SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

UNIT – II– Computing Essentials – SBAB1202

 COMPUTING ESSENTIALS

UNIT 2

COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM

Basics of operating systems- Linux- Windows- Task icons- Bars- System settings- Setting date
and time- File management

Operating System:
Operating System lies in the category of system software. It basically manages all the
resources of the computer.
 An operating system acts as an interface between the software and different parts of
the computer or the computer hardware.
 The operating system is designed in such a way that it can manage the overall
resources and operations of the computer.
 Operating System is a fully integrated set of specialized programs that handle all the
operations of the computer.
 It controls and monitors the execution of all other programs that reside in the
computer, which also includes application programs and other system software of the
computer.
 Examples of Operating Systems are Windows, Linux, Mac OS, etc.

An Operating System (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware

resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is the
most important type of system software in a computer system.

What is an Operating System Used for?

The operating system helps in improving the computer software as well as hardware. Without
OS, it became very difficult for any application to be user-friendly. The Operating System
provides a user with an interface that makes any application attractive and user-friendly.
The operating System comes with a large number of device drivers that make OS services
reachable to the hardware environment. Each and every application present in the system
requires the Operating System.

The operating system works as a communication channel between system hardware and
system software. The operating system helps an application with the hardware part without
knowing about the actual hardware configuration. It is one of the most important parts of the
system and hence it is present in every device, whether large or small device.

Functions of the Operating System

 Resource Management: The operating system manages and allocates memory,
CPU time, and other hardware resources among the various programs and
processes running on the computer.
 Process Management: The operating system is responsible for starting, stopping,
and managing processes and programs. It also controls the scheduling of processes
and allocates resources to them.
 Memory Management: The operating system manages the computer’s primary
memory and provides mechanisms for optimizing memory usage.
 Security: The operating system provides a secure environment for the user,
applications, and data by implementing security policies and mechanisms such as
access controls and encryption.
 Job Accounting: It keeps track of time and resources used by various jobs or
users.
 File Management: The operating system is responsible for organizing and
managing the file system, including the creation, deletion, and manipulation of
files and directories.
 Device Management: The operating system manages input/output devices such
as printers, keyboards, mice, and displays. It provides the necessary drivers and
interfaces to enable communication between the devices and the computer.
 Networking: The operating system provides networking capabilities such as
establishing and managing network connections, handling network protocols, and
sharing resources such as printers and files over a network.
  User Interface: The operating system provides a user interface that enables users
to interact with the computer system. This can be a Graphical User Interface
(GUI), a Command-Line Interface (CLI), or a combination of both.
 Backup and Recovery: The operating system provides mechanisms for backing
up data and recovering it in case of system failures, errors, or disasters.
 Virtualization: The operating system provides virtualization capabilities that
allow multiple operating systems or applications to run on a single physical
machine. This can enable efficient use of resources and flexibility in managing
workloads.
 Performance Monitoring: The operating system provides tools for monitoring
and optimizing system performance, including identifying bottlenecks,
optimizing resource usage, and analyzing system logs and metrics.
 Time-Sharing: The operating system enables multiple users to share a computer
system and its resources simultaneously by providing time-sharing mechanisms
that allocate resources fairly and efficiently.
 System Calls: The operating system provides a set of system calls that enable
applications to interact with the operating system and access its resources. System
calls provide a standardized interface between applications and the operating
system, enabling portability and compatibility across different hardware and
software platforms.
 Error-detecting Aids: These contain methods that include the production of
dumps, traces, error messages, and other debugging and error-detecting methods.

Objectives of Operating Systems

 Convenient to use: One of the objectives is to make the computer system more
convenient to use in an efficient manner.
 User Friendly: To make the computer system more interactive with a more
convenient interface for the users.
 Easy Access: To provide easy access to users for using resources by acting as an
intermediary between the hardware and its users.
 Management of Resources: For managing the resources of a computer in a better
and faster way.
  Controls and Monitoring: By keeping track of who is using which resource,
granting resource requests, and mediating conflicting requests from different
programs and users.
 Fair Sharing of Resources: Providing efficient and fair sharing of resources
between the users and programs.

