Module4: Operating systems and file management
Operating systems allow you to make adjustments such as:
-Changing the brightness of the screen. -Adding a desktop theme, which is a predefined set of elements such as background images and colors. -Adjusting the screen resolution, which controls how much content you can see on a screen without scrolling -Adding a sound scheme, which associates sounds such as a bell chime with an event, such as closing a window -Pinning frequently used apps to the taskbar for easy access -Selecting items to appear in the Notification area
What does a computer or device use if it is slow and excepting or providing input or output?
A buffer
Bootstrap program
A built-in startup program that executes a series of tests to check components, including the RAM, keyboard, and storage, and identifies connected devices, and checks their settings
File
A collection of information stored on your computer, such as a text document, spreadsheet, photo, and song.
Cache
A holding area where your browser keeps a copy of each webpage you view. this temporary storage area helps speed up processing time
What is the main input device on a desktop computer or laptop?
A keyboard
Shortcut menu
A list of frequently use commands that relate to an object, typically displayed by right clicking; the commands on the shortcut menu are related to the item you write clicked
Menu
A list of related items, including folders, applications and commands
Folder
A named location on a storage medium that usually contains related documents
Window
A rectangular shaped work area that displays an app or a collection of files, folders, and windows tools
Icon
A small picture that represents a program, file, or hardware device
Library
A special folder that catalogs specific files and folders in a central location, regardless of where the items are actually stored on your device
Cloud
A storage area located on a server that you access through the Internet or a network. You can upload files to cloud storage to share them with others or to back up your files to a secure, offsite location you can access files stored on the cloud from any device connected to the Internet
Clipboard
A temporary window storage area that holds the selections you copy or cut so you can use them later. The clipboard saves the file or folder from the source file or folder until you paste it into the destinations file or folder
File extension
A three or four letter sequence, preceded by a period, at the end of a file name that identifies the file as a particular type of document, such as a .docx or .jpg
Dialog boxes
A window with controls that lets you tell windows how you want to complete an application programs command
Graphical user interface (GUI)
All the ways you interact with the device. Controls how you interact with menus, programs and apps, and visual images such as icons by touching, pointing, tapping, or clicking buttons and other objects to issue commands
web server
An Internet computer that stores webpages.
web app
An app stored on an Internet server that can be run entirely in a web browser.
Buffer
An area of memory that stores data and information waiting to be sent to an input or output device
Examples of unique properties in file types
An image my contain information about the dimensions or size of the image, Wally song or media file might include the artists names
Desktop operating system
An operating system installed on a single computer
How to manage RAM resources
An operating system keeps track of the apps, processes, and other tasks the system performs
Desktop
An operating system screen that contains icons for programs and files, as well as tool bars, task bars, menus and buttons you can use to start programs and apps
Input
Any data and instructions entered into the memory of a device. you can input data and instructions in many ways, including interacting with your touchscreen, or using a keyboard.
File utilities
Avoid wasting time searching for files you have saved, or to manage file locations in sizes, you can use file utilities
GUI
Based on graphical objects, where each object represents a task, command, or object. To interact with a GUI, you tap, click, double click, or perform some action with tiles, buttons, and icons
Byte
Basic storage unit in memory
Proponents of open source programs
Beacause The code is public, coders can examine, correct, and enhance programs
Gigabytes GB
Billions of bytes of data
Where are frequently used instructions and data stored?
Cache
Examples of input devices
Card readers, game controllers, and headsets with microphones, WebCams, scanners, touchpads or a mouse
To create a folder
Click the new folder button in your file manager. The folder name by default is new folder. To rename the folder something meaningful, select the folder and click it again to make it editable. Hope the new name, then press enter or click away from the folder. Folder name should identify the content and purpose of the folder as well as any other relevant information
Control panel
Collection of utility programs that determine how Windows appears and performs on your computer
Resources
Components required to perform work, such as the processor, ram, storage space, and connected devices
personalcomputer operating system
Computers designed for personal use, as opposed to commercial or industrial use
Memory
Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data into information
Executable file
Contains the instructions your computer or device needs to run programs and apps. You cannot open and read an executable file. You run it to perform a task, such as opening a program or app
Settings app
Contains touch friendly categories of the most commonly used windows settings, more advanced settings are found in the control panel.
