Chapter 10: Mobile, Linux, and OS X Operating Systems

Apple App Store

the only content source that iOS users are allowed to use to get apps and content. This ensures that Apple has cleared the content to be free of harmful code, meet strict performance guidelines, and does not infringe on copyrights.

Source Code

the sequence of instructions that is written in human readable language, before it is turned into machine language (zeroes and ones), an important component of free software as it allows the users to analyze and eventually modify the code

Verify Full System Functionality and Implement Preventative Measures

5th step in the troubleshooting process.

Document Findings, Actions and Outcomes

6th step in the troubleshooting process.

Update

Add functionality or increase performance (Android has so many devices they're not sent out as one package specially if the hardware can't handle it.), May offer security improvements.

ext3 and ext4

(third and fourth extended file system) Commonly used file systems in Linux keeping journals, or logs, of changes made to the file system thereby minimizing file corruption by sudden power loss. Supports up to 32 Tib (tetibytes) for ext4

Identify the problem

1st step in troubleshooting process

Rooting / Jailbreaking

2 names for removing restrictions (usually protective) added to mobile OSs. Rooting is the name for Android Oss, Jailbreaking for iOS devices. Full file system and kernel modules access are able but OS becomes vulnerable to malicious code and privacy breaches. Android allows rooting. Apple's updates usually resolves vulnerabilities that make jailbreaking possible thereby having to jailbreak it again. Rooting or jailbreaking a device is risky and may void the manufacturer's warranty. A rooted or jailbroken device greatly increases the risk of infection by a virus, because it might not properly create or maintain sandboxing features. A modified OS also provides user access to the root directory. This also grants malicious programs access to this sensitive area of the file system.

Baseband Updates

2 other updates (besides updates and patches) and are mobile radio firmware updates. See PRL and PRI.

Establish a Theory of Probable Cause

2nd step in the troubleshooting process.

Test the Theory to Determine Cause

3rd step in the troubleshooting process.

Establish a Plan of action to Resolve the Problem and Implement the Solution

4th step in the troubleshooting process.

Amazon App Store

Amazon's app store where chiefly Amazon's devices are default set to download free and paid apps, Google Play isn't a default option.

Geocaching

A GPS mapping app showing geocache locations (hidden containers around the world where users search and find them for fun, entering in a log of some kind).

Time Machine

A backup tool included with OS X.

Androidzoom

A content source provider for Android devices; an alternate place to get android apps rather than the Google play store, seems to be called Appszoom today. Apps should be only installed from trusted sources.

Closed Source (source code)

A developer chooses to not provide the source code to be able to modify for improvement.. Opposite: Open Source.

Open source (source code)

A developer chooses to provide the source code to be able to modify for improvement.. Opposite: Closed Source.

Remote backup

A device copies it's data to cloud storage through a backup app. Android backs up automatically the Calendar, mail and contacts and tracks app history to be re-downloaded. iOS gives 5 GB free, additional is paid for.

Virtual Assistant

A digital assistant, a program understanding natural conversational language and performs tasks. Examples: Google Now, Siri for iOS and Cortana for Windows.

Sandbox

A location of the Operating System keeping code isolated from other resources and other code. Mobile devices run this way but when an app asks for permissions upon installation, a malicious app has access to these resources another reason to use trusted sources for downloads, etc. Still, a malicious app being sandboxed can infect a pc next time it is synced with it. https://www.tomsguide.com/us/iphones-dont-need-antivirus-software,news-23111.html

Passcode Lock

A method to protect sensitive data theft by locking a device and putting it in power saving mode. Different configurations can be used, from none, to a PIN or patterns, etc..

Yosemite

A name added,, or given to the OSX 10.10 OS introducing a flatter Aqua (GUI) theme, released in 2014.

Unix

A non- proprietary operating system based on the C programming language and user interface and some operating systems based on it, like Linux, OS X, Android and iOS.

Shell

A program interpreting commands from the keyboard, passing them along to the OS. The shell acts as an interface layer between the user and kernel.

Netboot

A special tool built into OS X that can boot multiple OS X machines remotely, like resetting class computers all at once. It can also install multiple OS installations, or programs, too, on PC's at the same time.

