Chapter 4
Chapter 4: The Operating System and Utility Programs
Learning Objectives
• List and describe the major functions of operating
system software. (Section 4.1)
• Identify the operating systems in use for personal
computers and describe characteristics that
differentiate them from one another. (Section 4.2)
• Describe the functions of a common mobile operating
system and list the most common mobile operating
systems. (Section 4.3)
• Explain the purpose of an embedded operating
system and the purpose of a cloud operating system,
and give an example of each. (Section 4.4)
• Describe common utility programs used to maintain a
computer. (Section 4.5)
• Recognize and locate tools in the operating system
package to solve computer problems and apply a
systematic process to identifying hardware and
software problems. (Section 4.6)
4.1 Introduction to the OS and OS Functions
System Software
Operating system Utility programs
User interface Managing files and
programs
OS Functions
OS functions
• Providing a user interface
• Starting and shutting down
• Managing programs,
memory, and flow of data
• Configuring hardware
• Providing a file system
• Managing updates and
security
Starting and
Shutting Down cold boot
• Start up (booting)
warm boot
• Cold boot
• Warm boot
• OS kernel remains until
you turn off the PC
• Shutdown command
sleep
User Interface
(UI)
• Graphical user interface
(GUI)
• Presents images
• Click or tap
• Command-line
interface can also be
used to interact with an
OS
Managing
Programs
and
Memory,
Flow of Data
The HDD space that
stores RAM contents is
called virtual memory.
Hardware and
Peripherals
• Device drivers help the OS
communicate with a
device
• Plug and play
File System
The window displays
buttons to perform file
management.
Updates and
Security
• Windows Update
• Pause updates
• View update history
• Change update options
4.2 Popular OSs for Computing Systems
Windows
MacOS
• First release in 1984
• First GUI interface
• High-end graphics
UNIX
• Designed for servers
• Multi-user
• Multitasking
• Versatile
Linux
• Based on UNIX
• Open-source
Network OS
• Business world
• Advanced security
• Multiple resources
4.3 Mobile Operating Systems
and Wearable OSs
Mobile and Wearable OSs
▪ Mobile operating system is specifically designed for a mobile device
▪ Manages programs called apps
▪ Two leading mobile OSs are Android and iOS
▪ Wearable OS manages data and tasks for a wearable device
Android
• Based on Linux
• Released by Open
Handset Alliance
• Maintained by the
Android Open Source
Project (AOSP), led
by Google
iOS
Mobile OS for Apple’s
iPhone, iPod, and iPad.
Wearable
OS
• Smartwatches
• Smart rings
• Fitness trackers
• Smart glasses
• AR headsets
4.4 Embedded OSs and Cloud OSs
Embedded and
Embedded and Cloud OSs
Cloud OSs
• Windows IoT
• Embedded Linux
• Embedded Android
• TV OS
• Cloud OS
Windows IoT
and Embedded
Linux
Embedded
Android
• Home automation
• Android Things
• Android Auto
• Android TV
TV OS
• Runs devices
• Presents interface
• Accepts input
Cloud OS
• Web-based OS
• Chrome OS
4.5 OS Utilities for Connecting and
Maintaining Your PC
Adding a New
Printer
• Cable connection
• Wireless connection
File
Manager
• File Explorer lets you
perform file
management tasks.
• Move
• Copy
• Delete
• Rename
• Create new folder
• In macOS, use the
Finder.
Freeing Up
Disk Space
• Storage sense
• Deletes
unnecessary files
• Runs
automatically or
manually
• Disk Cleanup
• Downloaded
program files
• Temporary
internet files
Backup
Utility
• Backup in Windows
• OneDrive
synchronization
• Time Machine in macOS
4.6 OS Troubleshooting Tools
Windows 11
Troubleshooters
Use Troubleshoot in
the Settings app
Troubleshooting Hardware and Software
on Your Own
Perform a shut down Check your router or
and power back up ISP
Update the OS and
applications
Resetting a
Windows PC
• Reset this PC
• Reinstalls Windows 11
• Keep files or remove
everything
Help and
Support
• In Windows, open the
Get Help app.
• On a Mac, click Help
on the menu bar.
