Basic IT Tools - Module 1 - Continued

OPERATING SYSTEM
An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you
to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an
operating system, a computer is useless. Operating System is included in the category of system software.
An operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time,
there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your
computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of
this to make sure each program gets what it needs.
Types of operating systems
Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating
system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating systems.
The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS,
and Linux.
Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you use
your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a
combination of graphics and text.
Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating system
it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and
most of the basic principles are the same.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been many different
versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 11 (released in 2021),Windows
10 (2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-
loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.
macOS
macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes preloaded on all
Macintosh computers, or Macs. The most recent version is macOS 14(also called Sonoma).
Linux
Linux is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified and distributed by
anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be
modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many
different distributions—or versions.eg: Ubuntu,Fedora etc
Operating systems for mobile devices
The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run
on desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3
players are different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed
specifically for mobile devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and Google
Android.
Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for desktop and
laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software. However, you can still do a lot of
things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play games.
BOOTING
Booting refers to the process by which a computer initializes its hardware components and loads the
operating system into its main memory, making the system ready for operations. It's the vital transition
from a powered-off state to a fully functional system.
Boot devices are specific hardware components that contain the necessary software to initiate the
booting process. These devices, such as hard drives, SSDs, optical drives, or USB drives, store the operating
system or boot loader essential for system startup.
Types of booting
Booting can be categorized into two primary types:
• Cold Boot/Hard Boot: Initiating the system from a completely powered-off state.
• Warm Boot/Soft Boot: Restarting the system without turning off the power, typically using the
system's restart function.
Booting is essential to load the operating system and requisite system files into the computer's main
memory. This process ensures the hardware is functional, properly initialized, and ready to execute
software tasks, allowing users to operate the computer efficiently. The steps of the booting process
includes:
• Startup: Powering on the computer.
• Power On Self Test (POST): Checking the integrity and functionality of hardware components.
• Loading OS: Transferring the operating system from storage into RAM.
• System Configuration: Establishing the initial settings and drivers.
• Loading System Utilities: Activating essential software tools for system management.
• User Authentication: Verifying user credentials to provide access to the system.

Basic IT Tools - Module 1 - Continued

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Basic IT Tools - Module 1 - Continued

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Basic IT Tools - Module 1 - Continued

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

OPERATING SYSTEM

Types of operating systems

Operating systems for mobile devices

Booting can be categorized into two primary types:

• Startup: Powering on the computer.

• System Configuration: Establishing the initial settings and drivers.

• User Authentication: Verifying user credentials to provide access to the system.

You might also like