CHAPTER 1 COMPUTER APPRECIATION ● Speed- a computer is a fast electronic

device that can solve large and complex

WHAT IS COMPUTER? problems in few seconds. The speed of a
Balagurusamy (2009), states that a computer computer generally depends upon its hardware
is an electronic machine that takes input from configuration.
the user, processes the given input and
generates output in the form of useful ● Storage capacity- a computer can store
information. huge amount of data in its different storage
components in many different formats. The
A computer accepts input in different forms storage area of a computer system is generally
such as data, programs and user reply. divided into two categories, main memory and
secondary storage.
Data refers to the raw details that need to be
processed to generate some useful ● Accuracy - a computer carries out
information. calculations with great accuracy, the accuracy
achieved by a computer depends upon its
Programs refer to the set of instructions that hardware configuration and the instructions.
can be executed by the computer in sequential
or non- sequential manner. ● Reliability - a computer produces results
with no error. Most of the errors generated in
A user reply is the input provided by the user the computer are human errors that are
in response to a question asked by the created by the user itself. therefore, they are
computer. very trustworthy machines.

The main task of a computer system is to ● Versatility- computers are versatile

process the given input of any type in an machines. they can perform many different
efficient manner. Therefore, computers are tasks and can be used for many different
also known by various other names such as purposes.
data processing unit, data processor and data
processing system. ● Diligence - computers can perform
repetitive calculations any number of times
Shelly et al., 2011, say a computer is an an with the same accuracy computers do not
electronic device, operating under the control suffer from human traits such as tiredness,
of instructions stored in its own memory, that fatigue, lack of concentration, etc..
can accept data process the data according to
specified rules, produce results, and store the Although computers are highly reliable and
results for future use- information processing versatile machines, they do possess certain
cycle happens when computers process data limitations since computers are capable of
(input) into information (output). doing only what they are instructed to do any
wrong instruction (or faulty logic) or any wrong
"data is raw material used as input and data may result in erroneous output this is
information is processed data obtained as popularly known as GARBAGE-IN,
output of data processing. (Sinha P.K. et al, GARBAGE-OUT (GIGO)
2008)”. A collection of related instructions
organized for a common purpose is referred to A computer is a dumb machine and therefore
as software. lacks "common sense".

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER INPUT UNIT AND ITS FUNCTIONS

1. it accepts (or reads) instructions and data
from outside world
2. it converts these instructions and data in CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) AND
computer acceptable form COMPUTER SYSTEM
3. it supplies the converted instructions and the function of any computer system revolves
data to the computer system for further around a central component known as central
processing processing unit (CPU) the CPU, which is
popularly referred to as the "brain" of the
OUTPUT UNIT AND ITS FUNCTIONS computer, is responsible for processing the
1. it accepts the results produced by the data inside the computer system it is also
computer, which are in coded form and hence, responsible for controlling all other
cannot be easily understood by us components of the system (Balagurusamy,
2. it converts these coded results to human 2009).
acceptable (readable) form
3. it supplies the converted results to outside The Main Operations Of The CPU Include
world Four Phases:
1. fetching instructions from the memory,
Therefore, the input units are used to enter the 2. decoding the instructions to decide what
data into the computer and the output units is operations to be performed.
used to display the information generated by 3. executing the instructions,
the computer to the user (Balagurusamy, 4. storing the results back in the memory.
2009)
According to Shelly et al, (2011), it is also
STORAGE UNIT AND ITS FUNCTIONS called a processor. CPU is an electronic
1. data and instructions required for processing component that interprets and carries out the
(received from input devices) basic instructions that operate the computer.
2. intermediate results of processing
3. final results of processing, before they are The subsystems of a Central Processing Unit
released to an output device (CPU)

