1.4 Operating System Basics- COMPTIA A+ Essentials

OS tasks

-Receiving user input from input hardware devices such as the keyboard or mouse -Sending user output to output hardware devices such as the monitor or a printer -Controlling the use of processing devices by applications -Serving as a platform for applications -Moderating hardware -Providing security -Managing the file system

My Network Places

A built-in network browser showing all networks and shared folder a user has access to.

Distribution

A customized version of Linux created by modifying and optimizing the Linux kernel source code.

Applications

A subclass computer program that is designed for end users. Examples are database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs. They frequently come in suites.

Driver

A type of computer program that enables the operating system to interact with hardware devices.

My Network Places

Acts as a built-in network browser showing all networks and shared folders to which the user has access.

Interface

Allows the user to interact with the kernel and the utilities.

Open Source

Can make changes to the source code and compile it to make your own version of the software.

Desktop

Contains icons that access programs, files, applications, and file systems. Is what is seen when all programs and open folders are minimized.

Control Panel

Contains various utilities that change how a computer looks and behaves.

Task Bar

Displays icons for currently open documents and applications.

Pre-emptive multi-tasking

Forces applications to share the CPU.

System Tray

Icons representing all currently open applications is shown here.

Command line interfaces

In this interface, commands are executed through instructions written into a command line. Examples are MS-DOS and aspects of Linux.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

In this interface, the user executes commands by clicking on graphics and symbols. An example is Windows.

System Tray

Is usually located to the right of the taskbar. -Displays the time and date. -Displays icons that represent the applications and processes that are running behind the scenes on your computer such as audio volume, security programs, and connectivity to the Internet or a workgroup.

OS components

Kernel Utilities Interface (command line and GUI)

My Computer

Much like Windows Explorer in that it is a graphical user interface designed to give the user easy access to the file system.

Cooperative multitasking

Multiple processes must work together for the operating system to work effectively.

Windows Explorer

Provides a graphical user interface for accessing the file system.

Open Source

Source code is freely available to anyone who wants it.

Multi-tasking

The ability of an OS to run multiple applications simultaneously.

Multi-threading

The ability of an OS to run multiple parts of an application simultaneously.

Multi-processing

The ability of an OS to use multiple processing devices.

Kernel

The core of the operating system that is responsible for controling security, managing the file system, providing a platform for applications to run on, and moderates the hardware

System Tray

The current time is displayed here.

Start Menu

The easiest way to access the most useful things on your computer.

Utilities

The features or programs included with an operating system that perform system-related tasks. Common Windows examples are My Computer and the Control Panel.

UNIX

This OS is the foundation of the Mac OS X.

Taskbar

Typically displayed at the bottom of a Windows Interface to the right of the Start menu. -Contains icons that represent each program or application that is currently running. -Can be configured to display different types of toolbars.

X86

Windows, MacOS, and Linux run on this platform.