1. Computing Fundamentals
Module A
Unit 2: Using Windows 7
Lesson Topic
8 Looking at Operating Systems
9 Looking at the Windows Desktop
10 Starting Application Programs
11 Looking at Files and Folders
12 Using the Recycle Bin
13 Customizing System Settings
14 Installing and Uninstalling
Programs
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2. Lesson 8: Looking at Operating Systems
• what an operating system is
• identifying different operating systems
• how operating systems interact with other computers
• capabilities and limitations of operating systems
• common problems related to operating systems
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3. Looking at Operating Systems
• Controls interaction and communication with user to:
– Manage input devices, output devices, and storage devices
– Manages files stored on computer and recognizes file types
• DOS was text-based software and required single line
commands to perform functions
• With exception of Unix, all other computers use graphical
operating system like Windows or Mac OS
• GUI enables you to use pointing device to point and select
functions
– Many functions or commands appear as buttons or icons to
represent task
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4. Looking at Operating Systems
• Windows 7
– Takes advantage of features of Vista and XP
– Simplifies many daily tasks within Windows
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5. Looking at Operating Systems
• Vista
– Operating system for PCs
– WYSIWYG screen display enables instant preview of what is available
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6. Looking at Operating Systems
• Designed for Apple Macintosh computers
• Uses graphics interface so computer will be much easier and faster
• Newer versions of Mac operating systems use Unix as its underlying
structure
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7. Looking at Operating Systems
• Unix
– Released in early 1970s by programmers for programmers
– Designed with portability in mind for multiple uses and users
– Main drawback is it is based on one-line commands controlling
functions
– Very popular with universities and scientific or research
organizations
• Linux
– Based on Unix with a graphical user interface
– Readily available and very popular for use with high-end servers
and entrepreneurial software developers
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8. Looking at Operating Systems
• Handheld Operating Systems
– Work with PDA device
• Embedded Operating Systems
– Manage and control operations for specific types of equipment for
which they are designed
– Follows process similar to those used in typical computing
devices, but recognizes purpose of specialized equipment
– Some manufacturers embedding modified version of Windows for
programs so they simulate PC environment
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9. Using Different Operating Systems
• Operating systems designed to interact with each other to
share data or communicate
• Network system manages and controls resources and
data for network
– May be combination of one or more servers with varying operating
systems, and devices to secure servers and data storage
– May be set to identify hardware person using as well as rights to
network access, internal or external
• Equipment with embedded operating systems interact with
larger systems with network operating systems installed
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10. Identifying Capabilities and Limitations
• Save files using names up to 256 characters long
– If PC, cannot use ? : < > |
– If Mac, : cannot be used
• Can open two or more programs at same time
• Can customize operating system to your preference
– May be restricted in environments such as school or company network
• Can install programs or download items from the Internet.
• May be restricted in environments such as school or company network
• Can view contents of folders for other departments but
cannot move or delete any of these files
– Can make copy of the file to your own folder but cannot change original
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11. Common Issues with Operating Systems
• Incompatibility between application program and operating system
• If device does not work, operating system cannot identify hardware
• Other problems can arise from:
– Power failures
– Shutting down computer incorrectly
– Installing too much software or installing it incorrectly
– Viruses
– Conflict between software and the operating system
– Deleting system files
• If system displays many error messages or requires you to restart computer
several times, check with specialist to reinstall or upgrade the operating
system
• Operating system or an application program may fail after an update
• If cannot access particular PC, drive, software program, file, or folder, then
login ID is incorrect, or network restrictions placed on your ID
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