CHAPTER 1

Computers and
Operating Systems
LEARNING OUTCOMES WORDS TO KNOW
After you have read this chapter, you should be able to: application software

 Explain what a computer is and what it does. boot process

 Distinguish between system software and command-line interface (CLI)
application software.
 Describe the four major types of operating systems. computer
 Identify the tasks an operating system performs. data
 Use a computer and interact with its operating
system to launch applications and manage sessions. desktop
driver
embedded operating system
OVERVIEW graphical user interface (GUI)
This chapter provides a general introduction to hardware
computers including both hardware and software. It also
icon
focuses on the part of the computer that most affects
computing experiences: the operating system (OS) and information
what it does. information processing cycle
multitasking
network operating system
CONTENTS
operating system
Understanding computers
personal computer
Types of computers
Types of software random access memory
Operating system software
First steps with the computer
system software

1
1.1 Understanding Computers
Definition: Computer
A computer is an electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces a
result. Data is raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, sounds, images, and video.
Computers have two main components: hardware and software. The physical parts of the
computer, such as the monitor and keyboard, are the hardware. The software consists of the
instructions that controls the hardware so it performs tasks.
To perform tasks, a computer receives data through an input device such as a keyboard,
processes the data, produces information on an output device such as a monitor, and stores the
information on a storage device. When data is processed into a meaningful form, it becomes
information.
A computer performs the following basic operations:

FIGURE 1-1
Information processing cycle (IPOS)

 Input – entering data into the computer.

 Processing – performing operations on the data to convert it into information.
 Output – presenting the results.
 Storage – saving data, programs, or output for future use.
 Communication – transmission of data from one device to another.
This series of steps – input, processing, output, storage (IPOS) – is often referred to as the
information processing cycle. In addition to these four, today’s computers almost always perform
communications functions, such as sending or retrieving data via the Internet.

1.2 Types of Computer

The computers used in IT systems range from the very large supercomputers to the very small hand-held
computers.
TABLE 1–1 The four types of computers

TYPE DESCRIPTION

The most powerful type of computer. These machines are special, high-capacity
computers used by very large organizations. Supercomputers are typically used to
SUPERCOMPUTER
process massive amounts of data. For example, they are used to analyze and
predict worldwide weather patterns.

Although not nearly as powerful as supercomputers, mainframe computers are

MAINFRAME
capable of great processing speeds and data storage. For example, insurance
COMPUTER
companies use mainframes to process information about millions of policyholders.

Also referred to as servers, are computers with processing capabilities less

MIDRANGE powerful than a mainframe computer yet more powerful than a personal computer.
COMPUTER Most widely used to support or serve end users for such specific needs as retrieving
data from a database or supplying access to application software.

Also known as PCs, are the least powerful, yet the most widely used and fastest-
growing type of computer.
PERSONAL
There are five types of personal computers:
COMPUTER
 Desktop computers are small enough to fit on top of or alongside a desk yet are
too big to carry around.
Module 1 Introduction to Computing 2
  Laptop computers, also known as notebook computers, are portable and
lightweight and fit into most briefcases.
 Tablets, also known as tablet computers, are smaller, lighter, and generally less
powerful than laptops. Like a laptop, tablets have a flat screen but typically do
not have a standard keyboard. Instead, tablets typically use a virtual keyboard
that appears on the screen and is touch-sensitive.
 Smartphones are the most widely used handheld computers. Smartphones are
cell phones with wireless connections to the Internet and processing
capabilities.
 Wearables are small technological devices capable of storing and processing
data that can be worn on the body like Apple’s watch.

FIGURE 1-2 Types of personal computers (PCs)

1.3 Types of Software

Without software, a computer is only a collection of electronic components in a case. Hardware is not what
makes a computer useful—the software installed on it does.

Definition: Software
Software is the set of instructions that controls and directs hardware to perform tasks. Computer
software can be divided into two major kinds:
 system software – the software that runs a computer, and includes the operating system and
utility program; it helps the computer manage its own internal resources.
 application software – the software that enables users to complete a specific task or to create
something electronically such as writing a report, creating a video, viewing a Web page,
playing games, or sending photos to a friend. Common examples are Microsoft Office Word,
Minecraft, Facebook App, Firefox, VLC, Mobile Legends, Skype, PowerDirector, Spotify, etc.
In general, a computer runs system software to perform computer tasks, while a user run
application software to carry out work or personal tasks.

1.4 Operating System

Definition: Operating system
An operating system (OS) is the main system software which starts up the computer and controls
its operation. Examples of operating systems include DOS (Disk Operating System), Windows and
Linux.

Chapter 1 Computers and Operating Systems 3

Types of Operating System
Operating systems fall into four major categories that depend on the type of device for which they are designed.