CLI

A user can communicate with the Operating System by using the Command Line Interface (entering typed commands) instead of clicking icons or folders, etc.

Mission control

An OS X feature allowing one to see all that is open on a Mac. Allows app organization on multiple desktops.

Cortana

A voice or typed feature or personal assistant on Windows phone, activated by holding the search button, X Box 1, Windows Mixed Reality, Android app, and more as well as Windows 10 Operating System allowing some commands, questions and searches to be performed.

OS X

An OS formerly known as Mac OS X. OS X is streamlined for Macintosh computer hardware, and it can work seamlessly with other Apple devices, such as iPhones.

AppsAPK

An alternate website to download apps rather than Google Play Store. CAre should be taken to avoid malicious code or pirated apps.

System bar

Android OS (Operating System) uses this to navigate apps and screens, has back, home, recent apps (opens thumbnail images of recent apps) and menu, if available.

APK

Android Package Kit (APK) is the package file format used by the Android operating system for distribution and installation of mobile apps and middleware. Contains resources, certificates, and assets required for the app's proper operation.

Sideloading

Apps can be downloaded from different sources on the Internet and transferred to a mobile device through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, data cable, or other methods, not recommended, many sources can't be trusted.

Xcode

Apple's code for developers wanting to create Apple iOS apps, see IDE and SDK.

cd

CLI command - Changes the current directory.

mkdir

CLI command - Creates a directory under the current directory

mv

CLI command - Moves files to a different directory.

rm

CLI command - Removes files.

grep

CLI command - Searches for specific strings of characters within a file or other commands' outputs.

cp

CLI command - copies files from source to destination.

ls

CLI command - displays (lists) the files inside a directory.

man

CLI command - displays the documentation for a specific command

cat

CLI command - lists the contents of a file and expects the file name as the parameter.

Airplane Mode

Can toggle (on / off capability) in settings to deactivate cellular, Bluetooth and WI-FI radio transmissions on smartphones, as well as Windows 10 tablets and / or laptops. Most useful on airplanes.

Contactless NFC

Contactless Near Field Communication - Payment method mostly used in brick-and-mortar stores where one pays by waving the phone near the payment system. Based on an unique ID, the payment is charged directly against a pre-paid account or bank account; also used in mass-transportation services, the public parking sector, and many more consumer areas.

Notification and System Icons

Contains system icons, such as the clock, battery status, and radio signal status for Wi-Fi and provider networks. Apps such as email, text messaging, and Facebook often display status icons to indicate communication activity.

(Data) Synchronization

Data synchronization is the exchange of data between two or more devices, while maintaining consistent data on those devices. These are some of the types of data that can be synchronized: Contacts Email Calendar entries Pictures Music Apps Video Browser links and settings Location Data

iOS

Developed by Apple. Closed Source (see related card).

Android

Developed by Google, android devices used. Open source (see related card).

Alert Badge

Displayed as a small icon over an app, like a number indicating email amounts, or an exclamation mark, indicating a problem with the app.

Email Server and Client

Email servers are responsible for forwarding email messages sent by their users. Users utilize email clients to compose, read and manage their messages. Email clients can be web-based or standalone applications. Standalone email clients are platform dependent.

Geotagging

Embeds location information into a digital object, like a photograph or a video, to record where it was taken.

Exchange

Exchange is an email server, contact manager, and calendaring software created by Microsoft. Exchange uses a proprietary messaging architecture called Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI). MAPI is used by Microsoft Office Outlook to connect to Exchange servers, to provide email, calendar, and contact management.

HTC Dream

First smartphone that the Operating System, Android, was released (in 2008). Today it's in TV's, cameras, GPS systems, media players and more.

Patches

Fix security problems or issues with hardware (on mobile devices).

GPS

Global Positioning System - A navigation system determining the time and location of the device using at least 4 satellites and a receiver on Earth. Affected by foliage, tall buildings, tunnels, etc.

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communications - See IMEI

Google Play

Google's android app store where free and paid apps can be downloaded, the safest spot to download apps verses others that can contain malicious code, only allows installation of apps on devices that are compatible with the device.