TWO TYPES OF STORAGE. 1. Arithmetic Logic Unit- it is the place

1. Primary Storage/Main Memory (RAM) where the actual executions of instructions
Random-Access Memory take place during processing operation.
● used to hold running program instructions arithmetic unit (au) is a part of the CPU that
● used to hold data, intermediate results, and performs arithmetic operations on the data.
results of ongoing processing job(s) the arithmetic operations can be addition,
● fast in operation subtraction, multiplication or division. the
● small capacity multiplication and division operations are
● expensive usually implemented by the au as the
● volatile (loses data on power dissipation) repetitive process of addition and
subtraction operations respectively.
2. Secondary Storage (ROM) Read-Only 2. Control Unit - it manages and coordinates
Memory the operations of all other components of
● used to hold stored program instructions the computer system, control unit (cu) is an
● used to hold data and information of stored important component of the CPU that
jobs controls the flow of data and information. it
● slower than primary storage maintains the sequence of operations
● large capacity being performed by the CPU.
● lot cheaper that primary storage
● retains data even without power
 users in the binary format. The binary system
represents each type of data in terms of binary
digits, os and 1s. Since these codes convert
the data into the binary form, the computer
COMPUTER SYSTEM
codes are also referred to as binary codes.
a system has following three characteristics:
The decimal system is not the only number
1. a system has more than one element
system used by computer users.
2. all elements of a system are logically related
3. all elements of a system are controlled in a
Computer professionals use different number
manner to achieve the system goal
systems according to their requirements to
communicate with the computer system.
A computer is a system as it comprises
Therefore, before understanding the various
integrated components (input unit, output unit,
computer codes, we need to understand the
storage unit, and CPU) that work together to
concept of number systems, all the number
perform the steps called for in the executing
systems used by computer professionals to
interact with computer systems come under
program. (Sinha P.K. et al, 2008).
the category of positional number systems.
The positional number system is a number
FIVE BASIC OPERATIONS OF A system in which numbers are represented
COMPUTER SYSTEM using some symbols called digits and the
1. Inputting the process of entering data and values of these numbers can be determined by
instructions into the computer system taking the position of digits into consideration.
2. Storing saving data and instructions to the different number systems, which come
make them readily available for initial or under the category of positional number
additional processing whenever required. system, are as follows.
3. Processing performing arithmetic
operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide, etc.) The different number systems, which come
or logical operations (comparisons like equal under the category of positional number
to, less than, greater than, etc.) on data to system, are as follows:
convert them into useful information 1. Decimal system
4. Outputting the process of producing useful 2. Binary system
information or results for the user such as a 3. Octal system
printed report or visual display 4. Hexadecimal system
5. Controlling directing the manner and
sequence in which all of the above operations 1. Decimal System
are performed The decimal system is the most common
number system used by human beings. it is a
NUMBER SYSTEM positional number system that uses 10 as a
According to Balagurusamy (2009), a base to represent different values.Therefore,
computer is a digital system that stores and this number system is also known as base10
processes different types of data in the form of number system. In this system, 10 symbols are
Os and 1s. The different types of data handled available for representing the values. These
by a computer system include numbers, symbols include the digits from 0 to 9.The
alphabets and some special characters. common operations performed in the decimal
Therefore, there is a need to change the data system are addition(+), subtraction(–),
entered by the users into a form that the multiplication(×) and division (/)
computer system can understand and process. (Balagurusamy, 2009).
Different types of codes have been developed
and used to represent the data entered by the 2. Binary System
According to Balagurusamy (2009), among all
the positional number systems, the teary
system is the most dominant number system
that is employed by almost all the modern
digital computer systems. The binary system
uses base 2 to represent different values.
Therefore, the binary system is also known as
base-2 system. as this system uses base 2, 3. Octal System
only two symbols are available for representing The octal system is the positional number
the different values in this system. These system that uses base 8 to represent different
symbols are 0 and 1, which are also known as values. Therefore, this number system is also
bits in computer terminology using binary known as base-8 system, as this system uses
systems, the computer systems can store and base 8, eight symbols are available for
process each type of data in terms of os and Is representing the values in this system. These
only. symbols are the digits 0 to 7 (Balagurusamy,
2009).
The following are some of the technical terms
used in binary system: Moreover, Sinha P.K. et al, (2008), give the
characteristic of octal number system which
 Bit. It is the smallest unit of information used are the following:
in a computer system. It can either have the  A positional number system
value 0 or 1. Derived from the words Binary  have a total 8 symbols or digits (0, 1,
digIT. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). hence, its base = 8
 Nibble. It is a combination of 4 bits.  The maximum value of a single digit is
 Byte. It is a combination of 8 bits. Derived 7 (one less than the value of the base.
from words ‘by eight’.  Each position of a digit represents a
 Word. It is a combination of 16 bits. specific power of the base (8).
 Double word. It is a combination of 32 bits.  Since there are only 8 digits, 3 bits
 Kilobyte (KB). It is used to represent the (238) are sufficient to represent any
1024 bytes of information. octal number in binary.
 Megabyte (MB). It is used to represent the
1024 KBs of information.
 Gigabyte (GB). It is used to represent the
1024 MBs of information.

