Basic Computer Operations
Computer hardware & software depend on each other.
Without proper functioning of both, a computer is of no use.
Procedure for Starting a Computer
1. Booting process begins → checks hardware & software.
2. POST (Power On Self Test): Tests connected hardware.
3. CMOS chip stores BIOS (Basic Input Output System).
o BIOS loads OS and configures system settings (password, date, time).
4. OS is loaded into RAM → executes startup routines.
5. User logs in with username & password → system ready for use.
Procedure for Shutting Down a Computer
Save unsaved data.
All open programs close.
OS shuts down services & processes.
Power management hardware turns off power.
Finally, computer’s power supply can be switched off.
Operating System (OS)
A machine cannot work on its own → needs instructions.
OS acts as an interface between user & hardware.
Converts user instructions into machine language.
Master program that runs applications & makes PC usable.
Without OS, user cannot communicate with computer.
Like a school principal – manages, supervises, and coordinates activities.
Popular Operating Systems
Windows
Linux
Mac OS
DOS
Functions of Operating System
Manage and share computer resources (hardware/software).
Provide interface between user & system.
Communicate status of operations and errors.
Secure system and block unauthorized access.
Types of Operating System
1. Single User OS
o Only one user can do one task at a time.
o Examples: MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95.
2. Graphical User Interface (GUI) OS
o Interactive, graphics-based.
o Examples: Windows, Mac OS, Linux.
3. Multi-user OS
o Multiple users can use the same computer simultaneously.
o Examples: Linux, Unix, Windows 2000 onwards.
4. Multi-tasking OS
o Can perform multiple tasks at the same time.
o Examples: Windows 9x, Windows 2000 onwards, Linux.
5. Multi-threading OS
o Allows different parts of a program to run simultaneously.
o Examples: Windows 9x, Windows 2000 onwards, Linux.
Disk Operating System (DOS)
Used for typing commands directly.
Managing files and folders.
Useful for small and old computers.
A command-line based operating system (no graphics, only text commands).
User types commands for every action.
Runs from a hard disk drive.
Supports:
o Multiple directories
o Networking
o Enhanced memory management
o Text editing functions
o Disk compression & fragmentation
Limitations:
o Difficult for beginners (command-based).
o Cannot support multiple users.
o Cannot multitask (only one program at a time).
History: Developed by Microsoft in 1981 for IBM PCs.
Linux
Used in servers (websites, internet services).
Used by programmers for coding.
Used in security systems (very safe).
Also used in supercomputers.
Open-source operating system (free to use & modify).
Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991.
Popular alternative to costly operating systems.
Features:
o Portable
o Multi-user & multi-programming
o Shell (command interface)
o Open source and free
o Hierarchical file system
o Secure
Windows
Used in personal computers and laptops.
For study, office work, gaming, browsing.
Very easy for beginners.
A series of Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating systems.
Developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft.
First GUI OS for IBM-compatible PCs.
Dominated the PC market.
Mobile Operating System (Mobile OS)
Runs on smartphones, tablets, PDAs.
Lets us use apps (WhatsApp, YouTube, Camera).
Manages touch screen, calling, internet.
Designed for smartphones, tablets, PDAs.
Provides a platform for apps to run.
Examples of Mobile OS:
o BlackBerry (RIM)
o Android (Google)
o iOS (Apple)
o Symbian (Nokia)
o Windows Mobile (Microsoft)
Android Operating System (OS)
Most popular mobile OS.
Used for running mobile apps.
Turns phone into web browser, game console, personal assistant.
Used in smart TVs, smartwatches also.
World’s most popular Mobile OS.
Open source (Linux-based).
Initially developed by Android Inc. in 2003, later purchased by Google in 2005.
Logo: Green robot.
Turns phone into browser, game console, and assistant.
Version names (desserts):
o Cupcake (1.5)
o Donut (1.6)
o Honeycomb (3.0)
o JellyBean (4.1)
o KitKat (4.4)
o Marshmallow (6.0)
In short:
DOS → Old, command typing.
Linux → Servers, programming, very secure.
Windows → PCs, study, office, games.
Mobile OS → Runs phones & tablets.
Android → Most common Mobile OS, apps, smart devices.
Symbian Operating System (OS)
Specially created for smartphones.
Originally developed by Symbian Ltd, later maintained by Accenture.
Widely used by Nokia and brands like Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson.
Most popular mobile OS before Android.
Android overtook Symbian in 2010.
iOS
Developed by Apple (2007).
Runs on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.
Formerly known as iPhone OS.
Apple does not allow iOS on non-Apple hardware.
Known for:
o High level of security
o Exclusive apps & features
o High performance
More expensive than other mobile OS devices.
Windows Mobile Operating System
Developed by Microsoft for smartphones & mobile devices.
Based on Windows CE Kernel.
Works similar to desktop versions of Windows.
Provided better e-mailing and documentation.
Examples: Nokia Lumia 920, Samsung ATIV S, Windows Phone 8C (HTC).
Versions:
1. Windows Mobile Professional → for smartphones with touchscreen.
2. Windows Mobile Standard → for phones without touchscreen.
3. Windows 10 Mobile → for mobiles & tablets (no longer supported by
Microsoft).