Computing Essentials 2008

Chapter 5: System Software

System Software (121)
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o System software works with end users, application software, and computer
hardware to handle the majority of technical details.
o It is a collection or a system of programs that handle hundreds of technical details
with little or no user intervention.
o There are four types of programs that makeup system software
Operating systems - coordinate computer resources, provide an interface
between users and the computer, and run applications.
Utilities - perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
Device drivers - specialized programs that allow particular input or output
devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Language translators - convert the programming instructions written by
programmers into a language that computers understand and process.
Operating Systems (123)
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o An operating system is a collection of programs that handle many of the technical

details related to using a computer.
o An operating system is the most important type of computer program.
o Functions
Managing resources - memory, processing, storage, and devices such as
printers and monitors.
Provide user interface How the user interacts with the computer. Almost
all newer operating systems use a graphical user interface (GUI).
Running applications - load and run applications such as word processors
and spreadsheets. Most operating systems support multitasking, or the
ability to switch between different applications stored in memory.
o Features
Booting The process of starting up or restarting the operating system.
Warm boot occurs when the computer is already on, and you
restart it without turning off the power.
Cold boot is starting the computer when it is turned off.
Desktop A place which provides access to computer resources.
Iconsgraphic representations for a program or function.
Pointercontrolled by a mouse and changes shape depending upon its
current function.
Windowsrectangular areas for displaying information and running
programs.
Menusprovide a list of options or commands.
Dialog boxesprovide information or request input.
Helpprovides online assistance for operating system functions and
procedures.
File management system
Files are used to store data and programs.
Folders store related files. They can contain other folders for
organizational purposes.
o Categories (124)

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
Embedded operating systems are used for handheld computers and
smaller devices like PDAs. The operating system programs are
permanently stored on ROM,
Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and coordinate
computers that are networked or linked together. Typically located on one
of the connected computers hard disks, called the network server, this
computer coordinates all communication between the other computers.
Stand-alone operating systems, also called desktop operating systems,
control a single desktop or notebook computer. Often desktop computers
and notebooks are part of a network and are referred to as the client
operating system.
o Software environment, or platform (125)
Almost all application programs are designed to run with a specific
platform.
Windows, Mac OS, and Linux are operating systems commonly used by
individuals.
o Microsofts Windows (125)
The most popular microcomputer operating system today with over 90
percent of the market.
More application programs are developed to run under Windows than any
other operating system.
Next version: Vista
Advanced system security to guard against malicious files and
programs, including spyware.
Three-dimensional workspace capable of displaying transparent
cascading windows.
New file system called WinFS (Windows Future Storage) that
keeps track of files stored on your computer system so that it is
possible to locate files based on a description of their content.
o MAC OS (127)
One of the first GUIs, making it easy even for novice computer users to
move and delete files.
Designed to run with Apple computers.
Not nearly as widely used as the Windows operating system.
Fewer application programs have been written for it.
One of the most innovative operating systems.
It is popular with professional graphic designers, desktop publishers, and
many home users.
Mac OS X, Tiger
Spotlight is an advanced search tool that can rapidly locate files,
folders, email messages, addresses, and much more.
Dashboard Widgets are a collection of specialized programs that
will constantly update and display information.
Next version: Leopard
o Unix (127)
Originally designed to run on minicomputers in network environments.
Now, it is also used by powerful microcomputers

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
There are a large number of different versions, Linux is one of these
versions
Linux
Open source operating system
Invented at the University of Helsinki by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
One of the most popular and powerful alternatives to the Windows
operating system.
Modifications and improvements to the OS is encouraged.
Utilities (128)
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o Specialized programs designed to make computing easier.

o Essential programs:
Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs that recognize and correct
problems, ideally before they become serious.
Antivirus programs that guard your computer system against viruses or
other damaging programs that can invade your computer system.
Uninstall programs that allow you to safely and completely remove
unneeded programs and related files from your hard disk.
Backup programs that make copies of files to be used in case the originals
are lost or damaged.
File compression programs that reduce the size of files so they require less
storage space and can be sent more efficiently over the Internet.
o Window Utilities
Backup is a utility program included with the many versions of Windows
that makes a copy of all files or selected files that have been saved onto a
disk. It helps to protect you from the effects of a disk failure. (Figure 5-10
on page 129 illustrates the Backup utility)
Disk Cleanup is a trouble-shooting utility that identifies and eliminates
nonessential files. This frees up valuable disk space and improves system
performance. (Figure 5-11 on page 130 illustrates the Disk Cleanup utility)
Disk Defragmenter is a utility program that locates and eliminates
unnecessary fragments and rearranges files and unused disk space to
optimize operations.
o Utility Suites
Combine several programs into one package.
Buying the package is less expensive than buying the programs separately
The three best-known utility suites are McAfee Office, Norton
SystemWorks, and V Communications SystemSuite.
Norton SystemWorks
Norton AntiVirus is a collection of antivirus programs that can
protect a system from over 21,000 different viruses, quarantine or
delete existing viruses, and automatically update its virus list to
check for the newest viruses.
Norton CleanSweep is a collection of programs that guide you
through the process of safely removing programs and files you no
longer need.
Web CleanUp is a collection of programs that check your
computer system for unnecessary files, including temporary files

