ICT SKILLS- NOTES

1) What is an operating system? Give Examples.

An Operating System is the basic software that controls the computer.
It serves as an interface between the user and the computer.
Example: Computer OS – Windows, Linux, Mac OS, DOS.
Mobile OS – Android, Windows phone, Symbian, iOS
2) Mention the functions of an operating system.
The functions of OS are:
a) It manages all the devices of a computer and keeps track of the
status of the device, whether it busy or not.
b) It controls the software resources of the computer.
c) It manages the computer memory and keeps track of which
memory space is in use by which program and which space is free.
d) It manages the structure of files and directories on a computer
system.
e) It also checks whether the device is functioning properly or not

3) Write about any 2 icons on the desktop.

a) Computer: It displays all the storage areas of the computer. We can
access all drives files, and folders on the computer.
b) Recycle Bin: Files and folders deleted by the user are stored in the
recycle bin. We can retrieve files or folders deleted by mistake
from the recycle bin.

4) What is Taskbar on a computer?

Taskbar is a long horizontal bar present at the bottom of the screen.
To the left is the start button which opens the start menu and
provides access to programs and features, like shut down, search box,
control panel, etc. To the right, it contains date/time, notification area,
etc.
5) Write about control panel.
Control panel allows the user to view and change the system settings.
It consists of a set of applets that include adding or removing
hardware or software, controlling user accounts, changing
accessibility options, and accessing network settings.

6) Differentiate between files and folders.

A file is an object on a computer that stores data, information,
 settings or commands.
Folder/Directory – Files can be separately placed into groups called
folders. It can contain related files and/or subfolders.
7) What is the difference between moving and copying folder?
a. Copying files and folders - When we copy a file or folder,
duplicate of the original file or folder is created in a new location,
the original remains as it is.
b. Moving files and folders – When you move a file or folder, the
original file or folder is moved to the new location.

8) How can you copy and move files or folders?

a. Copying files and folders –
i. Select the file or folder
ii. Press Ctrl + C to copy the file or folder
iii. Open the destination folder
iv. Press Ctrl + V to paste the copied file or folder.
b. Moving files or folder –
i. Select the file or folder
ii. Press Ctrl + X to cut the file or folder
iii. Open the destination folder
iv. Press Ctrl + V to paste the copied file or folder.

9) How can you empty the recycle bin?

To permanently delete the contents of recycle bin right click on the
recycle bin and click ‘empty recycle bin’ option.
10) How to restore files or folders from the recycle bin?
To restore the contents of recycle bin right click on the recycle bin
and click ‘restore’ option
11) Mention any one way in which we can create a new folder in C drive.
a. Double click on the computer icon
b. Double click on C drive in which we have to create a folder
c. Right click anywhere in the blank area of the right column. A
shortcut menu appears. Select NEW -> Folder from the shortcut
menu.
d. A new folder is created with name New Folder Highlighted and
 then type a name for the folder. Press Enter key.

12) Write about the need of maintenance of a computer.

Computer system require maintenance so that:
1. The system works efficiently.
2. To detect any issues at early stages and keep functioning well.
3. To safe guard the bulk data stored.
Regular maintenance of the system includes installing updates,
security, taking backups, scans etc.
13) List some of the maintenance activities of the computer system
Some of the maintenance activities are:
1) Taking regular backup of the data
2) Running antivirus periodically
3) Removing unauthorized software from the computer
4) Regular scans should be done to check for virus
5) Systems should be upgraded with new technology (like increasing
RAM) to improve the performance
14) . Why regular disk defragmentation should be done?
Regular disk defragmentation should be done to remove all
unnecessary information that slows down the computer. Disk
defragmentation done at regular intervals helps the disk space to be
used at an optimal level.

Note: Disk Defragmentation is the process of consolidation

fragmented files on the user’s hard drive. Files become fragmented
when data is returned to disk, and there is not enough contiguous
space to hold the computer file.
15) What is computer virus?
A computer virus (Vital Information Resource Under Seize) is a
software program that attaches itself to other programs and alters
their behavior. It may or may not be destructive. Some viruses erase
data or corrupts programs on the computer. A computer virus can
infect only the software and not the hardware. Example: Trojan Horse,
Creeper, etc.
16) What are the common signs of a virus attack?
Some of the common signs of a virus attack are:
a) Computer runs very slow
b) Computer often stops responding
 c) Unusual error messages appear on the screen
d) Computer restarts on its own, etc.

17) What is the use of antivirus software?

Antivirus software is a program designed to detect and remove
malicious programs from the computer. Example: Kaspersky, Avaste,
Quick Heal Total Security
18) What is Firewall?
A computer firewall could be a programmable device or a software or a
network security system that monitors and controls incoming and
outgoing network traffic based on user-defined security rules. Firewalls
enhance the security of computers connected to a network, such as LAN
or the Internet.
A firewall typically establishes a barrier between a trusted internal
network and untrusted external network, such as the Internet. Firewall
inspects each packet of data whether incoming or outgoing and
determines whether it should be allowed to pass or be blocked.
19) Describe Cookies
Cookies are small files which are stored on a user’s computer when
you visit a website on the internet. These files are designed to hold
data specific to a particular client and website.
When you visit a website, it sends a cookie to your computer where it
is stored in a file. Only the website that creates a cookie can read it.
Other servers cannot access this information. These files typically
contain information about your visit to the webpage or record your
login information.

Note:

The different types of operating systems are as follows:

Interactive (GUI-based)
A graphical user interface is a user-friendly operating system in which
commands can be entered by clicking/double-clicking/right-clicking a
mouse. Windows operating system is an example of an interactive
operating system.
Single-user , single-task operating system
This type of operating system allows only one user to do a task on the
computer and one thing at a time
Single-user, multi-task operating system
This type of operating system is used on Desktop computers, laptops,
where a single user can operate on several programs at the same time.
For example, Windows, Apple MacOS are examples of single-user multi
task operating system.
Multi-user
A multi-user operating system enables multiple users to work on the
same computer at different times or simultaneously.
Real Time
A real time operating system is used to control machinery, scientific
instruments, like robots, in complex animations and computer controlled
automated machines. A real-time operating system is a computing
environment that reacts to input within a specific period of time. It
manages the resources of the computer so that any particular operation
is executed in the same amount of time every time it is executed.
Windows CE and Lynx OS are examples of real-time operating systems.
Distributed
A distributed operating system runs on a set of computers that are
interconnected by a network. It combines the different computers in the
network into a single integrated computer and storage location.
Windows, UNIX, and LINUX are examples of distributed operating
systems.