TABLE 1–2 The four categories of operating systems

OPERATING SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

A personal computer operating system is installed on a single computer and is

considered a single-user operating system because one user interacts with the
PERSONAL operating system at a time.
COMPUTER They are also multitasking operating systems because they let you work with
OPERATING SYSTEM more than one program at the same time.
The most popular personal computer operating systems are Windows, Mac OS,
and Linux.

A mobile operating system is designed for small handheld computing devices

MOBILE OPERATING such as a smartphone or tablet.
SYSTEM Popular mobile operating systems include iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and
Windows RT.

An embedded operating system is included in the hardware of a standalone

EMBEDDED device and designed to meet a specific purpose and perform a single type of task.
OPERATING SYSTEM They control ATMs, navigation systems, portable media players, smartwatches,
video game systems, and thousands of other small electronic devices.

A network operating system resides on a server and is used to manage a

NETWORK network (a group of two or more computers linked together). A server is a
OPERATING SYSTEM computer that provides network services such as e-mail to other computers, or
clients.

Functions of an Operating System

Booting the computer
The first task the operating system performs when you power on a computer is to boot the computer. The boot
process is a series of steps the operating system must complete before you can interact with the computer.

FIGURE 1-3 The boot process

As shown in Figure 1-3, the boot process includes the following steps:
1. The computer receives and distributes electrical power to its circuits so the system components can run.
2. When a system component called the read-only memory (ROM) chip receives power, it starts a program
called the BIOS, which stands for basic input/output system. The BIOS contains instructions for starting
the system before the operating system is loaded.
3. The BIOS performs the power-on self-test (POST) to check critical system components and make sure
they are running properly. During this step, the computer might beep and flash messages on the screen.
4. If the system components are running properly, the BIOS looks for devices connected to the computer
and checks their settings. If the BIOS finds an error, the computer might beep again and display error
messages describing the problem.

Chapter 1 Computers and Operating Systems 4

 5. If Steps 3–4 are successful and error-free, the BIOS searches for the system files the computer needs to
run the operating system, and then loads them into random access memory (RAM), which is memory the
computer uses to store instructions and data temporarily. Next, the BIOS loads the kernel of the
operating system into RAM. The kernel takes over control of the computer from the BIOS.
6. The operating system completes setup tasks, such as requesting your username and password, starts and
runs utility software and other programs in the back ground, and then displays the main user interface
screen.

Providing user interface

Operating systems allow users to interact or communicate with application programs and computer hardware
through a user interface. User interfaces comes in two forms:
 graphical user interface (GUI) which displays icons, menus, tabs, windows and other visual elements that
allow you to interact with data and execute commands. Most, but not all, operating systems today use a
graphical user interface (GUI).
 command-line interface (CLI) which requires you to type text commands to interact with the computer.

Configuring hardware devices

The operating system controls the operation of all the hardware connected to the computer. Device drivers (or
simply drivers) are small programs that are needed to communicate with hardware devices, such as monitors,
printers, storage devices, and keyboards. Most operating systems include the drivers needed for common
devices and tries to install the appropriate driver automatically—this feature is called Plug and Play. In
addition, drivers often come on a CD packaged with the device or can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s
web site.

Managing network connections

The operating system is also in charge of managing network connections, such as a wired connection to a home
or office network or wireless connections at home, school, work, or on the go. For instance, as you move into a
range of a wireless network, the operating system will notify you that a new wireless network is available and
then either connect your device or wait for your instruction. If your device connects to a secure network, the
operating system will prompt you for a password and then connect your device to the network after verifying
the password is correct.

Managing resources and jobs

The operating system also manages the computer’s resources (such as software, disk space, and memory) and
makes them available to devices and programs when they are needed. If a problem occurs—such as a program
stops functioning or too many programs are running—the operating system notifies the user and tries to
correct the problem, often by closing the offending program. If the problem cannot be corrected by the operating
system, then the user typically needs to reboot the computer. As part of managing system resources, the
operating system also schedules jobs (such as documents to be printed or files to be retrieved from a hard
drive) to be performed.

Running applications
Operating systems load and run applications such as word processors and spreadsheets. Most operating
systems support multitasking, or the ability to switch between different applications. With multitasking, you
could have Word and Excel running at the same time and switch easily between the two applications. The
program that you are currently working on is described as running in the foreground. The other program or
programs are running in the background.

Ending a computer session

An operating system needs to know when you’re finished working with a computer so it can protect itself and
other software and keep your information private while you are away.
TABLE 1–3 Ending a computer session

OPTION DESCRIPTION WHEN TO USE

Completely turns off the computer You plan to be away from the computer
for more than a day or your computer is
SHUTDOWN
vulnerable to electrical damage (such as
during a lightning storm).

Chapter 1 Computers and Operating Systems 5

 Closes applications and resets the operating You need to reboot the operating
RESTART system system, such as when you install new
applications or hardware.