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
created by application programs, cache files, history files, and
cookies.
Connection Keep Alive prevents dial-up Internet connections
from timing out by simulating online user activity during periods
of inactivity.
GoBack Personal Edition will restore system configurations, help
to locate lost files, and repair damaged files.
Norton Utilities is a collection of several separate troubleshooting
utilities. These programs can be used to find and fix problems,
improve system performance, prevent problems from occurring,
and troubleshoot a variety of other problems.
Device Drivers (133)
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o A program associated with every hardware device on a computer.

o Work with the operating system to allow communication between the device and
the rest of the computer system.
o The operating system loads all of the device drivers into memory.
o Whenever a new device is added to a computer system, a new device driver must
be installed before the device can be used.
Making it Work for You (134)
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o Virus and Internet Security

o Walks the student through installing McAfee
o It discusses the Internet Security Suite which includes
VirusScan
PersonalFirewall
PrivacyService
Careers in IT (137)
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o Computer Support Specialists

provide technical support to customers and other users.
manage the everyday technical problems faced by computer users.
resolve common networking problems and may use troubleshooting
programs to diagnose problems.
Degrees in computer science or information systems may be preferred.
A Look to the Future (137)
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o Autonomic computing (Self-healing computers)

o Computers may becoming too complex for humans to oversee.
o IBM announced plans to make self-repairing, self-updating, and self-protecting
computers.

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
System Software (121)
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o Students tend to know very little about system software. It is good to emphasize
that it interfaces with the user, applications and the hardware. A good analogy is
that it works like an interpreter between the user and the hardware.
o It is good to make it clear that there are four types of programs that makeup
system software
Operating systems - coordinate computer resources, provide an interface
between users and the computer, and run applications.
Utilities - perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
Device drivers - specialized programs that allow particular input or output
devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Language translators - convert the programming instructions written by
programmers into a language that computers understand and process.
Operating Systems (123)
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o Functions
Managing resources a good way to illustrate the management portion of
the operating system is to use the Performance tool.
If you are running Windows XP, go to Control
Panel/Administrative Tools/Performance. You can then show the
students how the memory, disk, and processor are performing.
You can have them launch applications and do calculations to see
the different performance rates.
Provide user interface
Most of todays students have only known GUI type of interface.
To illustrate the different types of interfaces. You can go to the
command prompt on a Windows XP system and show them
different types of command, such as Dir, CD, and MD
Then you can switch into Windows and show the Browse,
File/New/Folder, etc
o Features
Booting
You can ask the students what a cold (or hard) boot is, and see how
many answers you receive, then do the same for a warm (or soft)
boot. You can then explain why you want to do one over another
in different instances.
IconsPointerWindowsMenusDialog boxesHelp
You can use any application or utility projected onto a screen to
show the students these things. Most of them will be familiar with
terms. Or you can refer to figure 5-2 on page 124.
File management system
A good way to explain a file system is to use the analogy of a file
cabinet
A good lab is to use Explorer and create, copy, and move files and
folders. You can also introduce short cuts, such as Ctrl + click, or
Shift+click.
o Categories (124)
It is good to briefly discuss the three categories.

