Introduction to Computer Systems and OS

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

Control Menu

• 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)

Menu bar

• 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

The Menu Bar and Tool Bar/Ribbon

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

Windows Start Menu & System Tools

• Small applications that provide specific functions

Start Menu (Winkey)

• Shortcut access to programs, settings

List of Tools & Right Click Menu

• 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