Introduction to Computer Systems and OS

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of system software?

To enhance user productivity through automation

To manage computer resources and simplify application programming (correct)

To provide advanced game graphics

To improve internet connectivity

Which of the following is NOT a part of systems software?

Utility programs

Operating system

Application programs (correct)

Firmware

What is the role of the operating system in a computer?

To enable social networking capabilities

To serve as the first software loaded during startup and manage hardware resources (correct)

To run specific applications independently

To create and manage graphics

Which type of operating system allows multiple users to access the computer at the same time?

Multi-user, multi-tasking Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of managing system resources in an operating system?

Allocating memory and managing processes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines memory management in an operating system?

Allocating system memory to various tasks and applications Signup and view all the answers

What describes a single-user, multi-tasking operating system?

Allows one user to perform multiple tasks simultaneously on one computer Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of utility programs within system software?

To perform maintenance tasks and enhance system performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary tool used to manage files and folders in Windows?

Windows Explorer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of Windows Explorer?

Task manager Signup and view all the answers

What options can be accessed by right-clicking on the This PC icon?

View properties of the computer Signup and view all the answers

Which file extension is automatically added to Microsoft Word documents?

.docx Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characters cannot be used in filenames in Windows?

<ul> <li></li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a user profile in Windows?

To store personal settings for each user Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about file names in Windows?

Files cannot have duplicate names in the same directory. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the MS Windows OS small applications?

To assist in diagnosing and resolving hardware and software issues Signup and view all the answers

What happens when you press the Windows key on your keyboard?

The start menu appears Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a Windows accessory tool?

Graphics Design Software Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tools require more disk space and system resources?

GUI tools Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a feature of GUI tools?

They include windows, dialog boxes, and menus Signup and view all the answers

What can be managed through Windows System tools?

Application and service management Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Character Map tool?

To select and copy special characters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes administrative tools in Windows?

Tools for advanced system adjustments and configurations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using the Snipping Tool?

To capture screenshots Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a troubleshooting tool in Windows?

Disk Cleaner Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a Microsoft Windows desktop product?

Windows NT® Server Signup and view all the answers

What kind of user interface displays information through graphical elements?

Graphical User Interface Signup and view all the answers

Which feature allows users to see multiple applications open at the same time in Windows?

Multiple Desktops Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following operating systems is part of the UNIX family?

macOS Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary function of an operating system?

To manage hardware and software resources Signup and view all the answers

Which feature was NOT mentioned as part of Windows 11?

Dynamic Wallpaper Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes command line interfaces from graphical user interfaces?

Command line interfaces require user input through text commands Signup and view all the answers

Which Windows Server version was released before Windows Server 2022?

Windows Server 2019 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a family of operating systems listed?

Solaris family Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the desktop interface provides quick access to commonly used applications?

Pinned Programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of radio buttons in an interface?

Allow selection of a single option from a set. Signup and view all the answers

Which input control allows users to input a value using arrows, as well as manually typing it in?

Spinner Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a combo box from a list box?

A combo box combines a list and a text box for user input. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of tab controls in software applications?

Present a single combined control for various dialogs. Signup and view all the answers

How do drop-down menus differ from popup menus in user interfaces?

Popup menus are displayed by right-clicking, while drop-down menus open through clicking. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Windows Ribbon framework serve in applications?

It is an alternative to traditional menus and toolbars. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about check boxes is true?

They enable the selection of multiple options simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What functionality does a slider provide in user interface design?

Changes a value by dragging left or right. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a start menu in operating systems?

It provides a central access point for programs and documents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes list boxes in an interface?

They present multiple choices for selection. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Operating System Overview

Operating systems (OS) are programs that manage computer resources and applications
They provide a user interface
OS handle hardware resources and simplify application programming tasks

Computer System Components

Computer systems include hardware, software, and liveware (people)
Hardware consists of physical components like the CPU, memory, and input/output devices
Software includes instructions for the computer, such as system software (OS) and application software.
Liveware are the people who use the computer

Basic Computer Functions

Data is processed to produce information
Input devices take in data
Processing is done using the CPU and memory
Output devices transfer processed information

Computer Hardware

Input devices include keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones, webcams, etc.
Output devices include monitors, printers, speakers, etc.
Storage devices include hard disk drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, CD/DVD drives, etc.
System units contain central processing units (CPUs), memory (RAM), and storage devices.

