This document discusses computer operating systems and their functions. It lists some common operating systems for personal microcomputers like various versions of Windows, DOS, Linux and Apple operating systems. It also names Unix and its variants like Linux and Solaris as widespread operating systems for server computers. The document explains how multitasking operating systems allow running multiple programs simultaneously and switching between them easily. It outlines several advantages of graphical user interfaces like better screen display of documents and ability to address individual pixels.

2.  A computer operating system brings many
basic functions to a computer:
» Process management
» Memory management
» File input/output
» Device input/output

3. List and discuss widespread computer operating
systems for small, personal microcomputers.
 For microcomputers with Intel compatible CPU
» DOS; DOS + Windows 3.x; Windows 95; Windows
98; Windows 98 SE; Windows ME,…
» (OS/2)
» Windows NT 4 Workstation; Windows 2000
Professional; Windows XP;…
» Linux,…
 Apple operating systems

4. Name widespread, famous operating systems
for server computers.
 Unix (and variants such as Linux and Solaris)
Windows NT 4 server;
Windows 2000 server;
 Windows 2003 server;…

6. Why can multitasking on computers be useful?
Switching among programs the ability to load
several programs and easily and quickly switch
among them
• Running tasks in the background
for instance:
» downloading data,
» printing,
» monitoring disk space,
» receiving electronic mail,..

7. ☺ The display can offer better WYSIWYG:
What You See (on the display) Is
What You Get (on printed paper)
☺The user can change the size of windows on
the information continuously.
☺The user can choose and use various types
and sizes of characters in the user interface

8. ☺The user can address every single pixel
(using a pointing device such as a mouse) to
generate an action by the computer.
☺The computer can create detailed icons.

9. Requires a relatively fast computer system:
» fast processor,
» fast video,
» fast hard disk,
» (caching hard- and software,)

10. ☺Offers a graphical user interface.
☺Allows multi-tasking of programs.
☺The Windows package includes utility
programs.
☺Due to the multi-tasking, utility programs
provided by Windows can be used by
application programs, so that each
application program does not have to offer
these utilities

11. ☺The Windows package includes basic
Application programs for
» text editing,
» word processing,
» communications,
» file management,
» calculations,
» bitmap editing (“painting”, “photo
editing”,…)