Characteristic of binary number system which 4. Hexadecimal System

are the following: The hexadecimal system is a positional
 A positional number system number system that uses base 16 to represent
 Have only 2 symbols or digits (0 and 1). different values. Therefore, this number
Hence its base = 2 system is known as base-16 system. as this
 The maximum value of a single digit is 1 system uses base 16, 16 symbols are
(one less than the value of the base) available for representing the values in this
 Each position of a digit represents a specific system these symbols are the digits 0-9 and
power of the base (2) the letters a, b, c, d, e and f. the digits 0-9 are
 This number system is used in computers used to represent the decimal values 0 through
9 and the letters a, b, c, d. e and f are used to
represent the decimal values 10 through 15.
(Balagurusamy, 2009).
 A positional number system
  Has a total 16 symbols or digits (0, 1, 2, binary coding schemes. as most modern
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, b, C, D, E, F). coding schemes use 8 bits to represent a
Hence its base = 16 symbol, the term byte is often used to mean a
 The symbols A, B, C, D. E, and F group of 8 bits commonly used computer
represent the decimal values 10, 11, codes are bcd, ebcdic, and what we primarily
12, 13, 14, and 15 respectively focus in this chapter, the ascii (Sinha P.K. et
 The maximum value of a digit al, 2008).
represents a specific power of the base
(16)
 Since they are only 16 digits, 4 bits ASCII CODE
(24 = 16) are sufficient to represent any According to Balagurusamy (2009), the ASCII
hexadecimal number in binary CODE is pronounced as askee and is used for
the same purpose for which the EBCDIC
CODE is used. however, this code is more
popular than ebcdic code as unlike the ebcdic
code this code can be implemented by most of
the NON-IBM computer systems. initially, this
code was developed as a 7-bit BCD code to
handle 128 characters but later it was modified
to an 8-bit code. we can check the value of any
ASC code by just holding down the alt key and
typing the ascii code.

Meanwhile, according to Sinha P.K. et al,

(2008),ASCII stands for American Standard
Code For Information Interchange having two
types:
1. ASCII-7 it uses 7 bits to represent a symbol
and can represent 128 (27) different
characters
2. ASCII-8 it uses 8 bits to represent a symbol
and can represent 256 (28) different
characters.
Note: First 128 characters in ASCII-7 and
ASCII-8 are same.

COMPUTER CODES
Computer codes are used for internal
representation of data in computers. As
computers use binary numbers for internal
data representation, computer codes use
 CHAPTER 2 COMPUTER ORGANIZATION
2. SYSTEM UNIT
Computer Literacy also known as Digital system unit is a box like case that contains
Literacy, involves having a current knowledge electronic components of the computer that
and understanding of computers and their are used to process data. Two main
uses. components of the motherboard are the
processor and memory.
THE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
According to Shelly et al. (2011), a computer
contains many electric, electronic, and MAIN MEMORY
mechanical components known as Hardware. Memory consists of electronic components that
These components include input devices, store instructions waiting to be executed and
output devices, a system unit, storage devices, data needed by those instructions. Most
and communications devices. memory keeps data and instructions
temporarily, which means its contents are
erased when the computer is shut off. Main
memory is referred to as the internal memory
or primary memory of the computer, it is also
known as a random-access memory (RAM)

CACHE MEMORY
Cache memory is a small, fast and expensive
memory that stores the copies of data that
figure 2.1 input-process output (ipo) cycle of a needs to be accessed frequently from the main
computer memory. The cache memory is always placed
between CPU and the main memory of the
Balagurusamy ( 2009), says that a Computer computer system, as shown
System, small or big, in order to carry out its in fig. 2.3
functions successfully, must essentially include
the following four sub-systems:
● Software
● Hardware
● data
● people