Types of Operating Systems

 Batch Operating System: A Batch Operating System is a type of operating
system that does not interact with the computer directly. There is an operator who
takes similar jobs having the same requirements and groups them into batches.
 Time-sharing Operating System: Time-sharing Operating System is a type of
operating system that allows many users to share computer resources (maximum
utilization of the resources).
 Distributed Operating System: Distributed Operating System is a type of
operating system that manages a group of different computers and makes appear
to be a single computer. These operating systems are designed to operate on a
network of computers. They allow multiple users to access shared resources and
communicate with each other over the network. Examples include Microsoft
Windows Server and various distributions of Linux designed for servers.
 Network Operating System: Network Operating System is a type of operating
system that runs on a server and provides the capability to manage data, users,
groups, security, applications, and other networking functions.
 Real-time Operating System: Real-time Operating System is a type of operating
system that serves a real-time system and the time interval required to process and
respond to inputs is very small. These operating systems are designed to respond
to events in real time. They are used in applications that require quick and
deterministic responses, such as embedded systems, industrial control systems,
and robotics.
 Multiprocessing Operating System: Multiprocessor Operating Systems are
used in operating systems to boost the performance of multiple CPUs within a
single computer system. Multiple CPUs are linked together so that a job can be
divided and executed more quickly.
  Single-User Operating Systems: Single-User Operating Systems are designed to
support a single user at a time. Examples include Microsoft Windows for personal
computers and Apple macOS.
 Multi-User Operating Systems: Multi-User Operating Systems are designed to
support multiple users simultaneously. Examples include Linux and Unix.
 Embedded Operating Systems: Embedded Operating Systems are designed to
run on devices with limited resources, such as smartphones, wearable devices, and
household appliances. Examples include Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS.
 Cluster Operating Systems: Cluster Operating Systems are designed to run on a
group of computers, or a cluster, to work together as a single system. They are
used for high-performance computing and for applications that require high
availability and reliability. Examples include Rocks Cluster Distribution and
OpenMPI.

Commonly used Operating Systems

There are various types of Operating Systems used throughout the world and this
depends mainly on the type of operations performed.

Windows
 Generally referred to as Microsoft Windows, these OS are manufactured and
developed by the tech-giant Microsoft and are the most commonly used OS for
personal computers and to some extent in mobile phones or the Windows phone.
 Microsoft Windows is a collection of many graphics-oriented operating systems, first
developed and launched in 1985 by the name Windows 1.0. When it started it had the
aim to provide a graphical shell to the then-famous MS-DOS which had a character
user interface, but it didn’t gain much popularity then. Slowly with the
implementation of innovative features, the OS gained popularity and soon dominated
the market of the Computer Industry, owing to its freedom of use and user-friendly
environment.

Advantages of Windows
 Hardware compatibility: Almost every computer hardware manufacturing
industry supports Microsoft Windows. This makes the users buy any random
 computer manufacturing brand and get the latest version of pre-loaded
Microsoft Windows 11 in it.
 Pre-loaded and available Software: Windows comes with much more user-
friendly software to make everyday task easier and if the software is not
available then one can easily get it from the Internet and run it.
 Ease of Use: Microsoft Windows has developed by far the most user-friendly
OS in the market, keeping in mind that it serves the purpose of most types of
markets in the world. It’s the most preferred OS for personal computers.
 Game Runner: Windows supports a plethora of games manufactured till date
and comes with all the supporting base software to drive the game engine. So,
it’s the most popular OS among the game lovers.
Disadvantages of Windows
 Expensive: Microsoft is a closed-source OS and the license cost is really high.
It’s not possible for every class of society to buy a new license every time one is
expired. The latest Windows 11 costs around 8000 to 12000 INR.
 Poor Security: Windows is much more prone to viruses and malware in
comparison to other OS like Linux or Mac in the market (microsoft defender
antivirus is also introduced in the nwe version).
 Not reliable: Windows starts to lag with time and eventually needs booting every
time and now to get back the initial speed.
There are many versions of Windows that have been developed since 1985, but few that
revolutionized the industry of Operating Systems are:
1. Windows 95
2. Windows 98
3. Windows NT
4. Windows XP
5. Windows Vista
6. Windows 7
7. Windows 8
8. Windows 8.1
9. Windows 10
10. Windows 11(latest version)
Linux
 Primarily derived from the concept of Unix, Linux became the most-prominent free
and open-source OS available to everyone in the world.
 It is built around the Linux kernel and served for both desktop and server use. Linux
was originally developed for personal computers based on the Intel x86 architecture
but since then it was ported to more platforms than any other operating system.
 Linux has the largest installed base of all general-purpose operating systems. It is also
the leading operating system on servers and other big iron systems such as mainframe
computers, and the only OS used on TOP500 Supercomputers.
 The top Linux OS are Ubuntu, Fedora, OpenSUSE, RedHat, and many more.