Functional Diagram of a Computer

Input Devices sends data to main memory
Main Memory sends data to the ALU which performs Calculations and Logic operations
ALU sends the Processed data to Register, which is then sent to the output devices

Hardware and Software Relationship

Hardware needs software to function effectively.
Software tells the hardware what to do.
They are interdependent and useless on their own.

Software Types

System software manages the computer's resources
- Examples: Operating Systems
Application software performs specific tasks
- Examples: Microsoft Word, Games

Software Products

Licensed software is purchased
Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is available for use and modification without cost

System Software

System software enables application software to interact with hardware.
It aids users in managing hardware resources
Essential for communication between the user and computer hardware

System Software Interface

The OS serves as an intermediary between users/applications and hardware.

Parts of the System Software

Operating System
- Primarily manages the computer's resources
Utility programs
- Perform specific tasks alongside the OS

What is an Operating System?

Program loaded initially into the computer memory
Manages hardware resources
Manages other application programs on the computer

Goals of an Operating System

Develop a user-friendly environment
Ensure efficiency in use
Manage resources effectively

Functions of an Operating System

Memory management
Process management
Device management
Storage management
File management
Software management
Network management
Security management
User management

Classification of an OS

Single-user, single-tasking
Single-user, multi-tasking
Multi-user, multi-tasking
Real-time

Single-User OS

Designed for a single user at a time
Can perform single or multiple tasks
Examples: DOS, Early Windows versions, Windows 7, 10, 11

Multi-User OS

Allows multiple users to access the computer simultaneously.
Commonly used in server environments
Examples: Linux, Windows Server editions

Different Types of Operating Systems

Apple macOS
Microsoft Windows
Linux
Android

OS Family and Versions

Microsoft family
UNIX family
Macintosh family
Linux family
Android family

Windows Desktop and Server Products (Examples)

Client (Desktop): Windows 1.0 and subsequent versions
Server: Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Server family, and others.

Windows OS Versions

Microsoft Windows versions are widely documented and detailed through time, across different products and editions

New Windows OS Features

New look
Widgets
Snap layouts
Updated default apps
Multiple desktops
Tablet Mode and docking

User Interfaces of Windows OS

Command Line Interface (CLI)
- Uses text-based commands to interact with the computer
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
- Uses graphical elements such as windows, icons, and menus for interaction

Windows OS Environment

Desktop
Icons
Start Button
Taskbar
Task List
Pinned programs
System Tray
Quick Launch Bar
Show Desktop

Fundamentals Windows

Graphical environment for presenting information
Multiple windows can be visible and active simultaneously

GUI Objects

Windows
Command button
Text boxes
Radio buttons
Check boxes
Dialog boxes
List boxes
Drop-down list boxes
Tab controls
Toolbars
Menu bars

Class, Objects, Properties, and Methods

Class is a blueprint for objects
Objects are instances of a class
Properties are attributes of an object
Methods are actions that an object can perform

Window Controls

Control menu
Quick Access toolbar
Title bar
Minimize, Maximize, Close button
Restore button
Ribbon
Scroll bar
Navigation pane
Title bar
Address bar
Search box
Details pane
Preview pane

Working with Windows

Moving windows
Changing window size
Maximizing/restoring windows
Hiding windows (Minimize, close methods)

Command Button

Performs a command upon click.

Title Bar

Displays the name of the associated program.

Status Bar

Provides details about currently opened application.

