Lecture 2
Chapter 5: Using System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management
After reading this chapter, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- What software is included in system software? (p. 208)
- What are the different kinds of operating systems? (p. 208)
- What are the most common desktop operating systems? (p. 211)
- How does the operating system provide a means for users to interact with the computer? (p. 213)
- How does the operating system help manage the processor? (p. 216)
- How does the operating system manage memory and storage? (p. 220)
- How does the operating system manage hardware and peripheral devices? (p. 221)
- How does the operating system interact with application software? (p. 221)
- How does the operating system help the computer start up? (p. 222)
- What are the main desktop and window features? (p. 226)
- How does the operating system help me keep my computer organized? (p. 228)
- What utility programs are included in system software, and what do they do? (p. 235)
Chapter 6: Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System
After reading this chapter, you should be able to answer the following questions:
- How can I determine whether I should upgrade my existing computer or buy a new one?
- What does the CPU do, and how can I evaluate its performance?
- How does memory work in my computer, and how can I evaluate how much memory I need?
- What are the computer’s main storage devices, and how can I evaluate whether they match my needs?
- What components affect the output of video on my computer, and how can I evaluate whether they match my needs?
- What components affect my computer’s sound quality, and how can I evaluate whether they match my needs?
- What are the ports available on desktop computers, and how can I determine what ports I need?
- How can I ensure the reliability of my system?
Discussion Questions
Chapter 5
- Open-source programming embraces a philosophy that states programmers should make their code available to everyone rather than keeping it proprietary. The Linux operating system has had much success as an open-source code. The chapter mentions some of the advantages of open-source code, such as quicker code updates in response to technological advances and changes.
- What are other advantages of open-source code?
- Can you think of disadvantages to open-source code?
- Why do you think that companies such as Microsoft maintain proprietary restrictions on their code?
- Are there disadvantages to maintaining proprietary code?
- Operating system interfaces have evolved from a text-based console format to the current graphical user interface. What direction do you think they will move toward next? How could operating systems be organized and used in a manner that is more responsive to humans and better suited to how we think? Are there alternatives to hierarchical file structures for storage? Can you think of ways in which operating systems could adapt and customize themselves based on your usage?
Chapter 6
- Given current trends in technology, what kind of system can you imagine upgrading to or buying new in 10 years? Which components would change the most? Which components would need to stay the same, if any? What do you imagine the entire system would look like?
- We are constantly being bombarded with new technology. We hear of new tools and system improvements from our friends, relatives, and advertisements almost daily. This chapter talks about upgrading current systems so that we can take advantage of some of the newer technology. Some improvements we absolutely need (more RAM, perhaps), whereas others we may just really want (such as a Blu-ray burner). What do you think are the societal, economic, and environmental impacts of our wanting to have the latest and greatest computers? Do you think the push toward faster and more powerful machines is a good thing?
- Mercury in screens and switches, cadmium in batteries and circuit boards, and the four to eight pounds of lead in CRT monitors are all toxic. Discarded machines are beginning to create an e-waste crisis. Who do you think should assume the cost of recycling computers? The consumer, the government, or the industry? What other options are there besides just throwing older computers away?