ICT - Unit 2: P2

Operating system

The Operating system

Operating system is software program that enables communication and operation between computer hardware and computer software and it is the most essential program that runs on a computer. It provides a platform on which application programs can run. Because all application programs must be created to run on top of some specific operating system choice of the operating system determines to a great extent the applications that will be available to use. Operating system performs basic tasks as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, controlling peripheral devices and it is responsible for security by keeping unauthorized users from accessing the system. It can be found in vast majority of devices that contains a computer, for example phones, game consoles, web servers or even supercomputers. Users interact with the operating system through a set of commands, for example Graphical user interface enables user to enter commands by clicking and pointing at objects on the screen (icons).

Device Manager and Device Driver

Every single operating system contains Device Manager that controls peripheral devices by giving them commands in their own language. The software enables this communication is called device driver and operating system requires it in order to communicate with any peripheral so for example printer wouldn’t be able to work if there wouldn’t be device driver installed in the computer.

Operating system security

Operating system security refers to steps or measures used in order to protect the operating system from viruses, malware, worms or other threats. Operating system security contains many methods and techniques which take care of safety from all possible threats and attacks. Operating system allows different programs and applications to perform required tasks and stop any unauthorized interference. Operating system security is responsible for example for antivirus software and engines or creating accounts with privileges controlled by the administrator

File Manager

File Manager also known as file browser is a program that creates a user interface to manage folders and files. File manager enables user to create, move, copy, open, rename, delete, search or change attributes of the file.

Most popular operating systems

Most popular operating systems are Windows 7 with 51% of users, Windows XP with 23 % of users, Windows 8 with 13% of users, OS X with 6% of users, Windows Vista with 3% and Linux with 1%