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Using The Computer

The document discusses operating systems and how they allow computers to function. It defines an operating system as the core software that manages hardware, the user interface, and other software. Examples provided include Windows, Linux, Mac OS, iOS, Unix, Symbian, and Android. The operating system activates the computer, allows communication with users, controls computer functions, and enables the running of application programs. Without an operating system, a computer would not be able to perform practical tasks.

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josephinemusopelo1
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75 views

Using The Computer

The document discusses operating systems and how they allow computers to function. It defines an operating system as the core software that manages hardware, the user interface, and other software. Examples provided include Windows, Linux, Mac OS, iOS, Unix, Symbian, and Android. The operating system activates the computer, allows communication with users, controls computer functions, and enables the running of application programs. Without an operating system, a computer would not be able to perform practical tasks.

Uploaded by

josephinemusopelo1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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 Computers require hardware (input/output devices) and software to operate.

Hardware cannot be used without an operating system.

 The first software that loads when a computer is switched ON is the Operating
System.

 The operating system is the primary element of all software; without it no other
software can be used.

 Examples of Operating system software include: Windows, Linus, Ubuntu, UNIX


etc.

 Windows is the most common on most computers and comes in different


versions: WINDOWS 95, 98, 2000/Vista/7/XP…10/11.
 An operating system is the core software that allows a computer to run as an
useful device. It manages the hardware, the user interface and all other software
running on the computer.

 Without an operating system, a computer is just a collection of components


heating up the room as no-one would be able to make any practical use of the
machine.

 A large number of operating systems have been developed over the years; each
designed with a certain kind of computer in mind. For instance:
o Windows or Linux - for personal computers
o Mac OS, iOS- for Macs and iPhone and iPad
o Unix - for mainframes
o Symbian, Android - for mobile phones
 The operating system (also called System software):

o activates the computer;

o allows us to communicate with the computer- In other words, it is a group of


programs that acts as a "translator" between the computer and us;

o controls the functioning of the computer:

o linking with the keyboard, monitor, printer and other hardware;

o enables the computer to run application programs;

o without system's software none of the programs can be used;

o controls the management of files on the diskette or hard disk enabling us to


create, delete, copy and rename files.
Applications

Disk
Monitor
Drives

OPERATING
SYSTEM

Mouse Peripherals

Keyboard
 This may seem stupid, but the first thing you need to know about your computer
is precisely how to turn it on. If you have a desktop computer, you’ll need to plug
it in. But if your computer is a laptop, you can either plug it or use the battery

 This process is called cold boot because the computer was off.

 Once you’ve pressed the button, you will have to wait a certain time (anywhere
between a few seconds and a couple of minutes, depending on how powerful
your system is). The computer needs this time to load the programs and get
everything ready for you.
 if you plan to share your computer with other people or wish to protect your work,
you may need a user account.

 Having user accounts allows each person to have their own system settings,
programs & documents. It makes things safer and more organized for everyone.
So if you’re sharing the computer with someone else, do create user accounts.
 After logging in to your computer, you won’t be able to do anything until you see a
welcome screen. The design of this screen will vary depending on your system,
but it’ll be something similar to this:

 Don’t worry about any black screens you may see during the start-up process.
This is all perfectly normal and as long as the computer and monitor are properly
plugged in, there shouldn’t be any problem.
 When you see the Desktop, it means the system has finished loading and you
can start using the computer. The desktop is the area outside and under all
displayed windows and icons. All work done in WINDOWS takes place on the
desktop.
 To switch the system off you don’t just press a button on the computer; you need
to let the system know that you’re going to switch off so that it winds everything
down. This is actually very important: if you power the computer off abruptly (by
just unplugging it, for example) you could lose data or even harm the system.

 To switch the computer off the right way, click the Start menu and then choose
Shut down.
 Note that if you click the little arrow beside the Shut down button, you open up a
menu with more options:
 Switch user: enables you to quickly switch between different user accounts without
closing them.

o Log off: closes your user account and takes you back to the welcome screen, so
that you can log in with another user account.

o Lock: temporarily blocks access to the computer. It’s particularly useful in offices, to
protect your data from prying eyes while you’re away on your coffee break.
o Restart: closes up the whole system and starts it
again. This step is often required if you install a
new program.

o Sleep: leaves the computer on, but turns most


services off to reduce energy usage. It’s the
perfect option if you plan to come back to the
computer shortly.
 In the case of laptops, closing the lid usually makes the computer go into the
sleep state, keeping the system just as you left it (with all the programs and files
you had up and running) while reducing energy usage.

 So if you want to completely switch the laptop off, you’ll need to make sure you
click the Shut down button on the Start menu before closing the lid.
 We use computers to perform different tasks: play music, type documents, run
software, etc.

 These tasks are done using programs installed on the computer. Programs are
computer software that perform specific functions.
 You can open, or launch, a program by using any of the following methods:

1) Double-click a program shortcut icon on the desktop.

2) Choose Start, then All Programs. Click the program name on the All
Programs list that appears. You see a list of programs; just click the program
you want to open.

3) Click an item on the taskbar.

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