4.4.1 The Operating System

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AjReRMoG3Y

File Management File management The operating system manages the storage of files and directories (folders). The operating system stores files in a hierarchy of directories.

Input / Output (i/O) Management Input / output management The operating system manages data transfers between the CPU and the input and output devices, such as the keyboard and printers. The software that allows this data transfer may already be part of the operating system, or the user might need to install a driver to handle input and output from a particular device.

Resource Management/Allocation Resource allocation A resource is any part of the computer system. Examples include a printer, memory, hard disk drive or processor time. The operating system allocates the computer system’s available hardware to the programs running (processes) at any one time. While a program is running, the data and instructions are stored in the main memory and it is the operating system that allocates appropriate memory to each program. The operating system also ensures that instructions and data do not interfere with each other.

Process Management Process Management multi-processing operating systems allow many processes to be run at the same. The CPU can only execute one task at a time. To perform multi-processing it switches quickly between the processes. It is the operating system that schedules which process to run. See Task Manager (Processes Tab)

Process Management (2) The operating system: gives each process a unique process ID allocates space in memory to hold the instructions and data for a program assigns priority which determines the order in which processes will run links processes with a user.

Network Management Network management It is the operating system that manages the operation of the computer system’s network connections. See Task Manager (Networking tab)

User Management User management The operating system also manages the user(s) of the computer system, providing users with an interface to the computer system, privileges to perform certain tasks and security features to protect the users and the system.

Single User and Multi-User Operating Systems some operating systems, such as those found on mobile phones, are single user operating systems, while other operating systems are multi-user which allows more than one user to “log on” using a username and a password. Many operating systems have an administrator or “superuser” who has full privileges to alter any aspects of the computer system including adding new user accounts. Users can be granted different privileges, such as the right to access particular files or directories. Restricting users’ access is one of the ways in which system administrators protect the integrity of the computers and network.

P:\GCSE Computer Science\4 - Computers and Assembly Language\Lesson 4\ Operating System Link.docx

4.4.2 Application Software Web Browser – Internet Explorer, FireFox, Google Chrome, Safari…etc Used to view webpages (HTML files) and content on the WWW. Word Processors – MS Word, Open Office Word…etc Used to type reports, letters, evaluations…etc Presentation Software – MS PowerPoint, Open Office Presentation…etc Used to create presentations for lessons/lectures, business meetings…etc Spreadsheets – MS Excel, Open Office Spreadsheet…etc Used to create models of real world situations (e.g. businesses, financial projections, pupils in a class…etc) Used to perform calculations, using formulae Databases – MS Access Used to store data records on people, objects/items, animals…etc Mobile Apps – A mobile type of applications software to be accessed through mobile devices (e.g. smartphones and tablets).

4.4.2

4.4.2

4.4.1

4.4.1

4.4.2

4.4.1

4.4.1

4.4.3

4.4.3