1.5.1 part 1

1.5.1 Operating Systems
Purpose and functionality of operating systems
Part 1

By Luke Stokes

Learning Objectives:

• ✅ Define what an Operating System (OS) is.

• ✅ Explain the main functions of an OS.

• ✅ Identify examples of different Operating Systems.

• ✅ Understand why an OS is important in computing.

Operating systems

• Use the white board and write down what operating systems have you heard about or used.

Commonly used operating systems

• Windows xp/8/10/11

• iOS

• Linux

• Unix

• macOS

• Ubuntu

• Chrome

• Android

• Raspberry Pi

Key functions of a operating system

The key 5 functions of an OS

• Memory Management – Allocates RAM for running programs.

• Process Management (Multitasking) – Handles multiple applications.

• Peripheral Management – Controls hardware (printers, keyboards, etc.).

• File Management – Organizes and stores files.

• User Interface – Allows interaction (CLI or GUI).

Memory Management

• The OS allocates memory between the different programs that are open at the same time

• Programmers and users do not need to know where in memory data is being held – it is the purpose of the Operating System to do this

Multiple Choice

What part of the computer software is responsible for allocating memory for programs to use.

• Operating system

• Device manager

• Defragmentation

• Windows security

Multiple Choice

Does the programmer need to know the locations used by their programs

• Yes

• No

Process Management (Multitasking)

• Process management and multitasking are fundamental to modern operating systems, enabling computers to run multiple programs concurrently by rapidly switching between them, giving the illusion of simultaneous execution.

Multiple Choice

What is multitasking

• When you run a few programs at once.

• Ability to work from different stations.

• Asking others to help with your work.

• Connecting switches together in a mesh topology.

Multiple Choice

How is a CPU able to multitask

• Able to work on multiple tasks concurrently.

• They work so quickly to give the illusion of multitasking.

• They only work on one task at a time.

• Computers have multiple CPU's which work on one task at a time

• Graphical User Interface (GUI).

• Command Line Interface (CLI).

• Natural Language Interface (NLI).

• Menu-Based Interface.
  

User interfaces

There are 4 types of user interfaces.

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Uses windows, icons, menus, and a pointer (WIMP).

• Easy to use, intuitive, and visually appealing.

• Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux with GNOME/KDE.

2. Command Line Interface (CLI)

• Text-based, requires typing commands.

• Fast and efficient for experienced users.

• Examples: Linux Terminal, Windows Command Prompt, PowerShell.

3. Natural Language Interface (NLI)

• Allows users to interact using spoken or written language.

• AI-powered, understands human commands.

• Examples: Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant.

​4. Menu-Based Interface

• Presents options in a list or hierarchical menu format.

• Simple and easy to navigate.

• Examples: ATMs, mobile phone settings menus.

Multiple Choice

Which interface has an list or hierarchical format

• Menu-based interface

• Natural language interface

• Command line interface

• Graphical user interface

Multiple Choice

Which interface is text based

• Menu-based interface

• Natural language interface

• Command line interface

• Graphical user interface

Multiple Choice

Which interface uses windows, icons and a pointer (WIMP)

• Menu-based interface

• Natural language interface

• Command line interface

• Graphical user interface

Multiple Choice

Which interface uses spoken or written language

• Menu-based interface

• Natural language interface

• Command line interface

• Graphical user interface