Windows 10 An Operating System Why DO WE NEED Windows 10?

What is an Operating System Windows 10 is an Operating System which is a program or set of programs that manages the operations of the computer. Windows 10 performs the following tasks: Provides a Graphical User Interface (Menus, Icons, Mouse, Windows) Provides a means of running other computer programs Makes the attached hardware function Manages the RAM (Memory) Manages the Hard Disk (Backing Store)

hardware management Different applications will require different input and output devices throughout their operation. If you send a file to print the OS will need to communicate with the printer to ensure the printing process takes place successfully. Other devices that the OS needs to be capable of communicating with include: Keyboard VDU Camera Speakers

Memory management A PC OS allows a user to be working on several tasks at the same time. A typical user might be engaged in a multitude of activities using any of the following programs all running at the same time: Music streamer Word processor Internet Explorer PowerPoint Anti-virus software Each program will be held in its own allocated section of memory simultaneously. The allocation and management of the memory space is controlled by the OS.

Hard disk Management When file or programs are loaded they are transferred from the hard disk and placed into the Memory. Windows 10 maintains a directory of where all the files are stored on a hard drive. The hard drive is divided into tracks and sectors. The file directory is updated as files are added to or deleted from the hard drive. User can move file and folders, delete files and protect others from unauthorised access.

Task 1 – What type of Computer do you have? You can check the type of processor and the amount of memory installed in the PC (Settings / System/ About)

Task 2 - Check that Windows 10 is updating Why is Windows 10 constantly updating. Perfective - Improving how Windows 10 functions Corrective - Correct bugs and errors Adaptive Changes (Settings / Update & Security / Windows Update)

Task 3 - Check that Windows 10 own’s Antivirus software is working Windows 10 has its own Antivirus Software. There is some debate over whether Windows Defender Antivirus is as good as some specialist software. There seems to be a consensus the Windows Defender is improving. (Settings / Update & Security / Windows Security / Virus & Threat Protection)

Task 4 - Checking that Windows 10 Firewall is working A firewall is a security device that monitors incoming and outgoing data from a computer. It decides whether to allow or block specific data traffic based on a defined set of security rules. (Settings / Update & Security / Windows Security / Firewall & Network Security)

Task 5 – Checking the installed apps You can examine a list of installed Apps. You can delete Apps that you no longer want, but be careful! Just because you don’t recognise an App does not mean you should delete it. (Settings / Apps / Apps & Features)

Task 6 – Checking start-up You can examine a list of Apps that run automatically when the PC starts. Having Apps that start automatically that you don’t use is a waste of resources. You can prevent unused Apps from starting automatically. (Settings / Apps / Start-up)

Task 7 – Defragmenting and cleaning your hard disk The Defragmenter and Disk Clean- up tools can be found in the Windows Administrative Tools. Disk Clean-up deletes unnecessary files, but it does let you review them before they are removed. The Defragmenter reorganises how files are stored on your hard drive. Running this program takes a long time, but it will make your hard drive operate more efficiently.

Task 8 – using the accessories The Character Map is useful for entering characters such as: ¥ © ψ â € WordPad is a basic word processor. Snipping Tool is used to grab an image from the screen. The Maths Input Panel is useful for teachers of Mathematics.  

Microsoft account When setting up a new Windows 10 computer you will be encouraged or coerced into getting and using a Microsoft Account. If you have a Hotmail or Outlook email then you already have a Microsoft Account. Logging you computer into your Microsoft Account has some advantages if you want them. Once logged in the following apps will work: OneDrive Mail OneNote Calendar Contacts Store

Microsoft account You can log-in to the cloud Microsoft Account via a web browser. You can add and use the Microsoft Account Apps on a Android phone or any Apple devices. www.outlook.com can be used to access the cloud version of your Apps.

Microsoft APPS