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
Embedded operating systems are used for handheld computers and
smaller devices like PDAs. The operating system programs are
permanently stored on ROM,
Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and coordinate
computers that are networked or linked together. Typically located on one
of the connected computers hard disks, called the network server, this
computer coordinates all communication between the other computers.
Stand-alone operating systems, also called desktop operating systems,
control a single desktop or notebook computer. Often desktop computers
and notebooks are part of a network and are referred to as the client
operating system.
o Software environment, or platform (125)
Almost all application programs are designed to run with a specific
platform.
Windows, Mac OS, and Linux are operating systems commonly used by
individuals.
o Microsofts Windows (125)
Most students are familiar with the Windows environment. You can refer
to figure 5-5 on page 126 to give the students a summary of the different
versions of Windows there are.
It would be good to dedicate some time discussing the next version: Vista,
especially the security portion. It is a great concern to them.
o MAC OS (127)
More and more students are using the MAC OS system. You can briefly
go over some of it characteristics
Current version is Mac OS X, Tiger
Spotlight is an advanced search tool that can rapidly locate files,
folders, email messages, addresses, and much more.
Dashboard Widgets are a collection of specialized programs that
will constantly update and display information.
Next version: Leopard
o Unix (127)
You more computer savvy students have heard of Linux, but they dont
always know that it is a type of Unix.
You can go over some benefits and features of Linux and Unix operating
systems. Here is a good time to discuss proprietary and non-proprietary
systems.
Utilities (128)
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o You can use labs that the students can run some of these utilities, so that they can
have first hand experience using them. It is a good way to generate questions and
teach good computer management techniques.
Backup
Disk Cleanup
Disk Defragmenter
o Utility Suites
The Making It Work for You section on page 134 is a good way to
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illustrate a utility suite.

It covers the VirusScan, PersonalFirewall, and PrivacyService software.
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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
It is a good way to get the students familiar with these applications and to
understand what they do and why they are important.
Device Drivers (133)
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o A program associated with every hardware device on a computer.

o Work with the operating system to allow communication between the device and
the rest of the computer system.
o The operating system loads all of the device drivers into memory.
o Whenever a new device is added to a computer system, a new device driver must
be installed before the device can be used.
Careers in IT (137)
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o Computer Support Specialists

provide technical support to customers and other users.
manage the everyday technical problems faced by computer users.
resolve common networking problems and may use troubleshooting
programs to diagnose problems.
Degrees in computer science or information systems may be preferred.
A Look to the Future (137)
U U

o Autonomic computing (Self-healing computers)

o Computers may becoming too complex for humans to oversee.
o IBM announced plans to make self-repairing, self-updating, and self-protecting
computers.

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
Key Terms
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Key Term
U U U Definition
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A Windows feature provides step-by-step guidance for

Add Printer Wizard (133) selecting the appropriate printer driver and installing that
driver.
A system utility that guards a computer system against
antivirus program (128)
viruses or other damaging programs that can invade it.
A utility program included with the many versions of
Backup (129) Windows that makes a copy of all files or selected files
that have been saved onto a disk.
A system utility that makes copies of files to be used in
backup program (128)
case the originals are lost or damaged.
Feature of Leopard, the new version of Mac OS, that
Boot Camp (127) allows appropriately equipped Apple computers to run
both Mac OS and Windows XP.
booting (123) The process of starting or restarting a computer
The process of starting a computer after it has been turned
cold boot (123)
off.
A person who provides technical support to customers and
computer support specialist (137)
other users.
A feature of MAC OS. They are a collection of
Dashboard Widgets (127) specialized programs that will constantly update and
display information.
A place an operating system provides users access to
desktop (123)
computer resources.
An operating system that controls a desktop or laptop
desktop operating system (124)
computer. (See also stand-alone operating system)
Specialized programs that allow particular input or output
device driver (122, 133) devices to communicate with the rest of the computer
system. (See also driver)
A system utility that recognizes and corrects problems,
diagnostic program (128) ideally before they become serious. (See also
troubleshooting program)
A feature of a GUI operating system which provides
dialog box (123)
information or request input.
A trouble-shooting utility included in many versions of
Disk Cleanup (129)
Windows that identifies and eliminates nonessential files.
A Windows utility program that locates and eliminates
Disk Defragmenter (131) unnecessary fragments and rearranges files and unused
disk space to optimize operations.
Specialized programs that allow particular input or output
driver (133) devices to communicate with the rest of the computer
system. (See also device driver)
A device that has the operating system programs
embedded operating systems (124)
permanently stored on ROM
file (124) Where data and programs are stored
A system utility that reduces the size of files so they
file compression program (128) require less storage space and can be sent more efficiently
over the Internet.
A container in a file management system where related
folder (124)
files are stored.