Data file
Contains words, numbers, and pictures that you can manipulate. A spreadsheet, a database, a presentation, and a wordprocessing document all are data files
You can adjust the keyboard settings to change the commands associated with certain keys, and other modifications including:
Controlling the pointing device with the keyboard by using the arrow and other keys • Changing the language or dialect associated with the keyboard • Creating new keyboard shortcuts to commands, or enabling sticky keys, which allow you to press keyboard shortcuts one key at a time instead of simultaneously • Adjusting the settings for toggle keys, for example the CAPS LOCK key, which turn a feature on or off each time a user clicks or presses it
Steps in copying a folder
Ctrl plus C to create a new copy, or press and hold a key Ctrl or command and then drag it to its new location
Files can be divided into two categories
Data and executable
The main workspace is called a?
Desktop
What is a common solution for windows desktop systems?
Disk cleanup utility
Program window
Displays a running program
Folder Window
Displays the contents of a folder, Drive, or device
How to uncompress a file or folder
Double click the file in the file management tool, and either drag selected files to another folder, or instruct the tool to extract all files into a new folder.
Popular cloud storage apps
Dropbox, Microsoft one drive, Google Drive, and iCloud
What is a windows 10 file manager called
File explorer
Examples of file management tools
File management, search tool, file compression
Search tool
Find files that meet criteria you specify, such as characters in a file name, or the saved date
macOS file manager
Finder
Disk cleanup utility
Fines and removes unnecessary files, such as temporary Internet files or files in the recycle bin. Disk optimization utilities free up the space by reorganizing data
Files are stored in
Folders
File management
Gives you an overview of store files unless you open, rename, delete, move, and copy files and folders
Pointing device
Hardware device that lets you interact with your computer by controlling the movement of the pointer on your computer screen
Mobile operating system
Has features similar to those of a desktop operating system, but is focused on the needs of a mobile user and the capabilities of the device
Open source
Have no restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification and redistribution. Users can add functionality and sell or give away their version to others. Example: Linux
Button
Icons you click to execute commands you need to work with an office app
User accounts
Identifies the resources, such as apps and storage locations, a user can access when working with the computer. A standard user account design for the every day user, will be using the computer or device for work or recreation
Why is the modified date useful in file properties?
If you have several versions of a file and want to identify the most recent version. The operating system assigns some properties to files, such as type or format, and updates other properties, such as date, size, and location
Utilities
If your computer starts to slow down or act eratically you can use a utility to diagnose and repair the problem
Close button
In a Windows title bar, the rightmost button; closes the open window, app, or document.
Output
Information processed into a useful form such as text, graphics, audio, video, or any combination of these
Operating system (OS)
Is a program that manages the complete operation of your computer or mobile device and lets you interact with it.
Closed source
Keep all or some of the code hidden enabling developers to control and profit from the program they create. Standard features and can only be customized using the operating system's tools. Example: Microsoft windows and Mac OS
File size is usually measured in?
Kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes
Volatile memory
Memory that is temporary, and loses its contents when the power is turned off
Windows Server
Microsoft server operating system that includes advanced security tools and a set of programs called Internet Information Services that manage web apps and services
Megabytes MB
Millions of bytes of data
iOS
Mobile device operating system that runs only on Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod; derived from macOS
Examples of a pointing device
Mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing stick, on screen touch pointer, tablet, or for touch enabled devices, your hand or finger
UNIX
Multitasking operating system with many versions, as the code is licensed to different developers
Server operating system
Multiuser operating system because it controls a single, centralized server computer that supports many users on networked computers. Manages the network. Controls access to network resources, such as network printers. Supports all sizes of networks
File properties
Name, type, location, and size. They also include the dates when the file was created, modified, and last accessed
Restore Down button
On the right side of a maximized window's title bar, the center of three buttons that reduces a window to its last non-maximized size; in a restored window, this button changes to the Maximize button.
Maximize button
On the right side of a window's title bar, the center button of three buttons; used to expand a window so that it fills the entire screen.
Minimize button
On the right side of a window's title bar, the leftmost button of three buttons; use to reduce a window so that it only appears as an icon on the taskbar.
What happens once data is in memory?
Once data memory, the computer or device interprets it, and the system software executes instructions to process the data into information. Instructions used for processing data can be in the form of a program or app, commands, and user responses. The information processed into a useful form is referred to as output.
Boot process step 4.
Once the tests are completed successfully, the computer or device loads the operating system files into RAM, including the kernel. The kernel is the core of an operating system. It manages memory, runs programs, and assigns resources.
Another determination when choosing operating system is
Open versus closed source
Chrome OS
Operating system based on Linux that uses the Google Chrome browser as its user interface, and primarily runs web apps
Android
Operating system developed by Google based on Linux, and designed to be run on many types of smartphones and tablets
Dialog box controls include:
Option buttons also called a radio button it presents one choice. Check boxes: List boxes
Examples of output
Output displays on a screen or can be printed other output methods include speakers, headphones, and an interactive whiteboard
The technique of swapping items between memory and storage is called?
