INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING SYSTEMS

An operating system is a program that controls the overall activity of a computer. Like an orchestra conductor an operating system ensures that all parts of your computer work together smoothly and efficiently. CONTROLS YOUR HARDWARE An operating system controls the different parts of the computer system, such as the printer and monitor, and enables them to work together.

RUNS YOUR PROGRAMS An operating system starts and runs programs, such as Microsoft Word and Lotus Programs let you write letters, analyze numbers, manage finances, draw pictures and even play games. ORGANIZES YOUR INFORMATION An operating system provides ways to organize and manage documents stored on your computer. You can use an operating system to sort, copy, move, delete and view your documents.

MS-DOS is an operating system that uses text commands you enter to perform tasks. Note: MS-DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating system COMMAND PROMPT Tells you that MS-DOS is ready to accept a command. CURSOR The flashing line on the screen. The cursor indicates where the text you type will appear DIRECTORY MS-DOS uses directories to organize the data stored on a computer COMMAND You enter a command to perform a task or start a program. A single command can usually tell the computer what you want to accomplish. For example, the DIR command tells the computer to list the subdirectories and files stored in a directory.

Windows 95 was the successor of windows 3.1. It was a true operating system because it does not need MS- DOS to operate Lets you view all the folders and documents stored on your computer. MY COMPUTER RECYCLE BIN Stores all the documents you delete and allows you to recover them later. START BUTTON Gives you quick access to programs and documents. This dialog box let you change the date and time in windows 3.1. Displays the name of each open window on your screen. This lets you easily switch between the open windows. TASKBAR SHORTCUT You can place a shortcut to a document on your screen. This lets you quickly open documents you use regularly.

PLUG AND PLAY Windows 95 supports Plug and Play technology. This technology lets you add new features to a computer without complex and time- consuming installation procedures. FILENAMES Windows 95 let you use up to 255 characters to name a document. Note: windows 3.1 filenames can be up to 8 characters long with a 3 character extension (example: myletter.doc). THE MICROSOFT NETWORK Like CompuServe or Prodigy, The Microsoft Network is an online information service. It provides data from sources around the world and lets you communicate with other people connected to the service. The Microsoft Network also lets you connect to the internet. The internet provides a vast amount of information, new and advice and now reaches over thirty million people.

Windows 98 – the next version of windows – contained several new and improved features. It offered improved access to the Internet and World Wide Web through its Web browser, Internet Explorer. It also provided support for multimedia peripherals, including DVD-ROM drives and USB devices.

Windows 2000, introduced in late 1999, was designed for use with business computers and was the successor to Windows 98. Its more advanced operating system was particularly well-suited for newer, faster, and more powerful PCs.

Windows XP – was designed to keep files and settings separate for every PC user. It was ideal for school computer labs and for businesses where multiple users shared the same PC. It was extremely user friendly. For example, a new CD could be burned simply by dragging folders and files onto the CD burner icon.

Windows Vista was released in It included much more robust security features than any earlier version. Also home networking became easier than ever with Windows Vista.

Conclusion: The operating system is the most important piece of software on a personal computer. It manages main memory, or RAM; controls and configures peripheral devices; formats and copies disks; manages essential file operations; monitors system performance; and provides a user interface.