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
When a file cannot be stored to disk as one contiguous
fragmented (130) block, it is broken up into small parts and stored wherever
space is available.
A user interface that uses graphical elements such as icons
graphical user interface (GUI) (123)
and windows.
Provides online assistance for operating system functions
Help (123)
and procedures.
icon (123) A graphic representation for a program or function.
Convert the programming instructions written by
language translator (122) programmers into a language that computers understand
and process.
Leopard (127) The next version of MAC OS
Linux (127) A nonproprietary version of Unix
The operating systems that are design to run on Apple
Mac OS (127)
computers.
Mac OS X (127) One of the latest versions of MAC OS.
menu (123) Provides a list of options or commands.
the ability to switch between different applications stored
multitasking (123)
in memory.
Operating systems that are used to control and coordinate
network operating systems (NOS) (124)
computers networked or linked together.
In a network environment, it is the main computer that
network server (124) coordinates all communication between the other
computers.
A program within Norton Utilities that integrates several
One Button Checkup (132)
of the separate troubleshooting utilities.
Software that coordinates computer resources, provides an
operating system (122, 123) interface between users and the computer, and runs
applications.
Another name for an operating system. (See also software
platform (125)
environment)
A graphic that controlled by a mouse and changes shape
pointer (123)
depending upon its current function.
Wedge-shaped sections of a disk platter that help organize
sectors (130)
the storage of files on a magnetic disk.
Another name for an operating system. (See also
software environment (125)
platform)
A feature of MAC OS that is an advanced search tool that
Spotlight (127) can rapidly locate files, folders, email messages,
addresses, and much more.
An operating system that controls a desktop or laptop
stand-alone operating system (124)
computer. (See also desktop operating system)
Works with end users, application software, and computer
system software (122)
hardware to handle the majority of technical details.
Tiger (127) MAC OS X version 10.4
Concentric rings on a disk platter that help organize the
tracks (130)
storage of files on a magnetic disk.
A system utility that recognizes and corrects problems,
troubleshooting program (128) ideally before they become serious. (See also
troubleshooting program)
uninstall program (128) A system utility that allows unneeded programs and

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
related files to be safely and completely removed from a
hard disk.
An operating system operating system was originally
designed to run on minicomputers in network
UNIX (127)
environments, and currently runs on powerful
microcomputers and servers.
How the user communicates with the operating system,
user interface (123)
computer, and/or application.
Perform specific tasks related to managing computer
utility (122, 128)
resources. (See also service program)
A combination of several utility programs into one
utility suite (131)
package.
A dangerous program that can cause a variety of damage
virus (131)
or problems to a computer.
The process of starting or restarting a computer when the
warm boot (123)
computer is already on.
A rectangular area for displaying information and running
window (123)
programs.
Windows (125) An operating system released by Microsoft corporation.
A Windows utility that makes it easy to update the drivers
Windows Update (133)
on a computer.
Windows Vista (125) The next major version of Microsoft Windows
Windows XP (125) The most widely used version of Windows.

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
Crossword Puzzle Answers:
U

Across
Num. Clue Answer
5 Program that makes copies of files in case of damage or loss. Backup
6 Boot that occurs when the computer is already on. Warm boot
8 Combination of several utility programs in one package. Utility Suite
9 Allows communication between devices and the operating Driver
system.
11 Concentric rings on a disk. Tracks
12 Used to control and coordinate networked computers. NOS

Down
Num. Clue Answer
1 Location to store related files. Folder
2 Computer that coordinates all communication between other Network server
computers.
3 Uses graphical elements to communicate with the operating GUI
system.
4 Broken-up file stored in different sectors. Fragmented
5 Starting or restarting a computer. Booting
7 Operating system with over 80 percent of the market. Windows
10 Graphic objects on the desktop used to represent programs and Icons
other files.

Num Multiple Choice Matching

Answers Answers
1 C J
2 D D
3 C F
4 A B
5 A G
6 C H
7 B A
8 B E
9 A I
10 C C

Open Ended Questions:

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1. Describe system software. What are the four types of system programs?
System software works with end users, application software, and computer hardware to handle
the majority of technical details. System software is not a single program. Rather it is a collection
or a system of programs that handle hundreds of technical details with little or no user
intervention. System software consists of four types of programs:
Operating systems coordinate computer resources, provide an interface between users and the
computer, and run applications.
Utilities, also known as service programs, perform specific tasks related to managing computer

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
resources.
Device drivers are specialized programs that allow particular input or output devices to
communicate with the rest of the computer system.
Language translators convert the programming instructions written by programmers into a
language that computers understand and process.

2. What are the basic functions of every operating system? What are the three basic operating
system categories?
Every operating system performs various functions. These functions are:
Managing resources: These programs coordinate all the computers resources including
memory, processing, storage, and devices such as printers and monitors. They also monitor
system performance, schedule jobs, provide security, and start up the computer.
Providing user interface: Users interact with application programs and computer hardware
through a user interface.
Running applications: These programs load and run applications such as word processors and
spreadsheets. Most operating systems support multitasking, or the ability to switch between
different applications stored in memory.