Advantages of LINUX
 The OS is open-source and available free of cost to every computer user. There
are large repositories from which anyone can freely download high-quality
software for almost any task.
 Linux provides high performance for a longer time and does not require a periodic
reboot to maintain the system.
 It is one of the most secure OS and does not permit any unwanted malware and
virus into the system.
 It is designed to multitask and can perform multiple processes at the same time,
without hampering the performance of the OS.
 The OS is highly compatible and flexible to run on all modern PCs and networks.
Disadvantages of LINUX
 It is not as user-friendly as Windows and users need to struggle for a few days
before adapting to the behavior of OS.
 It is not meant for gamers since it does not support any high graphics game.
 Since there are no standard editions available for Linux, it comes with many
versions, confusing the users about what to adapt and what not.

Task Bar

The taskbar is the long horizontal bar at the bottom of your screen. Unlike the desktop,
which can get obscured by open windows, the taskbar is almost always visible.
 Taskbar has three main sections:

 The Start button, which opens the Start menu.

 The middle section, which shows you which programs and files you have open and
allows you to quickly switch between them.

 The notification area, which includes a clock and icons (small pictures) that
communicate thestatus of certain programs and computer settings.
Start Menu

The Start menu is the main gateway to your computer's programs, folders, andsettings.
It's called a menu because it provides a list of choices, just as a restaurant menu does.
And as "start" implies, it's often the place that you'll go to start or open things.

Use the Start menu to do these common activities:

 Start programs
 Open commonly used folders
 Search for files, folders, and programs
 Adjust computer settings
 Get help with the Windows operating system
 Turn off the computer
 Log off from Windows or switch to a different user account
To open the Start menu, click the Start button in the lower-left corner of your screen.
Or, press theWindows logo key on your keyboard.

The Start menu is divided into three basic parts:

 The large left pane shows a short list of programs on your computer. Your computer
 manufacturer cancustomize this list, so its exact appearance will vary. Clicking All
Programs displays a complete list of programs.
 At the bottom of the left pane is the search box, which allows you look for programs
and files onyour computer by typing in search terms.
 The right pane provides access to commonly used folders, files, settings, and
features. It's alsowhere you go to log off from Windows or turn off your
computer.
Left Pane
Opening programs from the Start menu

 One of the most common uses of the Start menu is opening programs installed
on your computer.To open a program shown in the left pane of the Start menu,
click it. The program opens and the Start menu closes. If you don't see the
program you want, click All Programs at the bottom of the left pane. Instantly,
the left pane displays a long list of programs in alphabetical order, followed by
a list of folders.

 Clicking one of the programs icons launches the program, and the Start menu
closes. Click Accessories, for example, and a list of programs that are stored in
that folder appears. Click any program to open it. To get back to the programs
you saw when you first opened the Start menu, click Back near the bottom of
the menu.

 If you're ever unsure what a program does, move the pointer over its icon or
name. A box appears that often contains a description of the program. For
example, pointing to Calculator displays this message: "Performs basic
arithmetic tasks with an on-screen calculator." This feature works for items in
the rightpane of the Start menu, too.

 You might notice that over time, the lists of programs in your Start menu
change. This happens for two reasons. First, when you install new programs,
they get added to the All Programs list. Second, theStart menu detects which
programs you use the most, and places them in the left pane for quick access.
The search box

The search box is one of the most convenient ways to find things on your computer. The
exact location of the items doesn't matter—the search box will scour your programs and
all of the folders in your personal folder (which includes Documents, Pictures, Music,
Desktop, and other common locations). It will also search your e-mail messages, saved
instant messages, appointments, and contacts.

Right Pane
- The right pane of the Start menu contains links to parts of Windows that you're
likely to usefrequently. Here they are, from top to bottom:

 Personal folder. Opens your personal folder, which is named for whoever is currently
logged on to Windows. For example, if the current user is Molly Clark, the folder
will be named Molly Clark. This folder, in turn, contains user-specific files, including
the Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos folders.
 Documents. Opens the Documents folder, where you can store and open text files,
spreadsheets, presentations, and other kinds of documents.
 Pictures. Opens the Pictures folder, where you can store and view digital pictures
and graphicsfiles.
 Music. Opens the Music folder, where you can store and play music and other audio
files.

 Games. Opens the Games folder, where you can access all of the games on your
computer.