Paging. Paging is a time-consuming process. When an operating system spends more of its time paging instead of executing apps, the whole system slows down and it is said to be thrashing. You may be able to adjust the settings on your operating system to free up memory in order to enable your computer or device to run more quickly.
Nonvolatile memory
Permanent memory who's contents remain on the computer or device even when it is turned off
ROM read only memory
Permanently installed memory on your computer attached to the motherboard. The ROM chip contains the bios, which tells your computer how to start. In addition to computers and mobile devices many peripheral devices, such as printers, contain ROM.
And operating system that is installed on a single computer is called?
Personal computer operating system or a desktop operating system
Spooling
Placing data into a buffer. An example of spooling is when a document is sent to the buffer while it waits for the printer to be available. By sending data to a buffer, the operating system frees up resources to perform other tasks while the data waits to be processed
An operating system is also called
Platform
Delete a selected folder
Press delete. Deleting a folder removes it to the recycle bin or trash folder, where you can permanently delete it or restore it to its original location if you change your mind
Two types of windows on a desktop
Program window and a folder window
Administrator account
Provides full access to the computer. Additional responsibilities are installing programs and apps, adjusting security settings, and managing network access.
What is the most common type of volatile memory?
RAM
What does every program or app including the operating system require?
RAM The more RAM a device has, the more efficiently it runs. If several programs or apps are running simultaneously, your computer or device might use up it's available RAM. When this happens, the computer or device may run slowly. The operating system can allocate a portion of a storage medium, such as a hard disk, to become virtual memory to function as additional RAM.
Common types of non-volatile memory
ROM and flash memory
File compression
Reduces the size of a file to take up less storage space; compress files often have a .zip file extension and need to be decompressed or unzipped before they can be opened
Annoperating system controls your computer by managing?
Resources
How to move a folder
Select it and drag it to its new location you can move copy and delete folders moving a copy in your folder affects all of the contents of the folder.
How to compress the file or folder
Select it in your operating systems file management tool, and then instruct the tool to zip or compress the file
macOS Server
Server operating system that supports all sizes of networks and servers; lets authorized users access servers using their iPhones or other Apple devices
What can you use in windows to make adjustments to your operating system to make it look and work the way you want to?
Settings app and control panel
Tile
Shaded rectangle, such as the windows start menu, that represents an app or other resource.
Another type of menu
Shortcut menu
Shortcuts
Shortcuts do not place the actual file, folder, or app on the desktop it's still remains in the location where it is saved on your computer or device. A shortcut merely allows you to access the object from the desktop without going through the file manager or program menu such as the start menu
File name
Should identify the content and purpose of the file, as well as any other information, such as whether the file is a draft or final
What type of device is use a mobile operating system?
Smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices
Software as a service (SaaS)
Software that is distributed online for a monthly subscription or an annual fee.
Default settings
Standard settings that control how the screen is set up and how a document looks when you first start typing. As you continue to work with your computer or device, you may decide to customize the settings to be more productive
Identifying an operating system
State it's name and version number such as windows 10. some software manufacturers are doing away with version numbers and instead offering software as a service
RAM (random access memory)
Storage location that temporarily stores open apps and document data while a computer or device is on. The operating system assigns data and instructions to an area of memory while they are being processed. carefully monitors the contents of memory, and releases items when the processor no longer requires them
The area of the hard drive used for virtual memory is called a?
Swap file Because it swaps data, information, and instructions between memory and storage
System software
System is the software that runs a computer, including the operating system and utilities. The operating system and utility programs control the behind-the-scenes operations of a computer or mobile device.
What does your computer or device have to go through before you can interact with the operating system?
The boot process
Boot process step 3
The bootstrap program executes a series of tests to check the components, including the RAM, keyboard, and storage, and identifies connected devices and checks their settings.
Virtual memory
The capability of an operating system to temporarily store data on a storage medium until it can be "swapped" into RAM.
Common elements of windows
The center area of the window displays its contents. The title bar at the top displays the name of the app, file, or folder shown in the window. A maximize button and a minimize button on the title bar enable you to expand window so that it fills the entire screen or reduce a window so that only appears as an icon on the taskbar. A close button closes the open window app or document. The restore down button reduces the window to its last non-maximized size.
Boot process step 5
The computer or device loads the system configuration information, prompts you for user verification if necessary, and loads all startup programs, such as antivirus programs or apps.
Boot process step 1.
