Module 1: Operating Systems (10 Hours)

Operating Systems, types of operating systems, major functions of the operating

systems, types of riser interface, examples of operating systems: MS-DOS, Windows,
Mac OS. Linux, Solaris, Android. Office automation tools: word processor, power point,
and spreadsheet.

Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and
software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. The
operating system is a vital part of the computer system, and without it, the computer
would not be able to function.

Here are some of the basic functions of an operating system:

● Resource management: The operating system manages the computer's

hardware resources, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices. It ensures
that these resources are used efficiently and fairly by all the programs that are
running on the computer.
● File management: The operating system manages the computer's files, such as
storing them on disk and retrieving them when they are needed. It also provides
features for organizing and searching files.
● Process management: The operating system manages the computer's
processes, which are programs that are currently running. It ensures that
processes are executed in a timely manner and that they do not interfere with
each other.
● Device management: The operating system manages the computer's devices,
such as printers, keyboards, and mice. It ensures that these devices are properly
configured and that they can be used by programs.
 ● User interface: The operating system provides a user interface, which is a way
for users to interact with the computer. The user interface can be graphical (GUI)
or text-based (CLI).

There are many different operating systems, each with its own strengths and
weaknesses. Some of the most common operating systems include:

● Microsoft Windows: Windows is the most popular operating system in the world.
It is used by businesses, schools, and individuals.
● Mac OS: Mac OS is the operating system used by Apple computers. It is known
for its user-friendly interface and its integration with other Apple products.
● Linux: Linux is a free and open-source operating system. It is known for its
stability and security.
● Android: Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is the
most popular mobile operating system in the world.
● Solaris: Solaris is a Unix-based operating system developed by Oracle. It is
known for its scalability and reliability.

Types of Operating Systems

Sure, here are some of the most common types of operating systems:

● Batch operating systems: Batch operating systems were the first type of
operating system developed. They are designed to run a series of jobs, one after
the other, without any user interaction. Batch operating systems are still used in
some specialized environments, such as mainframe computers.

Opens in a new window Batch operating system

● Time-sharing operating systems: Time-sharing operating systems allow multiple
users to share a single computer system. Each user has their own virtual
machine, which is a simulated computer that appears to be completely separate
from the other virtual machines. Time-sharing operating systems are often used
on servers and mainframe computers.

Opens in a new window Time-sharing operating system

● Multitasking operating systems: Multitasking operating systems allow multiple

programs to run at the same time on a single computer. Each program is
assigned a time slice, which is a small amount of time during which the program
can execute. Multitasking operating systems are used on most personal
computers and mobile devices.

Opens in a new window Multitasking operating system

● Distributed operating systems: Distributed operating systems allow multiple

computers to work together as a single system. Each computer in the system has
its own operating system, but they are all connected to a network. Distributed
operating systems are used for applications that require a lot of processing
power or storage space, such as web servers and email servers.

Opens in a new window Distributed operating system

 ● Real-time operating systems: Real-time operating systems are designed to
guarantee that a certain amount of time is allocated to each task. This is
important for applications that must respond to events in a timely manner, such
as control systems and medical devices.

Opens in a new window Real-time operating system

● Embedded operating systems: Embedded operating systems are designed to run

on small, specialized devices, such as cars, appliances, and toys. They are
typically very small and efficient, and they often have limited features.

Opens in a new window Embedded operating system

Major Functions of Operating Systems

The major functions of an operating system (OS) are:

● Resource management: The OS manages the computer's hardware resources,

such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices. It ensures that these resources
are used efficiently and fairly by all the programs that are running on the
computer.
● File management: The OS manages the computer's files, such as storing them
on disk and retrieving them when they are needed. It also provides features for
organizing and searching files.
 ● Process management: The OS manages the computer's processes, which are
programs that are currently running. It ensures that processes are executed in a
timely manner and that they do not interfere with each other.
● Device management: The OS manages the computer's devices, such as printers,
keyboards, and mice. It ensures that these devices are properly configured and
that they can be used by programs.
● User interface: The OS provides a user interface, which is a way for users to
interact with the computer. The user interface can be graphical (GUI) or
text-based (CLI).

In addition to these major functions, an OS may also provide other features, such as:

● Security: The OS protects the computer from unauthorized access and malicious
software.
● Networking: The OS allows the computer to communicate with other computers
on a network.
● Application support: The OS provides a platform for running applications.
● Performance management: The OS optimizes the performance of the computer
by managing resources and scheduling tasks.
● Error handling: The OS handles errors that occur during the execution of
programs.

