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The document outlines the basic operations of computers, including the booting and shutdown procedures, as well as the role of the operating system as an interface between users and hardware. It describes different types of operating systems, such as single-user, multi-user, and graphical user interfaces, and highlights examples like Windows, Linux, and DOS. Additionally, it details the functions of operating systems and their significance in managing computer resources and tasks.

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15 views3 pages

Extract

The document outlines the basic operations of computers, including the booting and shutdown procedures, as well as the role of the operating system as an interface between users and hardware. It describes different types of operating systems, such as single-user, multi-user, and graphical user interfaces, and highlights examples like Windows, Linux, and DOS. Additionally, it details the functions of operating systems and their significance in managing computer resources and tasks.

Uploaded by

kingkpkeshav
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Basic Computer Operations

Procedure for Starting a Computer


When we start a computer, the booting process begins, which initially checks whether all the
hardware installed on the computer is working correctly. It also loads all the files needed to run
the operating system.

The first step in the booting process is called POST (Power On Self Test). This test checks the
functioning of all the connected hardware, including primary and secondary storage devices.

On passing POST, the contents of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) chip
are checked. CMOS is a small amount of memory on the motherboard that stores BIOS (Basic
Input Output System) settings.

The primary function of BIOS is to boot up an operating system on the computer. BIOS includes
the instructions to load basic computer hardware. It is responsible for accessing and configuring
the system settings like password, date, and time.

Once all the steps of BIOS get completed, the operating system is loaded into the RAM. The OS
then starts running.

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Procedure for Shutting Down a Computer


When you shut down a PC, the following things happen:

If a program contains unsaved data, you are prompted to save it.

All open application programs are closed.

The operating system shuts down by closing its programs, services, and processes.

The power management hardware turns off the power.

You can turn off the computer’s power supply.

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Operating System
A machine cannot do anything on its own. It requires specific instructions on how to perform
each task. A computer understands only machine language, which is a set of binary codes.

This means the user cannot communicate with the computer directly. Thus, we require an
interface between the user and the hardware. The operating system acts like that interface. The
computer follows the instructions given by the user with the help of an operating system. It is the
master program that makes our PC come alive and helps in running different applications.

The operating system is just like the principal of your school.


The principal has various responsibilities regarding the management of the school, like
supervising students, teachers, and workers, maintaining discipline, analyzing examination
schedules, timetables, curriculum, meeting parents, and visitors. In the same way, a number of
services are provided by an operating system. Imagine, what will happen if there is no principal
in a school. Everything will become unorganized. Similarly, if the operating system is not
working in a computer, it will not be able to perform any operation.
The hardware provides the user with basic physical resources to work upon. The
application/utility softwares empower the user to perform a variety of functions on the computer,
like solving problems, creating documents, playing games, etc. Operating system acts as a
central coordinator between hardware and software.
Some of the popular operating systems are:
* WINDOWS
* Mac OS
* LINUX
* DOS
Functions of Operating System
* To manage and share the hardware/software resources of a computer system.
* To provide an interface to the users to communicate with the computer system.
* To communicate with each application or interactive user (or to a system operator) about the
status of operation and any errors that may have occurred.
* To secure the system and block unauthorized access to the system.
Types of Operating System
In the recent times, computers have taken a giant stride towards excellence and high
performance. This has been possible due to the evolution of operating systems. Let us learn
about the different types of operating systems:
* Single User Operating System: These operating systems can support only one user to do one
thing at a time, like Microsoft Windows 3.1, Microsoft Windows 95, and Microsoft DOS.
* Graphical User Interface (GUI): This operating system is graphic based and interactive in
nature. Examples include the Windows Operating System, Mac OS, Linux, etc.
* Multi-user Operating System: Multi-user operating systems allow more than one user to use
the computer at the same time, like Linux, Unix, and Microsoft Windows 2000 onwards.
* Multi-tasking Operating System: This operating system has the ability to perform more than
one task at the same time, like Microsoft Windows 9x, Windows 2000 onwards, Linux operating
systems.
* Multi-threading Operating System: These are the operating systems that allow different parts
of an application or program to run simultaneously, like Microsoft Windows 9x, Windows 2000
onwards, and Linux.

Disk Operating System


Disk Operating System (DOS) is a type of system software that runs from a hard disk drive. It is
a command line operating system where a user needs to type the commands for every action to
be performed on the computer. DOS can support multiple directories, networking, enhanced
memory management, text editing functions, disk compression, and fragmentation. However, its
command line utility makes it difficult for users to use. DOS does not support multiple users or
multitasking as it can run only one program at a time. DOS was the most commonly found
operating system in IBM PCs that were developed by Microsoft in 1981.
Linux
Linux is an open source operating system. It was developed by Linus Torvalds in the year 1991.
Linux has become the most popular alternative to other costly operating systems due to its
amazing features as follows:
* Portable
* Open Source and free
* Multi-User and Multi-programming
* Hierarchical File System
* Shell
* Security
Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating systems, which are
developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft. Windows OS was the first graphical user interface
for IBM-compatible PCs, which soon dominated the PC market.

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