Closes applications but keeps the operating You share your computer with someone
SIGN OUT / system running so another user can sign in else who wants to use it when you are
LOG OFF without restarting the computer finished and you are planning to be
away for an hour or more.

Applications and the operating system You share your computer with someone
SWITCH continue to run while another user signs in; else who wants to use it briefly.
USERS the other user is not allowed to access your
applications or data

Applications and the operating system You are leaving the computer but plan
LOCK continue to run, though you cannot access to return to it soon, and want to keep
them until you sign in your work and data private.

Applications and the operating system You are leaving the computer but want
SLEEP /
continue to run, though in a low-power state it to quickly resume working when you
HIBERNATE
return.

1.5 First Steps with the Computer

Start a computer:
1. Locate the power switch and press it to turn the computer on. This will initiate the boot process.
(See Figure 1-3)
Depending on how the computer has been configured, one of two things will happen:
 The operating system will automatically load the graphical user interface (GUI) and start this for
a default user. The system will be available for immediate use.
 The operating system will automatically load the GUI, but you will be prompted to enter a
username and password.
2. Select or type your username and your password, and then press the Enter key.
3. Your computer is now ready to use.

The Desktop
The Desktop is the primary user interface of a computer. It is the main screen that you see after you turn on
your computer and log on to Windows or your operating system. Like the top of an actual desk, it serves as a
surface for your work. When you open programs or files, they appear on the desktop. You can also put things
on the desktop, such as files and folders, and arrange them however you want.
The desktop contains:
 Start button: It opens the Start
menu and allows you to access
programs, files, and computer
settings.
 Search bar: It allows you to search
anything in your PC (or online).
This feature is the easiest way to
launch apps, settings and
documents.
 Taskbar: It shows you which
programs are running and allows
you to switch between them.
 Notification: This part of the
taskbar displays various system
icons for features such as
networking, sound and power, as
well as notifications issued by FIGURE 1-4 Windows desktop
Windows.
 Icons: Are small pictures that represent files, folders, programs, and other items on the computer.
Chapter 1 Computers and Operating Systems 6
Start and close applications
Recall that application software (apps) are the kind of software that enables users to perform specific tasks.
To launch an application:
1. Click Start button or press the Windows key on the keyboard to open the Start menu.
2. Scroll through the application or program list and select the application you want to open. You can
also use the Search bar to type the name of the application you want to open. The application
window of the selected program will open on the Desktop.

To close an application:
1. Click the Close button in the upper-right corner of the application window.
Tip: Visit https://www.howtogeek.com/124109/5-ways-to-quickly-launch-programs-on-windows/.

End a computer session:

1. Click Start button. This will open the Start
menu.
2. In the lower-right of the Start menu, click the
arrow next to Shut down button. This will
display a shortcut menu for the different
sessions: Switch user, Log off, Lock, Restart or
Sleep.
3. Click your desired session. (See Table 1-3)
Note: A shortcut menu is a menu that appears when you FIGURE 1-5 Session options
right-click an object on the screen.

Shut down the computer:

1. Prior to shutting down your computer, you should save any newly created data and close down any
programs that are running.
2. Click Start button.
3. In the lower-right of the Start menu, click Shut down button.

CHAPTER REVIEW
Before moving on to the next chapter check that you now know how to:

 Explain what a computer is and what it does.

 Identify types of computers.
 Distinguish between system software and application software.
 Describe the four major types of operating systems.
 Identify the tasks an operating system performs.
 Use a computer and interact with its operating system to launch applications and manage sessions.

Chapter 1 Computers and Operating Systems 7


ASSESSMENT 1 Name: ________________________________________ Date: ____________ Score: ______

A. True / False. Circle T if the statement is true or F if the statement is false.

T F 1. The information processing cycle includes steps for handling input, processing, output, and
storage.
T F 2. Hardware is what makes a computer useful, not the software.
T F 3. Most operating systems today use a command line interface.
T F 4. One step in the boot process is to perform the power-on self-test (POST), which makes sure
critical system components are working properly.
T F 5. All personal computer operating systems are considered multiuser operating systems.

B. Multiple Choice. Select and circle the best response for the following statements.
6. Programs that manage computer resources, provide an interface and run applications are known as:
a. application software c. utility programs
b. operating systems d. system software
7. A ____________ operating system lets you work with more than one program at the same time.
a. multitasking c. single-user
b. multiuser d. command-line
8. _____________ is the only way to end a computer session by turning off the power to the computer.
a. Signing out c. Locking
b. Shutting down d. Restarting
9. When data is processed into a meaningful form, it becomes _________.
a. information c. storage
b. input d. memory
10. Which type of computer is the fastest and most expensive?
a. PC c. smartphone
b. supercomputer d. mainframe

C. Written Question
1. How does a computer follow the information processing cycle to perform tasks? [5 points]

2. What is the purpose of an operating system? [5 points]

Chapter 1 Computers and Operating Systems 8