The specific functions of an OS will vary depending on the type of operating system and
the hardware platform that it is running on. However, the major functions listed above
are common to all operating systems.

Types of User Interface

There are two main types of user interfaces: graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and
command-line interfaces (CLIs).
 ● Graphical user interfaces (GUIs): GUIs are the most common type of user
interface. They use icons, menus, and other visual elements to allow users to
interact with the computer. GUIs are easy to use and can be very efficient, but
they can also be complex and overwhelming.

Opens in a new window Graphical user interface (GUI)

● Command-line interfaces (CLIs): CLIs are text-based interfaces that allow users
to interact with the computer by typing commands. CLIs are more powerful than
GUIs, but they can be difficult to learn and use. CLIs are often used by system
administrators and other technical users.

Opens in a new window Command-line interface (CLI)

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between GUIs and CLIs:

Feature GUI CLI

Visual Uses icons, menus, and other visual Text-based

elements elements

Ease of use Easy to use Difficult to learn and use

Efficiency Can be efficient More powerful

Target General users System administrators and other

audience technical users

The best type of user interface for a particular application will depend on the needs of
the users and the complexity of the application. For example, a GUI is a good choice for
most personal computers, while a CLI is a better choice for servers and other technical
systems.

Examples of Operating Systems:

● MS-DOS: MS-DOS is a single-user, command-line operating system developed

by Microsoft.
● Windows: Windows is a multi-user, graphical user interface operating system
developed by Microsoft.
● Mac OS: Mac OS is a multi-user, graphical user interface operating system
developed by Apple.
● Linux: Linux is a free and open-source operating system that can be used as a
single-user or multi-user operating system.
● Solaris: Solaris is a Unix-based operating system developed by Oracle. It can be
used as a single-user or multi-user operating system.
● Android: Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is a
multi-user operating system.

MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) was a disk operating system that was
developed by Microsoft for IBM-compatible personal computers. It was first released in
1981 and was the dominant operating system for PCs for over a decade. MS-DOS was
a command-line operating system, which means that users interacted with it by typing
commands at a prompt. It was not a graphical user interface (GUI) operating system.
MS-DOS was a simple and efficient operating system that was easy to use and
program. It was also very affordable, which made it a popular choice for businesses and
home users. MS-DOS was eventually replaced by Windows, but it remains in use today
in some embedded systems.

Here are some of the features of MS-DOS:

● Command-line interface
● Simple and efficient
 ● Easy to use
● Affordable
● Popular choice for businesses and home users
● Still in use today in some embedded systems

MS-DOS command prompt

MS-DOS was a popular and influential operating system that played a major role in the
development of the personal computer. It was a simple and efficient operating system
that was easy to use and program. It was also very affordable, which made it a popular
choice for businesses and home users. MS-DOS was eventually replaced by Windows,
but it remains in use today in some embedded systems.

Windows is a family of graphical operating systems developed by Microsoft. It is the

most popular operating system for personal computers worldwide, with a market share
of over 70%. Windows is a multitasking, multiuser operating system that provides a
graphical user interface (GUI) for users to interact with the computer. It also includes a
variety of features for managing files, running applications, and connecting to networks.

The first version of Windows, Windows 1.0, was released in 1985. It was a graphical
shell for MS-DOS, which was the dominant operating system for PCs at the time.
Windows 1.0 was not very popular, but it paved the way for later versions of Windows,
which were more successful.

The most popular version of Windows is Windows 10, which was released in 2015.
Windows 10 is a modern operating system that includes a variety of features for
productivity, gaming, and entertainment. It is also the first version of Windows that is
available on both PCs and tablets.

Here are some of the most notable features of Windows:

 ● Graphical user interface (GUI): Windows uses a GUI, which makes it easy to use
and navigate. Users can interact with the computer by clicking on icons, menus,
and buttons.
● Multitasking: Windows allows users to run multiple programs at the same time.
This is useful for tasks such as working on a document while also checking email
or browsing the web.
● File management: Windows includes a file manager that allows users to organize
and access their files. The file manager also includes features for searching and
sharing files.
● Device management: Windows allows users to connect and manage a variety of
devices, such as printers, scanners, and cameras.
● Networking: Windows includes features for connecting to networks, such as the
internet and local area networks (LANs).
● Security: Windows includes a variety of features for protecting the computer from
unauthorized access and malicious software.