1. HARDWARE
The physical devices that make up the
computer are called hardware. The units are
responsible for entering, storing, and STORAGE DEVICE
processing the given data and then displaying Storage holds data, instructions, and
the output to the users. The basic hardware information for future use. A storage device
units of a general purpose computer are records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items
keyboard, mouse, memory, cpu, monitor, and to and from storage media. Examples of
printer. Among these hardware units, keyboard storage media are USB flash drives, hard
and mouse are used to input data into the disks, optical discs, and memory cards.
computer, memory is used to store the entered
data, CPU is used to process the entered data
and monitor and printer are used to display the
processed data to the users (Balagurusamy, COMMUNICATION DEVICES
2009). =Input Device vs. Output Device
Communications occur over cables, telephone
lines, cellular radio networks, satellites, and
other transmission media. BLOG
An informal web site consisting of time,
stamped articles in a diary or journal format
NETWORK usually listed in reverse chronological order.
Collection of computers and devices
connected together, often wirelessly, via
communications devices and transmission MICROBLOG
media. When a computer connects to a Allows users to publish short messages
network, it is online. Networks allow computers between 100-200 characters for others to read.
to share resources, such as hardware, ex. Twitter
software, data, and information. Sharing
resources saves time and money.
WEB APPLICATION
A web that allows users to access and interact
INTERNET with software from any computer or device that
A worldwide collection of networks that is connected to their internet.
connects millions of businesses, government
agencies, educational institutions and
individuals. People connect to the to exchange MULTIMEDIA
information with others around the world, in most web pages include more than
business, it is called access provider. just formatted texts and links. The section that
follows discusses how the web uses graphics,
animation, audio, video and virtual reality.
WORLD WIDE WEB
The Web, short for World Wide Web, is one of
the more popular services on the Internet. The GRAPHICS
Web contains billions of documents called A graphic or graphical image is a digital
Web pages. representation of Nontext information such as
drawing, chat or photo.
WEB PAGES
It contains text, graphics, animations and video
that often have built-in connections or links in ANIMATION
other documents. Can make web pages more visually interesting
or draw attention to important information or
links.
WEB SITE
Collections of related web pages.
AUDIO
SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITE You can listen to audio clips and live video,
A webpage that encourages millions of people including music, speech or any other sound.
to share their interest, ideas, stories, photos,
music with other registered users.

VIDEO
PODCAST Consist of images displayed in motion.
A recorded audio stored on a web site that
can be downloaded to a computer or a VIRTUAL REALITY
portable media player such as Ipod.
The use of computers to stimulate a real or Refers to the raw facts and pieces of
imagined environment. information that is usually entered into the
computer system by the user, so as to
SYSTEM SOFTWARE generate the desired output.
It consists of the program that controls the
operations of the computer and its devices. QUALITATIVE DATA
System software serves as the interface The data, which are represented in words or
between the user, the application software, text form, are known as qualitative data.
and the computer's hardware.
QUANTITATIVE DATA
OPERATING SYSTEM The data, which are represented in numerical
Set of programs that coordinates all the form, are known as quantitative data, the type
activities among computer hardware devices. it of data includes different numbers and
provides a means for users to communicate symbols for representing a particular quantity.
with the computer and other software.
PEOPLE
UTILITY PROGRAM Computer systems are created by designers
Allows a user to perform main Tenance-type (systems people) and utilized by users for
tasks usually related to managing a computer, diverse applications, reflecting a collaboration
its devices or its programs. between creators and users.

WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE HOME USER

Sometimes called a word processor, allows Computers have become essential in
users to create and manipulate documents households, serving various purposes for
containing mostly text and sometimes family members, including finances,
graphics. entertainment, education, communication, and
social interaction through a multitude of online
SPREADSHEET ORGANIZATION activities.
Is a similar to a notebook that can contain
more than 1,000 related individual worksheet
SMALL OFFICES
DATABASE Computers are indispensable tools for small
Is a collection of the data organized in a business and home office users, aiding in
manner that allows access, retrieval, and use efficient resource management and enabling a
of data. wide range of online activities crucial for these
entities.
DATABASE SOFTWARE
Is application software that allows users to MOBILE USER
create access, and manage a database. The increasing global reach of businesses and
schools has led to a rise in mobile users, who
PRESENTATION SOFTWARE use mobile devices to work, access the
Is an application that allows users to create internet, communicate, and even for
visual aids for presentations to communicate entertainment, emphasizing the versatility and
ideas, messages, and other information to a widespread use of mobile technology.
group. the presentation can be viewed as
slides, sometimes called a slide show, that are POWER USER
displayed on a large monitor or on a projection A user that requires the capabilities of a
screen. workstation.

DATA WORKSTATION
A powerful desktop computer with high 3. Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices
performance, data integrity, reliability, and Mobile Computer is a personal computer you
manageability. can carry from place to place, While, Mobile
Device is a computing device small enough to
LARGE BUSINESS USER hold in your hand.
Large group of users that run under the same
server for a specific business or enterprise, 4. Notebook Computer, also called laptop
each employee or customer who uses a computer, is a portable, personal computer
computer in the enterprise is an enterprise often designed to fit on your lap. Notebook
user. computers are thin and lightweight.