- (dash character)

In CLI commands (tools) this gives the commands parameters, options and switches supported by a command. the dash precedes the option.

Cron

In Linux and OS X, the cron service schedules tasks in the Command Line Interface (CLI). Maintenance tasks, like backups and disk checks can be done in off-peak hours when you're away from the device. It uses a schedule table, AKA cron table, edited by the crontab command.

IDE

Integrated Development Environment- Xcode by apple; an environment where developers can download free, write and test iOS apps in an iPhone simulator. Loading and running the apps on iOS devices, though, is charged a yearly iOS Developer Program subscription fee. Xcode also contains a debugger, libraries, a handset simulator, documentation, sample code and tutorials.

IMEI

International Mobile Equipment Identity - A unique 15 digit number identifying to a carrier's network, coming from a family of devices called the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

IMSI

International Mobile Subscriber Identity - The device user is also identified with another unique number (along with the IMEI). ISMI is often programmed on the SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card or the phone itself.

IMAP

Internet Message Access Protocol - A protocol used in email allowing the user to organize emails on the server & download copies of them. Synchronizes email between the client and server. Faster that POP3. Most recent version IMAP 4. Uses port 143.

Windows Store

Microsoft launched its own application store in 2012; allows Windows users to search, download and install Windows Store Apps (also known as Metro-style apps).

Accelerometer

Mobile (and other portable, like some laptops,) devices containing sensors determining movement and the direction held where the displayed screen rotates to match its orientation, or it's used for other purposes, depending on the application.

Screen orientation

Mobile devices are rectangular, two positions can be chosen, see: Portrait and Landscape Modes..

MIME

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension - Extends the email format to include text in ASCII standard as well as other formats, such as pictures and word processor documents. MIME is normally used in conjunction with SMTP.

Terminal Emulator Application

OS's boot to the GUI by default, hiding the CLI so these applications provide access to the CLI. On Linux, popular terminal emulators are Terminator, eterm, xterm, konsole, gnome-terminal. OS X includes a terminal emulator called Terminal but a number of third party emulators are available.

Déjà Dup

One of many backup tools for Linux.

Mobile Operating Systems

Operating system (OS) to bridge device hardware to applications to perform tasks; platforms on which other products (apps) can be created, marketed for that use on that OS platform. OS's came to be seen as software (app) platforms.

Apps

Other products created to execute tasks by using the native device Operating System (OS), examples: calendars, maps, email, Facebook. Google and Apple originally designed apps

POP3

Post Office Protocol version 3 -A protocol used in email, retrieving it over TCP/IP Copies not typically saved on the server. best for Intermittent-type connections. like dial-up. Uses port 110

PRL

Preferred Roaming List - A mobile radio update Needed configuration info to communicate on other networks than its own so calls can be made outside its own network

PRI

Primary rate ISDN - configures data rates between mobile device and the cell tower, ensuring correct data rate communication

Widgets

Programs (or pieces of programs) that display information right on the home screen. A weather widget, for example, can be placed on the Home screen to display weather conditions. Often, a widget can be touched to launch an associated app

QR Code

Quick Response code- Similar to a bar code yet has more info. A special app uses the camera to scan it, containing a web link allowing direct download of an app (or some kind of interaction). Some can possibly be malicious, too.

Mount or Unmount Disk Partitions (disk utility)

Relates to the process of binding a partition of a disk or a disk image file (usually a .iso) to a folder location. This is a common task in Unix-like systems.

iPhone

Released in 2007 with iOS source code not released to the public (unlike Android), requiring permission for it.

SMS and MMS

Short Message Service - used for simple text messaging. Multimedia Message Service - For text, photos and videos.

Portrait Mode

Screen orientation like an upright picture frame, rectangular with the longest part up and down. Natural for e-readers as it resembles a book. Not so good for video as in other devices, like TV's, in perpetual landscape mode, much screen space is lost or unused.

Landscape Mode

Screen position like a picture frame laying on its side, rectangular with the longest part side to side. Most video shooting-friendly for playback to devices unable to be rotated, like TV's and PC monitors.

SSL

Secure Sockets Layer - Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) was developed to transmit files securely. All data exchanged between the email client and the email server is encrypted. When configuring an email client to use SSL, make sure to use the correct port number for the email server.