Windows is a powerful and versatile operating system that is suitable for a wide range
of users. It is the most popular operating system for personal computers worldwide, and
it is used by businesses, schools, and homes.

Mac OS X (/ˌmæk ˈoʊɛs ɛks/; later styled as macOS; originally marketed as Mac OS X,
then OS X) is a Unix-based operating system developed and marketed by Apple Inc.
exclusively for Macintosh computers. It is the successor to the classic Mac OS, the first
version of which was released in 1984, and can trace its roots to the original Macintosh
operating system, which was a modified version of Unix. Mac OS X was announced to
the public by Steve Jobs on January 24, 2001, at the Macworld Expo in San Francisco,
California. The first version, Mac OS X v10.0 (codenamed Rhapsody), was released on
March 24, 2001, and the latest version, macOS Monterey, was released on October 25,
2021.

Mac OS X is based on the Unix operating system, which is a multitasking, multiuser

operating system that has been around for over 40 years. Unix is known for its reliability,
performance, and security. Mac OS X inherits these qualities from Unix, and it is also
known for its ease of use and its graphical user interface (GUI).

Mac OS X is a powerful and versatile operating system that is suitable for a wide range
of users. It is used by businesses, schools, and homes. Mac OS X is also a popular
choice for creative professionals, such as graphic designers, video editors, and
musicians.

Some of the key features of Mac OS X include:

● A graphical user interface (GUI) that is easy to use and navigate.

● A Unix-based operating system that is reliable, performant, and secure.
● A wide range of software applications, including productivity apps, creative apps,
and games.
● A strong focus on user experience, design and security.
● A commitment to innovation and creativity.

Mac OS X is a powerful and versatile operating system that is suitable for a wide range
of users. It is a popular choice for businesses, schools, homes, and creative
professionals.

Linux is a family of open-source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel,
an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991, by Linus Torvalds.
Linux is typically packaged in a distribution (a collection of software applications and
supporting files) that is designed for a specific use.

Linux is a popular choice for servers, embedded systems, and personal computers. It is
known for its stability, security, and customizability.

Here are some of the key features of Linux:

 ● Open-source: Linux is free and open-source software, which means that anyone
can use, modify, and redistribute it. This has led to a large and active community
of developers who are constantly improving Linux.
● Stable and secure: Linux is known for its stability and security. It has been used
in mission-critical environments for decades, and it is resistant to viruses and
other malware.
● Customizable: Linux is highly customizable. Users can choose the software that
they want to install, and they can also change the look and feel of the operating
system.
● Portable: Linux can be installed on a wide variety of hardware platforms, from
servers to smartphones. This makes it a good choice for businesses and
organizations that need to deploy their applications on a variety of devices.

Linux is a powerful and versatile operating system that is suitable for a wide range of
users. It is a popular choice for servers, embedded systems, and personal computers.

Solaris is a proprietary Unix operating system originally developed by Sun

Microsystems. After the Sun acquisition by Oracle in 2010, it was renamed Oracle
Solaris.

Solaris is a multitasking, multiuser operating system that is designed for

high-performance computing environments. It is known for its scalability, reliability, and
security. Solaris supports a wide range of hardware platforms, including SPARC and
x86-64 systems.

Here are some of the key features of Solaris:

● Scalability: Solaris is designed to scale from small servers to large data centers.
It can support thousands of users and terabytes of data.
● Reliability: Solaris is known for its reliability. It has been used in mission-critical
environments for decades.
 ● Security: Solaris is designed with security in mind. It has a number of features to
protect against unauthorized access and malicious software.
● Portability: Solaris can be installed on a wide variety of hardware platforms, from
servers to workstations. This makes it a good choice for businesses and
organizations that need to deploy their applications on a variety of devices.

Solaris is a powerful and versatile operating system that is suitable for a wide range of
users. It is a popular choice for high-performance computing environments, such as
data centers and web servers.

Solaris is also used by some businesses and organizations for their desktop computers.
However, it is not as popular as Windows or macOS for this purpose.