The computer or device receives power from the power supply or battery, and sends it to the circuitry
kernel
The core of an operating system; memory, runs programs, and assigns resources
Keyboard
The keyboard contains not only character such as letters, numbers, and punctuation, but also keys that can issue commands.
macOS
The operating system for Apple desktop and laptop computers; includes the Siri virtual assistant, coordination with Apple mobile devices, and cloud file storage
The purpose of an operating system
The operating system is responsible for coordinating the resources and activities on a computer. It also manages interactions between hardware and software. During this process the operating system directs internal components such as the processor, RAM, and storage space to manage and complete its tasks
Windows
The operating systems for Microsoft machines; supports the Cortana virtual assistant, touchscreen input, HoloLens headsets, and built-in apps such as the Microsoft Edge browser
File format
The organization and layout of data in a file. Determines the type or types of programs and apps that you can use to open and display or work with the file. Some files only can be open in the program with which they were created. Others, such as graphic files, can be open in multiple programs or apps
virtualization
The practice of sharing computing resources, such as servers or storage devices, among computers and devices on a network
Boot process step 2
The processor begins to run the bootstrap program, which is a special built-in startup program.
How an operating system manages memory
The purpose of memory management is to optimize the use of a computer or device is internal memory to allow the computer or device to run more efficiently
platform
The software, or operating system, a device uses.
Active window
The window you were currently using, which appears in front of any other open windows
Kilobytes (KB)
Thousands of bytes of data
How do you open the settings dialog box on a Windows machine?
To open the settings dialog box, click the start button on the windows taskbar, and then click the settings icon. In the window setting dialog box, click an option to access further options.
What do tools that come with operating systems allow you to do?
Tools allow you to create new, named folders; Choose the location of folders; move files between folders and create a folder hierarchy that include subfolders. Every file you save will have a destination folder by choosing the correct folder, or adding new folders, you can help keep your files accessible and organized
Utilities
Tools that you use to manage files, search for content or programs, view images, install and uninstall programs and apps, compress and back up files, and maintain the computer or device. Screensavers.
Flash memory
Type of non-volatile memory that can be erased electronically and rewritten. Flash memory chips also store data and programs on many mobile and peripheral devices, such a smart phones and digital cameras. most laptops and desktop computers have the option to add memory and storage. To increase the memory on a smart phone, you can add flash memory in the form of a microSD card
Linux
UNIX-based operating system for desktop computers, laptops, and some tablets; distributed under the terms of a General Public License (GPL), which allows you to copy the OS for your own use, to give to others, or to sell
To save a file with a new name or a new location
Use the save as or save a copy command to re-open the save as or save a copy dialog box, where you can edit the file name or choose a new location to which to save the file
To save a file with the same name
Use the save command
Method of copying or moving files
Using the clipboard
Computers and devices contain two types of memory
Volatile and non-volatile
How to choose an operating system
When selecting an operating system, users compare factors such as available programs and apps, hardware and software support and security. Be sure to read reviews by experts, as well as user feedback. determine your needs and priorities to choose the operating system that will help you be productive. Choose the most updated version of an operating system to take advantage of any new features as well as security settings and fixes
Managing file names and file placement
When you save a file you must give it a name that follows rules called file naming conventions. Each operating system has its own file naming conventions
Operating systems also provide utilities
Which enable you to perform maintenance type tasks related to managing the computer or device
Examples of file naming conventions
Windows file names contain up to 255 characters, but cannot include some symbols, such as Asterix or slashes. Only the colon is prohibited character in macOS
Windows task manager
You can open your computer or devices version of the task manager to view running programs and see the percentage of RAM being used. You can shut down programs and apps in the task manager to free up RAM
What are the advantages of using a flash drive?
You can remove it from your computer or device and then use it on a different computer or device. Saving a file to a flash drive means you are not saving it on the device or disk on which you're creating or editing it
How to organize files using file management tools
You can use a file manager to re-order, move, or navigate between folders. When you open the file manager you have access to frequently or recently open files and folders, favorite files and folders, in the main folder on your computer or device. Use a search tool to locate files and folders. Navigate to folder you need to locate it. Give your father scripted names and putting subfolders together in a folder, you can easily locate the files and folders you need
Viewing file properties
You can view the files properties to determine information not shown in the file manager, such as the original creation date, the program used to create the file, and more
Virtual machine
enables a computer or device to run another system, or to run multiple operating systems on one computer. To run a virtual machine if you have an app that is incompatible with your current operating operating system in addition to the one installed. You might want to enable a virtual machine, you need a program or app that is specifically designed to set up and files for the operating system you want to run on the virtual machine. The virtual machine runs separately in a manage virtual machines. You also will need access to installation section of the hard disk called a partition. You can only access one partition of a hard disk at a time.
Boot process
triggers a series of steps and checks as the computer loads the operating system
