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Week 02

In this week's lecture, we learn the purpose of an Operating System, the major components, its four main functions, and the different types of Operating Systems, as well as how Device Management works.

Operating System​

An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for application software.

User Interface​

  • Most visible part of an operating system.
  • Provides:
    • Visible interface for user to interact with the computer
      • Graphics User Interface (GUI) & Command Line Interface
    • A means for user to instruct the computer to perform a task.

Computer Software​

A series of related instructions that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.

Two kinds of software:

  • System software
  • Application software

System Software​

Consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer.

  • Operating system
    • A set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware.
  • Utility program
    • Used for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices.

Application Software​

Programs designed to make users more productive or assist them with personal tasks.

  • E.g. Web browser, Spreadsheet software, Database software, etc.