ENTERPRISE COMPUTING 5. Netbook is a type of notebook computer

Huge network of computers that meets their that is smaller, lighter and often not as
diverse computing needs. powerful as a traditional notebook computer,
some netbook computers have touch screens
TELECOMMUTING allowing you to interact with the device by
A work arrangement in which employees work touching the screen usually with the tip of a
away from a company's standard workplace finger.
and often communicate with the office through 6. Tablet PCS - A special type of notebook
the computer. computer that allows you to write or draw on
the screen using a digital pen. for users who
COMPUTER prefer typing instead of writing
A device that accepts information (in the form
of digitized data) and manipulates it for some 7. Mobile Devices - which are small enough
results based on a program, software, or to carry in a pocket, usually store programs
sequence of instructions on how the data is to and data permanently on memory inside the
be processed. system unit or on small storage media such as
memory cards.

8. Smartphones - offering the convenience of

CATEGORIES OF COMPUTERS one-handed operation. It is an internet enabled
1. Personal Computers - Can perform all of phone that usually also provide pda
its input, processing, output and storage capabilities and personal information
activities by itself containing a processor, management functions such as a calenda, an
memory, and one or more input, output, appointment book, an address book, and a
storage devices, and often with notepad
communications devices.

Two Popular Architectures Of Personal

Computers
1. PC - uses windows operating system. TYPES OF MESSAGES USERS SEND with
Compatible refers to any personal computer smartphones, include text messages, instant
based on the original IBM PC design. messages, picture messages, and video
2. Apple- uses Macintosh operating system messages

2. Desktop Computer - is designed so that ● Text Messages - is a short note, typically

the system unit, input devices, output devices, fewer than 300 characters, sent to or from a
and any other devices fit entirely on or under a smartphone or other mobile device
desk or table.
● Instant Messages - is a real-time internet Three popular models are:
communication, where you exchange ● Microsoft's Xbox 360
messages with other connected users. ● Sony Playstation
● Nintedos Wii
● Picture Messages - is a photo or other
image, sometimes along with sound and text, 15. Servers - a server controls access
sent to or from a smartphone or other mobile to the hardware, software and other resources
device. on a network and provides a centralized
storage area for programs, data and
● Video Messages -is a short video clip, information.
usually about 30 seconds, sent to or from a
smartphone or other mobile device TYPES OF SERVERS
● Mainframes are large, expensive, powerful
9. Portable Digital Assistant - provides computers that can handle hundreds or
personal information management functions thousands of connected users simultaneously;
such as a calendar, an appointment book, an most major corporations use mainframes for
address book, a calculator and a notepad. business activities.
10. Smartwatches - is an internet-
enabled watch that automatically adjusts to ● Supercomputers are the fastest, most
time zone changes and stores personal powerful computer and the most expensive,
information. the fastest supercomputers are capable of
processing more than one quadrillion
11. Handheld Computers - sometimes instructions in a single second.
referred to as an ultra-mobile pc (UMPC), is a
computer small enough to fit in one hand. ● Embedded Computers is a special-
purpose computer that functions as a
12. Portable Media Player - a mobile component in a larger product.
device on which you can store, organize, and ○ embedded computers are components in
play digital media. Usually it includes a set of larger products, they usually are small and
earbuds, which are small speakers that rest have limited hardware.
inside each ear canal. ○ it performs various functions, depending on
the requirements of the product in which they
13. Digital Camera - a device that reside.
allows users to take pictures and store the
photographed images digitally, instead of on COMPUTER APPLICATION IN SOCIETY
traditional film. Users from different locations can easily and
quickly communicate with each other with the
14. Game Consoles - a game consoles help of computers.
is a mobile computing device designed for Computers have become a basic need to
single player or multiplayer video games perform various tasks in our day to day life.

Standard game consoles use a: ● Education

● Handheld Controllers Students can get more information about a
● Hard Disc, Optical Or Memory Card specific topic or subject using the internet.
● Television Screen Computers help in easy learning by creating
The compact size and light weight of game presentation on a specific computer-based
consoles make them easy to use at, home, learning and topic.
hotel, in the car, or any location that has an Web-based learning is very popular amongst
electrical outlet. students.
● Business
Computers are used in different types of
business for:
❖ storing large amount of databases:
❖ web conferencing; and
❖ online transactions

● Communication
The internet is one of the most common
mediums. E-mail is a popular system in which
a user can receive/send messages and other
types of information.

