Operating Systems
Definition:
An operating system is a piece of software which is used to control all hardware, software, input, output and user interactions.
It does the following things:
Controls the operation of:
Input devices
Output devices
Backing Storage
RAM
Manages resources such as Memory, CPU time, storage devices
Enables the loading, running and storage of software
Handles errors that occur in software being used
Allows communication between the user and computer through an interface
There are TWO main parts to an OS:
1. Kernel
The Kernel is a core piece of the operating system. It is responsible for low level control of hardware. The user never “sees” or interacts with the Kernel.
2. Interface
The interface is the point at which users can interact with a system. The interface allows users to input information, to control the system and to see the outcomes of their actions through output.
There are SEVERAL types of Interface, you need to know TWO:
GUI – Graphical User Interface
CLI – Command Line Interface
GUI
A GUI has 4 main components Windows, Icons, Menus and a Pointer (WIMP)
Advantages:
Ø Intuitive – using a WIMP interface is a natural way of working – you shouldn’t need help or training
Ø Multitasking – Windows enable users to open many programs, to move between them easily and transfer data between applications
Ø Icons – Make it obvious what a program, file or folder is with a graphical representation
Ø Pointers – Pointing is a natural way of selecting things
Disadvantages:
Ø Resource intensive – requires a lot of processing power/time and memory
Ø Can become confusing – users may find interfaces cluttered with icons or open programs difficult to navigate
CLI
A command line interface is used to control a computer system solely through the use of text commands, entered by the user. The computer only responds in the form of text based messages and information. They are used by technicians, programmers and power-users.
Advantages:
Ø Extremely fast – CLI’s take up little system resources and CPU time, can run on old or limited hardware
Ø Can use “scripts” – scripts are files which contain many commands and can be used to perform repetitive tasks very quickly or to automate tasks such as daily backups
Disadvantages:
Ø Can be very confusing to new or untrained users
Ø Sometimes do not provide detailed error messages or feedback to help users
An operating system is a piece of software which is used to control all hardware, software, input, output and user interactions.
It does the following things:
Controls the operation of:
Input devices
Output devices
Backing Storage
RAM
Manages resources such as Memory, CPU time, storage devices
Enables the loading, running and storage of software
Handles errors that occur in software being used
Allows communication between the user and computer through an interface
There are TWO main parts to an OS:
1. Kernel
The Kernel is a core piece of the operating system. It is responsible for low level control of hardware. The user never “sees” or interacts with the Kernel.
2. Interface
The interface is the point at which users can interact with a system. The interface allows users to input information, to control the system and to see the outcomes of their actions through output.
There are SEVERAL types of Interface, you need to know TWO:
GUI – Graphical User Interface
CLI – Command Line Interface
GUI
A GUI has 4 main components Windows, Icons, Menus and a Pointer (WIMP)
Advantages:
Ø Intuitive – using a WIMP interface is a natural way of working – you shouldn’t need help or training
Ø Multitasking – Windows enable users to open many programs, to move between them easily and transfer data between applications
Ø Icons – Make it obvious what a program, file or folder is with a graphical representation
Ø Pointers – Pointing is a natural way of selecting things
Disadvantages:
Ø Resource intensive – requires a lot of processing power/time and memory
Ø Can become confusing – users may find interfaces cluttered with icons or open programs difficult to navigate
CLI
A command line interface is used to control a computer system solely through the use of text commands, entered by the user. The computer only responds in the form of text based messages and information. They are used by technicians, programmers and power-users.
Advantages:
Ø Extremely fast – CLI’s take up little system resources and CPU time, can run on old or limited hardware
Ø Can use “scripts” – scripts are files which contain many commands and can be used to perform repetitive tasks very quickly or to automate tasks such as daily backups
Disadvantages:
Ø Can be very confusing to new or untrained users
Ø Sometimes do not provide detailed error messages or feedback to help users