Scroll Bars - Horizontal and Vertical

Used to navigate through content that is larger than the screen size

Pops up when clicked to provide window options like restoring, moving, resizing, maximizing, minimizing and closing the window

Borders and Corners

Used for resizing windows

Dialog Boxes

Special windows that prompt users for input or display specific information

Text Boxes and Password Box

Provides spaces for text entry, with password boxes hiding text input

Radio Buttons and Check Boxes

Used for selecting one or multiple options from a set of options

Drop-Down List Boxes and Combo Box

Present a list of choices to select from

Tab Controls

Provide separated areas in a larger dialog window

Slider and Spinner

Slider for adjusting settings (left to right)
Spinner for scrolling incrementally ( up/down arrows or typing values)

Provides access to menus

Menus

Start menu
- Access to programs and settings
Popup menus
- Appear when clicking right mouse button
Drop-down menus - Show additional menu items

Provides a modern approach to menus, toolbars, and task panes

Small applications that provide specific functions

Shortcut access to programs, settings

Provides links to various utilities and options for interacting with objects

Categories of System Utilities/System Tools

Categorized utilities for administration, security, and maintaining the system

Graphical User Interface Tools

Graphical tools that receive mouse input and include features like windows, dialog boxes, and menus

Different Ways of Starting a Program

Using the Start menu
Running specific programs
Searching
Using Task Manager
Windows Key + E
Windows Key + X

Switching Between Windows

Various methods like directly-clicking other windows, using taskbars or Alt+Tab

Arranging Windows Automatically

Cascading, snapping windows

Managing Files and Folders (File Management)

Managing Documents and other files

Organizing Your Data and Information

Organizing documents and folders on drives

Organizing Your Information

Using drives, folders, and subfolders for a hierarchal organization

Windows Explorer

Tool for interacting with files and other folders on the computer

This PC

Accessing computer files

Naming Documents and Folders

Guidelines for naming files and folders

Files in Windows

Showing the structure for a file including icon, name, and extension

Naming Files and Folders Rules

Restrictions on names, including prohibited characters and reserved words

User Account and Profiles

User profiles that contains settings and preferences from each user

Default Folders in Windows

Default folders in a Windows operating system

Path Variable

System list of folders for finding files

Absolute and Relative Paths

Absolute specify a location from the root directory
Relative specify a location from the current position relative to another directory

Selecting Files and Folders

Various ways to select single or multiple items

Copying Files and Folders

Copying methods using menus, or keyboard shortcuts

Moving Files and Folders

Moving files/folders using the cut and paste options, or dragging and dropping

Creating New Folders or Files

Ways of creating folders/files under Windows OS

Renaming Files or Folders

Ways of renaming and changing the name of files/folders

Deleting and Restoring Files or Folders

Steps to deleting and restoring files/folders

Searching

Searching on the computer using the search box (search bar or windows key + S)

Windows 10 Cloud

Using cloud storage for accessing files from different machines

Notifications/Action Center

Action center for viewing notifications in Windows

Some Advanced Features of Windows

Booting Process
Control Panel tools
Settings
Computer Management
Windows PowerShell

Booting Process

How Windows/operating system starts up

BIOS/MBR Boot Process

Stages in starting up the OS

Windows Control Panel & Tools

Tools for customizing the computer

Windows Settings

Detailed customization options through the settings menu

Display Personalize Setting

Options to customize display settings (background, colors, themes)

Themes

Different themes that can change the design of the Operating system interface

Theme Packages

Different theme packages available for customizing visual aspects like backgrounds, colors and even sounds

Computer Management Tool

Collection of Windows administrative tools for managing local and remote computers

Windows PowerShell

Cross-platform task automation solution (command-line shell, scripting language, and configuration management framework)

PowerShell ISE

Environment for editing and running commands with features like tab completion, syntax coloring, etc.

PowerShell Cmdlet

Command verbs (get, start, output, stop, set) associated with specific actions relating to system functions and properties

Example Cmdlet

Examples of PowerShell commands

Q & A

Question and answer session

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Description

This quiz covers the basic concepts of operating systems, computer components, and their functionalities. You'll learn how hardware, software, and users interact within a computer system. Test your knowledge of input and output devices, processing, and storage.