● Science
Computers are used by scientists for research
and development purposes. Computers also
help with predicting natural disasters.

● Engineering
Computers are used by engineers to create
complex drawings and animations.

● Entertainment
Computers are used in the entertainment
industry for creating graphics and animations.

● Banking
Nowadays, computers are being increasingly
used for online banking.

● Health
Computers are used by doctors to diagnose
various kinds of disease and ailments.

● Government
Computers play a crucial role in almost all
government departments.
 CHAPTER 3: OPERATING SYSTEMS Graphic User Interface (GUI) is a type of user
interface that allows users to interact with a
What is an Operating System? computer system or software application
It is a software that makes the computer through the use of visual cues and graphical
hardware to work as the main component of a components.
system software and therefore must be loaded
and activated before accomplishing any other Command-Line Interface (CLI) is a type of
task. According to Balagurusamy (2009), the user interface that allows users to interact with
operating system provides an interface for a computer system or software application by
users to communicate with the computer. typing commands.

3. MANAGING PROGRAMS
There are operating systems that support a
single user only that runs only one program at
a time, and there are operating systems that
can support thousands of users running
multiple programs at a time. for example: a
single user/single tasking operating system
allows only one user to run one program at a
time. it cannot run applications in the
FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING SYSTEMS background.
A Single User/Multitasking Operating
1. STARTING AND SHUTTING DOWN A System allows one user to run multiple
COMPUTER BOOTING program at a time that reside in the memory,
The process of starting or restarting a good example is the computer nowadays.
computer. Multiuser is an operating system that supports
Warm Boot using the operating system to two or more users to run programs
restart a computer. simultaneously, it can be a network, servers,
Cold Boot- urning on the computer that has mainframes, and supercomputer where it
been powered off completely allows hundreds or thousands of users to
connect at the same time.
Boot Process each time you boot a computer, Multiprocessing Operating System supports
the kernel and other frequently used operating two or more processors running programs at
system instructions are loaded, or copied, from the same time. It involves coordinated
storage into the computer's memory (RAM) processing of programs and increases the
computer's processing speed.
Kernel -memory resident other parts of
operating system-memory non resident. 4. MEMORY MANAGEMENT
The memory management function keeps
track of the status of each memory location,
SHUTTING DOWN OPTIONS either allocated or free. It determines how
Sleep Mode -a low-power state that saves memory is allocated among competing
open documents and programs to ram processes, deciding which memory gets, when
Hibernate Mode -saving documents and they receive it, and how much they are
programs to a hard disk before removing allowed.
power from the computer

5. COORDINATING TASK
2. PROVIDING A USER INTERFACE
Coordination is the essential bridge between
decisions and action, when you coordinate, 10. UPDATING SOFTWARE
you organize and assign tasks to fulfill the AUTOMATICALLY
directive of what's been decided, and so the Most operating systems now include an
actions that follow are smooth and complete. Automatic Update feature that automatically
provides updates to a program or operating
system. updates such as fixes to the program,
6. CONFIGURING DEVICES bugs(error) fix, enhancements to security, and
Driver is a small program that tells the some modifications to device drivers, when
operating system how to communicate with a there is an update, it automatically alerts the
specific device. user that there is a new update available.
updates can be done online or offline, offline
Plug And Play means the operating system updates are usually done through optical discs
automatically configures new devices as you or flash drives, while online updates are done
install them, with plug and play, a user can through the use of internet connection. many
plug in a device, turn on a computer, and then software makers offers free downloadable
use the device without having to configure the updates and it is called "service pack"
system manually.

11. CONTROLLING A NETWORK

7. ESTABLISHING AN INTERNET Some operating systems are designed to work
CONNECTION with a server on a network. a Server Operating
Windows includes a set up of a connection or System is an operating system that organizes
network wizard that guides users through the and coordinates how multiple users access
process of setting up a connection between a and share resources on a network, resources
computer and an internet access provider. include hardware, software, data, and
Some also includes utilities to protect information. For example, a server operating
computers from an unauthorized intrusions system allows multiple users to share a printer,
and unwanted software such as viruses and internet access, files, and programs.
spyware