The three main categories of Operating systems are:

Embedded operating systems - The entire operating system is stored within or embedded in
the device and permanently stored on ROM.
Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and coordinate computers that are
networked or linked together.
Stand-alone operating systems control a single desktop or notebook computer.

3. Explain the differences and similarities between Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
They all perform the basic functions of an operating system. They manage resources, provide a
user interface, and run applications. They all use a graphical user interface, and can network
small groups of computers.

The differences are as follows:

Windows has 90 percent of the market operating system market share, more application
programs are developed to run under Windows than any other operating system, designed to run
with Intel and Intel-compatible microprocessors. The new version, Vista, has Advanced system
security, a Three-dimensional workspace, and utilizes WinFS, makes it possible to locate files
based on a description of their content.
MAC OS- Designed to run on Apple machines, but with the latest version can also run on Intel
microprocessors. It is not as widely used as Windows, but is one of the most innovative
operating systems. It includes utilities such as Spotlight which is an advanced search tool that
can rapidly locate files, folders, email messages, addresses, and much more, and Dashboard
Widgets which are a collection of specialized programs that will constantly update and display
information.
Linux Of the three operating systems, it is the only one that is an open source. It is a version
of UNIX. It runs on powerful microcomputers and by servers on the Web. It encourages others
to modify and further develop the code.

4. Discuss utilities. What are the five most essential utilities? What is a utility suite?
Utilities are specialized programs designed to make computing easier. The most essential are
Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs that recognize and correct problems, ideally before
they become serious.
Antivirus programs that guard your computer system against viruses or other damaging
programs that can invade your computer system.

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
Uninstall programs that allow you to safely and completely remove unneeded programs and
related files from your hard disk.
Backup programs that make copies of files to be used in case the originals are lost or damaged.
File compression programs that reduce the size of files so they require less storage space and
can be sent more efficiently over the Internet.

Utility suites combine several programs into one package. Buying the package is less expensive
than buying the programs separately.

5. Explain the role of device drivers. Discuss the Add Printer Wizard and Windows
Update.
Every device, such as a mouse or printer, that is connected to a computer system has a
special program associated with it. This program, called a device driver, works with the
operating system to allow communication between the device and the rest of the
computer system. Each time the computer system is started, the operating system loads
all of the device drivers into memory.

Windows Add Printer Wizard provides step-by-step guidance for selecting the
appropriate printer driver and installing that driver.

Windows Update makes it easy to update the drivers on your computer.

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 5: System Software
Applying Technology Expanding Your Writing About
Focus Knowledge Technology
Ethical Antitrust
Web Tools Customized Desktop
Software Tools Virus Protection How Virus Protection
Windows Update Programs Work
WinZip Booting and POST
Writing Skills How Virus Protection Antitrust
Programs Work Online Backup
Ethical focus
1. Writing About Technology exercise #1 Antitrust has students research and write about
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the legal and ethical ramifications of Microsofts antitrust lawsuit and domination of the
software market.
Web Tools
1. Expanding Your Knowledge exercise #3 Customized Desktop has students explore the
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Web to learn about desktop customization. They need to explain the answer they found
and how they could use them.
Software Tools
1. Applying Technology exercise #1 Virus Protection explores what viruses are, how a
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computer system can be protected, and what means the student has taken in the past to
protect a computer system.
2. Applying Technology exercise #2 Windows Update has the student explore what the
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function Windows Update is, how to configure it, and when to use it.
3. Applying Technology exercise #3 WinZip has the student research the functionality of
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the WinZip program, what are some of its uses, and how to use it.
4. Expanding Your Knowledge exercise #1 How Virus Protection Works explores what
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viruses are, and how a computer system can be protected. It also has the student write
about the steps they have taken in the past to protect a system and if was effective or not.
5. Expanding Your Knowledge exercise #2 Booting and POST has the student research the
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boot process, the definition of BIOS, and what can be achieved by customizing the
process.
Writing Skills
1. Expanding Your Knowledge exercise #1 How Virus Protection Works explores what
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viruses are, and how a computer system can be protected. It also has the student write
about the steps they have taken in the past to protect a system and if was effective or not.
2. Writing About Technology exercise #1 Antitrust has students research and write about
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the legal and ethical ramifications of Microsofts antitrust lawsuit and domination of the
software market.
3. Writing About Technology exercise #2 Online Backup has students research and write a
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paper on online backup options.

Focus tables to End of Chapter materials Page 14 of 14