Here are some of the pros and cons of Solaris:

Pros:

● Scalability
● Reliability
● Security
● Portability
● Support for a wide range of hardware platforms
● Advanced features, such as DTrace and ZFS

Cons:

● Proprietary software
● Not as user-friendly as Windows or macOS
● Not as widely supported as Windows or macOS

Overall, Solaris is a powerful and versatile operating system that is suitable for a wide
range of users. It is a good choice for high-performance computing environments, but it
may not be the best choice for home users or businesses that need a user-friendly
operating system.

Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel
and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices
such as smartphones and tablets. Android is the world's most popular mobile operating
system, with over 2.5 billion active devices as of 2021.

Android was developed by Android Inc., which was acquired by Google in 2005. The
first Android-powered device, the HTC Dream, was released in 2008. Android has since
been released in a variety of versions, with the latest version being Android 13.

Android is a multitasking, multiuser operating system that allows users to run multiple
applications at the same time. It also provides a variety of features for managing files,
running applications, and connecting to networks.

Here are some of the key features of Android:

● Open-source: Android is free and open-source software, which means that

anyone can use, modify, and redistribute it. This has led to a large and active
community of developers who are constantly creating new applications and
features for Android.
● Customizable: Android is highly customizable. Users can choose the look and
feel of the operating system, as well as the applications that they want to install.
This makes it a good choice for users who want to personalize their devices.
● Secure: Android is designed with security in mind. It has a number of features to
protect against unauthorized access and malicious software.
● Portable: Android can be installed on a wide variety of devices, from
smartphones to tablets to TVs. This makes it a good choice for businesses and
organizations that need to deploy their applications on a variety of devices.
Android is a powerful and versatile operating system that is suitable for a wide range of
users. It is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, and it is used by
businesses, schools, and homes.

Here are some of the pros and cons of Android:

Pros:

● Open-source
● Customizable
● Secure
● Portable
● Wide range of devices
● Large app selection
● Active community of developers

Cons:

● Fragmentation
● Security vulnerabilities
● Lack of support for some features
● Not as user-friendly as iOS

Overall, Android is a powerful and versatile operating system that is suitable for a wide
range of users. It is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, and it is
used by businesses, schools, and homes. However, it is important to be aware of the
potential drawbacks of Android, such as fragmentation and security vulnerabilities.

Office Automation Tools:

Some examples of office automation tools:

● Word processing software: Word processing software is used to create and edit
documents. Examples of word processing software include Microsoft Word,
Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer.
● Spreadsheet software: Spreadsheet software is used to organize and analyze
data. Examples of spreadsheet software include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets,
and LibreOffice Calc.
● Presentation software: Presentation software is used to create and deliver
presentations. Examples of presentation software include Microsoft PowerPoint,
Google Slides, and LibreOffice Impress.
● Email client software: Email client software is used to send and receive emails.
Examples of email client software include Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, and Mozilla
Thunderbird.
● Project management software: Project management software is used to track
and manage projects. Examples of project management software include
Microsoft Project, Asana, and Trello.
● Database software: Database software is used to store and organize data.
Examples of database software include Microsoft Access, MySQL, and
PostgreSQL.

These are just a few examples of office automation tools. There are many other tools
available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The best tool for a particular
task will depend on the specific needs of the user.

Office automation tools can help to improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
They can also help to reduce errors and improve communication. By automating
repetitive tasks, office automation tools can free up time for employees to focus on more
creative and strategic work.
In addition to the tools mentioned above, there are also a number of cloud-based office
automation tools available. These tools offer a number of advantages over traditional
desktop software, such as:

● Accessibility: Cloud-based tools can be accessed from anywhere with an internet

connection. This makes them ideal for remote workers and teams that need to
collaborate on documents.
● Scalability: Cloud-based tools can be scaled up or down to meet the needs of a
business. This makes them a cost-effective option for small businesses and
startups.
● Security: Cloud-based tools are often more secure than traditional desktop
software. This is because they are hosted in secure data centers and backed up
regularly.

A word processor is a software application that allows users to create, edit, and format
text documents. Some popular word processors include:

● Microsoft Word: The most popular word processor in the world. It is available for
Windows and macOS.
● Google Docs: A free, web-based word processor that is part of Google Drive.
● LibreOffice Writer: A free and open-source word processor that is similar to
Microsoft Word.
● Apple Pages: A word processor that is included with macOS.
● WPS Office Writer: A free and open-source word processor that is similar to
Microsoft Word.