12. ADMINISTERING SECURITY

8. MONITORING PERFORMANCE Computer and network administrators typically
Operating systems typically contain a have an Administrator Account that enables
performance monitor, a performance monitor is them to access all files and programs on the
a program that assesses and reports computer or network, install programs, and
information about various computer resources specify settings that affect all users on a
and devices. computer or network. settings include creating
user accounts and establishing permissions,
these permissions define who can access
9. PROVIDING FILE MANAGEMENT AND certain resources and when they can access
OTHER UTILITIES those resources.
Operating systems often provide users with the
capability of managing files, searching for files,
viewing images, securing a computer from
unauthorized access, uninstalling programs,
cleaning up disks, defragmenting disks, Three Basic Categories Of Operating System
diagnosing problems, backing up files and 1. STAND-ALONE OPERATING SYSTEM is a
disk, and setting up screen savers. complete operating system that works on a
desktop computer, notebook computer, or user interface, which means that a user needs
mobile computing device. to type a command at the command line for
● WINDOWS performing a specific task, the eli of MS-DOS
● MACOS is more commonly known as dos prompt. the
● Unix is a multitasking operating system, user interface of MS-DOS is very simple to use
several versions of this operating system exist, but not very user-friendly because of its non-
each slightly different, although some versions graphical nature. The user has to issue a
of Unix offer a graphical user interface (figure command to carry out even a simple task.
3.10).today, a version of Unix is available for
most computers of all sizes. power users often ● Microsoft has provided many operating
work with Unix because of its flexibility and systems to cater the needs of different users.
power. ● Microsoft is a well-known name in the
● Linux is one of the faster growing operating development of operating system as well as
systems, introduced in 1991, is a popular, various software applications.
multitasking Unix-type operating system Linux ● Microsoft introduced windows 1.x, windows
is open-source software, which means its code 2x and windows 386 operating systems,
is xis available to the public for use, however, these operating systems lacked
modification and redistribution. certain desirable features, such as networking
and interactive user interface Microsoft
2. SERVER OPERATING SYSTEM a server continued to work towards developing an
operating system is an operating system that is operating system that met the desirable
designed specifically to support a network, a features of users and came up with a new
server operating system typically resides on a operating system in the year 1993, which was
server. the client computers on the network known as windows NT 3.1. this operating
rely on the server(s) for resources. system was specially designed for the
advanced users performing various business
3. EMBEDDED OPERATING SYSTEMS. the and scientific operations, after the release of
operating system on most mobile devices and windows NT 3.1, several other operating
many consumer electronics, called an systems were introduced by Microsoft in the
embedded operating system, resides on a rom successive years with their own unique
chip some of the popular embedded operating features.
systems include: windows embedded CE,
windows mobile, palm OS, phone OS,
blackberry, google android, embedded Linux, BILL GATES MICROSOFT FOUNDER when
and Symbian OS bill gates stepped down from his day-to-day
activities at Microsoft in 2008, his action
MICROSOFT WINDOWS marked the end of an era that shaped the
Microsoft windows is a type of software called computer world, he remains the company's
an operating system, an operating system chairman and advisor, but he now devotes
does what its name implies-operates your much of his time directing the bill & Melinda
computer system, working in the background Gates foundation, a philanthropic organization
every time you turn on your pc. working to help people worldwide lead healthy,
productive lives.
According to Balagurusamy (2009). MS-DOS
was developed and introduced by Microsoft in ● Gates learned to program computers when
1981. it is a single-user and single-tasking he was 13 years old. early in his career he
operating system developed for personal developed the basic programming language
computers MS-DOS was specifically designed for the Mits Altair, one of the first
for the family of intel 8086 microprocessors, microcomputers he founded Microsoft in 1975
this operating system provides a command line with Paul Allen, and five years later they
licensed the first operating system, called PC-
DOS, to IBM for $80,000 Some of the file management functions that a
file manager performs are displaying a list of
● this decision to license, rather than sell, the files on a storage medium (figure 3.14);
software is considered one of the wisest organizing files in folders; and copying,
business decisions gates ever made today, renaming, deleting, moving. and sorting files. a
Microsoft's windows and office products folder is a specific named location on a storage
dominate the software market (shelly et al. medium that contains related documents,
2011) operating systems typically include a file
manager (shelly et al, 2011).