Crontab

See Cron. In Linux and OS X. A plaintext file to set up to execute a command, program or script to do scheduled tasks by adding new rows to the cron table having the minute, hour, day to execute. It is done in the command line interface (CLI).

S.M.A.R.T. (disk utility: query S.M.A.R.T attributes)

Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology, a great feature added to modern disks. Included in the disk's controller itself, S.M.A.R.T. can detect and report a number of attributes about the disk's health. The goal of S.M.A.R.T. is to anticipate disk failure, allowing the user to move the data to a healthy disk before the failing disk becomes inaccessible. Modern disk utilities are able to query S.M.A.R.T. attributes, alert the user and recommend repairing actions.

Android Studio

Similar to (and refer to) IDE, a SDK (Software Development Kit) of Google that also includes many of the items listed for Xcode (IDE), as well as a number of tutorials. The Android SDK supports several development platforms which include computers running Linux, Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later, and Windows XP or later.

SMTP

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - Text-based protocol transmitting emails across a TCP/IP network., an email format for text using only ASCII encoding. Uses port 25

SDK

Software Development Kit- when Operating System (OS) creators (Apple, Google) realized that the OS was actually software platforms, they released these tools designed to allow external programs to be written for specific software packages for 3rd party developers.

SIM card

Subscriber Identity Module card - A SIM card, also known as a subscriber identity module, is a smart card that stores data for GSM cellular telephone subscribers. Such data includes user identity, location and phone number, network authorization data, personal security keys, contact lists and stored text messages. Security features include authentication and encryption to protect data and prevent eavesdropping.

Kernel

The kernel is the essential center of a computer operating system, the core that provides basic services for all other parts of the operating system. A synonym is nucleus. A kernel can be contrasted with a shell, the outermost part of an operating system that interacts with user commands.

HFS +

The main file system used by OS X, similar to function of ext3 and ext4. Supports up to almost 8 EiB (exbibyte) in OS X 10.4 and later.

Home Screen

The main, and first, screen designed to be seen on a phone.

1mobile

Their statement: 1Mobile is a quality platform made for global Android users supplying various apps and safe download. Our aim is to give every Android user free, fast and reliable downloading. Research .Before. Downloading...check Google Play or the Amazon App Store to see. If it can be downloaded from there .Instead. Apps downloaded from trusted sources are less likely to contain malicious code

Ubuntu Linux UNITY GUI

Ubuntu is a distribution (a type or kind, among many) of Linux, Unity is a Graphical User Interface (use icons instead of typed inputs) of Ubuntu. One feature: ability to have multiple desktops or workspaces.

Internet Email

Unlike local email where the server is controlled by an in-house administrator, Internet email refers to an email service that is hosted somewhere on the Internet and controlled by a third party team of administrators.

Linux

Used in practically every platform, including embedded systems, wearable devices, smartwatches, cellphones, PC's, servers and super computers.. A Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open-source software development and distribution. The defining component of Linux is the Linux kernel,[12] an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991

Pull

When a user runs the Google Play app or the Apple App Store app from a mobile device, apps and content that are downloaded are pulled from a server to the device. Opposite: Push.

Locator App

Various apps by different OS providers and 3rd party apps to locate a lost phone.

VPN

Virtual Private Network - A private network using a public network to connect remote sites or users together, using "virtual" connections routed through the Internet from the company's private network to the remote site or employee.VPN protocols also allow for data encryption, the communication between client and server is secure and attractive to businesses.

Tiles

Windows Phone- Square or rectangular re-sizeable apps that display dynamic information and allow interaction right on the start screen, like live info., (news, photos) . Tap to expand to the whole screen or open.

Start Screen

Windows phone - main screen based on TILES instead of icons for apps. See tiles.

WEAs

Wireless Emergency Alerts - emergency messages sent by authorities through mobile carriers, like severe weather alerts and Amber Alerts.

Push

With Android devices, a user can browse Google Play using a desktop or laptop computer and purchase content. The content is pushed to the Android device from the server. iOS users can purchase content from iTunes on a desktop or laptop computer that is then pushed to an iOS device.

directory

another name for folder.