 Computer. Opens a window where you can access disk drives, cameras, printers,
scanners, andother hardware connected to your computer.
 Control Panel. Opens Control Panel, where you can customize the appearance and
functionality of your computer, install or uninstall programs, set up network
connections, and manage useraccounts.
 Devices and Printers. Opens a window where you can view information about the
 printer, mouse, and other devices installed on your computer.
 Default Programs. Opens a window where you can choose which program you want
Windows to use for activities such as web browsing.
 Help and Support. Opens Windows Help and Support, where you can browse and
search Help topics about using Windows and your computer.

At the bottom of the right pane is the Shutdown button. Click the Shutdown button to turn
off your computer. Clicking the arrow next to the Shutdown button displays a menu with
additional options for switching users, logging off, restarting, or shutting down.

You can make the following:

 Pin and remove a program icon to and from the start menu.

 Move the start button.

 Add and clear recently opened files or programs to and from the start menu.

 Adjust the number of shortcuts for frequently used programs.

 Customize the right pane of the start menu.

 Search for programs from the start menu.

 Add the run commend to the start menu.

Middle Section

 Whenever you open a program, folder, or file, Windows creates a

corresponding button on the middle section of the taskbar, the button shows an
icon that represents the open program. In the picture below, two programs are
open (Calculator and Minesweeper game) and each has its own button on the
taskbar.
  If a taskbar button is highlight, this indicates that it is the active window,
meaning that it's in front of any other open windows and is ready for you to
interact with. To switch to another window, click its taskbar button.

 When a window is active (its taskbar button is highlighted), clicking its taskbar
button minimizes the window. That means that the window disappears from the
desktop. Minimizing a window doesn't close it or delete its contents because it
has a button on the taskbar, it temporarily removes it from the desktop.

Notification area

The notification area, on the far-right side of the taskbar, includes a clock and a group of
icons

 These icons communicate the status of something on your computer or provide

access to certain settings. The set of icons you see depends on which programs or
services you have installed and how your computer manufacturer set up your
 computer.

 When you move your pointer to a particular icon, you will see that icon's name or
the status of a setting. For example, pointing to the volume icon shows the
current volume level of your computer.

 Pointing to the network icon displays information about whether you are
connected to a network, the connection speed, and the signal strength.

 Clicking an icon in the notification area usually opens the program or setting
associated with it. For example, double-clicking the volume icon opens the volume
controls. Clicking the network icon opens Network and Sharing Center. An icon
in the notification area will display a small pop-up window (called a notification)
to notify you about something. For example, after adding a new hardware device
to your computer, you might see this.

 To reduce clutter, Windows hides icons in the notification area when you haven't
used them in a while.If icons become hidden, click the Show hidden icons button
to temporarily display the hidden icons.

 You can hide (then show), lock, or resize the taskbar, and add a toolbar to the taskbar.
System Settings
system settings refer to the configurable options and parameters that control the behavior and
functionality of an operating system. These settings allow users to customize their computing
experience, manage hardware and software configurations, and optimize system performance.
General Settings:
Language and Region: Allows users to set the language and regional preferences for the user
interface, date and time formats, and currency symbols.
Accessibility: Includes options for users with special needs, such as visual, auditory, or motor
impairments. Features like screen readers, magnifiers, and keyboard shortcuts may be
configured here.
Display Settings:
Screen Resolution: Adjusts the size and clarity of the display by configuring the screen
resolution and orientation.
Brightness and Contrast: Controls the luminosity and contrast of the display for optimal
visibility.
Multiple Displays: Configures settings for multiple monitors, including extended or duplicate
displays.
Sound and Audio Settings:
Volume and Output: Manages the volume levels for system sounds, notifications, and
multimedia content. Selects the default audio output device.
Microphone and Input: Configures settings for connected microphones and other audio input
devices.
Network and Connectivity:
Wi-Fi and Ethernet Settings: Manages wireless and wired network connections, including
network discovery, proxy settings, and IP configurations.
Bluetooth Settings: Controls Bluetooth connectivity, device pairing, and visibility.
Mobile Hotspot: Allows users to share their internet connection with other devices.
System Security:
User Accounts and Passwords: Administers user accounts, passwords, and access control
settings.
Firewall and Antivirus: Configures the system's firewall settings and integrates with antivirus
programs for security.
Power and Battery Settings:
Power Plans: Manages power profiles for different usage scenarios, optimizing energy
consumption and performance.
Battery Information: Provides details on battery health, usage, and power consumption.
Storage Settings:
Disk Management: Allows users to partition, format, and manage storage devices.
Storage Optimization: Configures settings related to storage cleanup, such as disk cleanup and
temporary file management.
Updates and Maintenance:
Operating System Updates: Configures automatic or manual updates for the operating system
and software.
System Maintenance: Schedules tasks like disk defragmentation and system optimization.
Privacy Settings:
Data Collection and Telemetry: Manages the level of data sharing with the operating system
vendor.
App Permissions: Controls the access that applications have to sensitive information.
Advanced System Settings:
Performance Options: Customizes visual effects, processor scheduling, and memory usage.
Environment Variables: Configures system variables that affect how applications run.
Troubleshooting and Recovery:
System Restore and Recovery Options: Allows users to restore the system to a previous state
or troubleshoot issues.
These settings collectively provide users with the ability to tailor the operating system to their
preferences, manage resources efficiently, and ensure the security and stability of the system.