Word processors typically have a number of features that allow users to create and
format text documents, such as:

● Text editing: Users can type text into a word processor and edit it as needed.
● Formatting: Users can change the font, size, and color of text, as well as the
alignment of text on a page.
 ● Spell checking: Word processors can check for spelling errors in documents.
● Grammar checking: Word processors can check for grammar errors in
documents.
● Autocorrect: Word processors can automatically correct common typing errors.
● Track changes: Users can track changes that they make to documents.
● Version history: Word processors can keep track of different versions of
documents.
● Collaboration: Word processors can allow multiple users to collaborate on the
same document at the same time.

Word processors are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as:

● Writing letters and reports

● Creating presentations
● Preparing documents for publication
● Collaborating with others on documents

Word processors are a must-have tool for anyone who needs to create and edit text
documents.

PowerPoint is a presentation software developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Microsoft

Office suite of productivity software. PowerPoint allows users to create and deliver
presentations that are visually appealing and engaging.

PowerPoint presentations are typically made up of a series of slides. Each slide can
contain text, images, charts, tables, and other graphical elements. Users can use
PowerPoint's built-in tools to customize the look and feel of their presentations,
including the font, size, and color of text, as well as the layout of slides.

PowerPoint also includes a variety of features that allow users to create interactive
presentations. For example, users can add hyperlinks to slides, which allow viewers to
jump to other slides or websites. PowerPoint also supports animation, which can be
used to add visual interest to presentations.

PowerPoint is a powerful tool that can be used to create a variety of presentations,

including:

● Business presentations: PowerPoint is a popular choice for business

presentations, such as sales pitches and product demonstrations.
● Educational presentations: PowerPoint can be used to create presentations for
educational purposes, such as lectures and tutorials.
● Marketing presentations: PowerPoint can be used to create presentations for
marketing purposes, such as product launches and sales events.
● Personal presentations: PowerPoint can be used to create presentations for
personal purposes, such as wedding speeches and retirement slideshows.

PowerPoint is a versatile tool that can be used to create a variety of presentations. It is

a must-have tool for anyone who needs to create presentations that are visually
appealing and engaging.

Here are some of the benefits of using PowerPoint:

● It is easy to use: PowerPoint has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to

create presentations.
● It is versatile: PowerPoint can be used to create a variety of presentations, from
simple to complex.
● It is powerful: PowerPoint has a variety of features that allow users to create
interactive and engaging presentations.
● It is compatible with other Microsoft Office applications: PowerPoint can be used
with other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel.
● It is available on a variety of platforms: PowerPoint is available for Windows,
macOS, and iOS.
If you need to create presentations, PowerPoint is a great option. It is easy to use,
versatile, powerful, and compatible with other Microsoft Office applications.

A spreadsheet is a software application that allows users to organize and analyze data
in a tabular format. Spreadsheets are typically made up of rows and columns, with each
cell in the spreadsheet containing data. Users can enter text, numbers, formulas, and
other data into cells, and then use the spreadsheet's built-in tools to analyze the data.

Spreadsheets are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as:

● Tracking finances: Spreadsheets can be used to track income and expenses,

create budgets, and track investments.
● Managing projects: Spreadsheets can be used to track tasks, deadlines, and
resources for projects.
● Creating reports: Spreadsheets can be used to create reports that summarize
data, such as sales reports and inventory reports.
● Solving problems: Spreadsheets can be used to solve mathematical problems,
such as calculating compound interest and determining the optimal number of
items to order.
● Visualizing data: Spreadsheets can be used to create charts and graphs that
visualize data, making it easier to understand and interpret.

Spreadsheets are a must-have tool for anyone who needs to organize and analyze
data. They are easy to use and versatile, making them a valuable tool for a variety of
tasks.

Here are some of the benefits of using spreadsheets:

● They are easy to use: Spreadsheets have a user-friendly interface that makes it
easy to enter data and create formulas.
● They are versatile: Spreadsheets can be used for a variety of tasks, from simple
to complex.
 ● They are powerful: Spreadsheets have a variety of features that allow users to
analyze data in a variety of ways.
● They are compatible with other applications: Spreadsheets can be used with
other applications, such as word processors and presentation software.
● They are available on a variety of platforms: Spreadsheets are available for
Windows, macOS, and Linux.

If you need to organize and analyze data, spreadsheets are a great option. They are
easy to use, versatile, powerful, and compatible with other applications.