MS WINDOWS ELEMENTS SYSTEM STOOLS

According to Miller (2009), the major parts of To display the utilities available in the windows
the windows desktop are the following: system tools list, click the start button, click all
1. Start Butten -opens the start menu, which is programs, click accessories, and then click
what you can use to open all your programs system tools (shelly et al., 2011).
and documents
1. Disk Cleanup - a disk cleanup utility
2. Taskbar - displays icons for your favorite searches for and removes unnecessary files,
applications and documents, as well as for any unnecessary files may include downloaded
open window right-click an icon to see a jump program files, temporary internet files, deleted
list of recent open documents and other files and unused program files operating
operations for that application systems, include a disk scanner utility

3. Notification Area -sometimes known as the 2. Disk Defragmenter - a disk defragmenter is

system tray, this part of the taskbar display's a utility that reorganizes the files and unused
icons for a handful of key system functions, space on a computer's hard disk so that the
including the action center, power (on operating system accesses data more quickly
notebook pcs), networking/internet, and audio and programs run faster.
(volume) 3. Defragmenting the disk, or reorganizing it
so that the files are stored in contiguous
4. Acro Peck Button -hover over this little sectors, solves this problem (figure 3.15).
rectangle, and all open windows go operating systems usually include a disk
transparent so you can see what's on the defragmenter. windows disk defragmenter is
desktop below, click the aero peek button to available in the system tools list.
immediately minimize all open windows

5. Gadgets -these are mini-applications that sit ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE

on the desktop and perform specific operations Entertainment software for personal computers
shortcut icons-these are links to software includes interactive games, videos and other
programs you can place on your desktop a programs designed to support a hobby or
"clean" desktop includes just one icon, for the provide amusement and enjoyment.
windows recycle bin NOTE TAKING SOFTWARE
Note taking software is application software
6. Recycle Bin -this is where you dump any that enables users to enter typed text
files you want to delete. handwritten comments, drawings, or sketches
anywhere on a
MS WINDOWS FILE MANAGEMENT page and then save the page as part of a
File manager is a utility that performs notebook
functions related to file management.
PAINT/IMAGE EDITING SOFTWARE (FOR program is copied from storage to memory, once in
PERSONAL USE) memory, the computer can carry out, or execute,
Personal paint/image editing software provides the instructions in the program so that you can use
an easy-to-use interface; includes various the program (shelly et al., 2011). figure 3.20
illustrates the steps that occur when a user installs
simplified tools that allow you to draw pictures,
and runs a program.
shapes, and other images; and provides the
capability of modifying existing graphics and
photos.

PERSONAL PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE

A popular type of image dining software
available both as packaged software and as
web applications, allows users to edit digital
photos by removing red- eye, erasing
blemishes, restoring aged photos, adding
special effects, enhancing image quality, or
creating electronic photo albums.

PAINT IMAGE EDITING SOFTWARE (FOR/

LINUS TORVALDS LINUX CREATOR
THE PROFESSIONAL)
Inductees to the computer history museum in
Graphic artists, multimedia professionals, mountain view, ca are noted for their contribution to
technical illustrators, and desktop publishers computer technology Linus Torvalds joined the
use paint software and image editing software museum's hall of fellows in 2008 for his creation of
to create and modify graphical images such as the open-source operating system, Linux.
those used in DTP documents and web pages.
When he developed an operating system in 1991,
PAINT SOFTWARE, also called "illustration he announced his project in an internet newsgroup
software", allows users to draw pictures (figure he made the source code available and asked
3.19), shapes, and other graphical images with readers for suggestions to enhance the product,
various on-screen tools such as a pen, brush, computer users responded by reviewing the system
eyedropper, and paint bucket. image editing and offering enhancements three years later he
software provides the capabilities of paint software released a greatly enhanced version he called
and also includes the capability to enhance and Linux Torvalds developed this innovative operating
modify existing pictures and images. modifications system when he was 21-year-old computer science
can include adjusting or enhancing image colors, student in Finland today, he leads the development
adding special effects such as shadows and glows, of Linux as a fellow at OSDL (open source
creating animations, and image stitching, which is development labs) a not-for-profit consortium of
the process of combining multiple images into a companies dedicated to developing and promoting
larger image. the operating system Torvalds says his daily
involvement with Linux involves coordinating and
PROFESSIONAL PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE merging the lines of Code submitted by users so
is a type of image editing software that allows that the software runs smoothly (shelly et al, 2011).
photographers, videographers, engineers,
scientists, and other high- volume digital photo
users to edit and customize digital photos

APPLICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Installing is the process of setting up software to
work with the computer, printer, and other
hardware, once installed, you can run the program.
when you instruct the computer to run an installed
program, the computer loads it, which means the