Setting the date and time

Setting the date and time is a fundamental configuration in any operating system. The steps
may vary slightly depending on the operating system you're using. Here are general instructions
for setting the date and time in three commonly used operating systems: Windows, macOS,
and Linux.

Windows:
Windows 10/11:
 Right-click on the clock in the taskbar.
 Select "Adjust date/time."
 Toggle the "Set time automatically" switch to Off.
 Click on "Change" under "Set the date and time manually."
 Adjust the date and time as needed.
  Click "Change" and then "OK."
Windows 7:
 Right-click on the clock in the taskbar.
 Choose "Adjust date/time."
 Click on the "Change date and time..." button.
 Set the date and time and click "OK."
macOS:
 Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
 Select "System Preferences."
 Click on "Date & Time."
 Unlock the settings by clicking the lock icon.
 Set the date and time manually.
Linux:
 Click on the system menu in the top-right corner.
 Select "Settings."
 Click on "Date & Time."
 Turn off "Automatic Date & Time."
 Set the date and time manually.

Remember to have the necessary permissions (administrative privileges) to change the system
date and time on some operating systems. Automatic date and time synchronization with
internet servers is also available on most systems, and it's generally recommended to keep this
feature enabled for accurate timekeeping.

File Management
File management is a crucial aspect of operating systems that involves organizing, storing,
retrieving, and manipulating files on a computer. The operating system provides tools and
utilities to facilitate these tasks. Here are key aspects of file management:
1. File System:
 Definition: The file system is the structure and logic used to organize and store files on
a storage device (e.g., hard drive, SSD).
 Common File Systems: Examples include NTFS (Windows), HFS+ (macOS), and ext4
 (Linux).
2. File Operations:
 Create: Users can create new files using applications or file explorers.
 Copy and Paste: Duplicate files or move them to different locations.
 Move (or Rename): Change the location or name of a file.
 Delete: Remove files from the file system.
 Search: Locate files using search tools provided by the operating system.
3. File Attributes:
 Name: The unique identifier of a file.
 Size: The amount of storage space a file occupies.
 Type/Extension: Indicates the file format or the associated application.
 Date and Time: Timestamps for creation, modification, and last access.
 Permissions: Access rights granted to users or groups.
4. File Directories (Folders):
 Hierarchy: Files are organized into directories forming a hierarchical structure.
 Navigation: Users can navigate through directories using file managers or command-
line interfaces.
 Root Directory: The top-level directory in a file system.
5. File Explorer (or File Manager):
 Graphical Interface: Provides a visual way to navigate and manage files.
 Functions: Copy, paste, delete, move, and organize files.
 Details View: Displays file attributes, size, and date information.
 Search Functionality: Helps locate files efficiently.
6. File Access and Permissions:
 User Permissions: Operating systems often implement access control mechanisms (e.g.,
read, write, execute) for users and groups.
 Security: Protects files from unauthorized access.
7. File Compression and Decompression:
 Archiving: Bundling multiple files into a single archive file (e.g., ZIP, TAR).
 Extraction: Decompressing archive files to retrieve the original files.
8. File Backups:
 Backup Utilities: Some operating systems include built-in tools for creating backups.
  External Backup Software: Users can also use third-party backup solutions.
9. File System Maintenance:
 Defragmentation: Reorganizing files on a storage device for improved performance.
 Error Checking: Detecting and fixing file system errors.
10. File Sharing and Networking:
 Network Drives: Access files stored on remote servers or other computers on a network.
 File Sharing Protocols: Common protocols include SMB (Server Message Block) and
NFS (Network File System).
File management is essential for users to keep their digital data organized and accessible.
Whether through graphical file explorers or command-line interfaces, users interact with file
management features daily to create, modify, and organize their digital content.