresponsive Programs

  • Windows: Use Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open task manager.

  • Mac: Use Force Quit from the Apple menu or Command + Option + Escape.

  • Importance of saving work frequently to prevent data loss.

Page 12: What is Cloud Computing?

• Utilization

  • Accessing software and file storage remotely via the Internet.

  • Making calculations and predictions using computers.

  • Using external hardware for information storage and transport.

  • Connecting mobile devices to media sites.

Page 13: Speech Recognition in Healthcare

• Role in Healthcare Systems

  • Enhances data accuracy by converting spoken words into text for documentation.

  • Not primarily focused on scheduling or