Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
Operating System
Basics
Learning objectives
Understanding System
Software
◽
Understand the types of operating systems available
◽
Differentiate among the major desktop operating systems
Comparing the Major
Operating Systems
◽
Explain computer file storage concepts
Understanding Digital
Storage
When you think
about using a computer, you probably think about performing
some useful task with it, or playing a game. Behind the scenes, though, is the soft-
ware that keeps the computer running and responding to commands: the operat-
ing system (OS).
The operating system you use can make a big difference in how the computer
behaves, how it responds to commands, what applications it can run, and what
add-on hardware you can attach. By understanding the available operating sys-
tems and their benefits, you can make the right choice in selecting an operating
system—or you can choose to purchase a device with the right operating system
already built in.
In this chapter, you will learn about system software in general and how operating
systems work. You'll survey several popular operating systems, and learn how they
communicate with hardware, with the Internet, and with the user. You will also
find out how computers store and manage files.
