Basic Computer Operations

Unit III: Information and

Communication Technology Skills
Welcome, Class 9 students! In this presentation, we'll explore the
fundamental operations of computers, from starting them up to
understanding their core software.
 THE JOURNEY FROM OFF TO ON

Starting a Computer: The Boot Process

01 02

Power On Self Test (POST) BIOS & CMOS

When you press the power button, the computer first performs The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) then takes over. It's
a POST (Power On Self Test) . This is like a quick check-up, stored on a chip, and its settings (like password, date, and time)
ensuring all hardware components and storage devices are are saved in the CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide
connected and working correctly. Semiconductor). The BIOS's main job is to find and load the
Operating System.

03 04

Operating System Loading Login Screen

Once the BIOS identifies the Operating System (OS), it begins Finally, the OS is fully loaded, and the login screen appears,
loading it into the computer's RAM (Random Access Memory). ready for you to enter your credentials and start working.
This is when you see the familiar loading screens.
Shutting Down a Computer: A Safe Exit
Shutting down your computer properly is crucial to prevent data loss and
system errors. Always follow these steps:

Save Your Work: Ensure all unsaved data in any open programs is saved.
Close Programs: Manually close all open applications. This helps the OS
shut down smoothly.
Initiate Shutdown: Use the operating system's shutdown option (e.g., Start
Menu > Power > Shut Down).

The OS then systematically closes all running programs, services, and processes. After this, the power management system turns off the power supply to the
computer's components. Finally, you can safely turn off the main power switch, if it's connected to one.
Operating System:
An Operating System (OS) is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its hardware and software. Think
of it as the principal of a school 3 managing everything from teachers and students to classrooms and resources.

CPU
Manages processing and
tasks
Memory
Allocates and protects RAM

Operating System
Managing hardware and
software

Storage Devices
Controls persistent data
access Applications
Runs user programs and
services

Without an OS, a computer is just a collection of electronic parts and cannot function or run any applications. It acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware.
Key Functions of an Operating System
Resource Management User Interface Communication & Feedback
Manages and shares computer Provides a way for users to interact Communicates with applications
hardware (like CPU, memory, with the computer, whether through and users, providing status updates
storage) and software graphical icons or text commands. and error messages when
(applications) resources efficiently. something goes wrong.

Security Coordination
Helps protect the computer system Coordinates the interplay between
by blocking unauthorized access different hardware components
and managing user permissions. and software programs for smooth
operation.
Exploring Types of Operating Systems
Single-User OS Graphical User Interface (GUI) OS
Designed for one user at a time. Examples include old Uses icons, menus, and visual elements for user interaction.
systems like MS-DOS and early Windows versions (Windows Most modern OS fall into this category: Windows, Linux (with
95, 3.1). desktop environments), MacOS.

Multi-User OS Multi-tasking OS
Allows multiple users to use the same computer system Allows a single user to run multiple programs or tasks at the
simultaneously. Common in networks and servers. Examples: same time. Nearly all modern OS are multi-tasking: Windows
Linux, Unix, Windows 2000 onwards. 9x, 2000 onwards, Linux.

Multi-threading OS: An advanced type of multi-tasking OS that allows different parts of a single program (threads) to run
concurrently. Windows 2000 onwards, Linux support this.
Disk Operating System (DOS)
DOS is one of the earliest operating systems, primarily running from a
hard disk drive. It's famous for its command-line interface.

Users had to type specific commands for every action, from

opening files to running programs.
It supports multiple directories for file organization, basic memory
management, and text editing.
Unlike modern OS, DOS was single-tasking (one program at a time)
and single-user.

A prime example is Microsoft's DOS (MS-DOS), first released in 1981

for IBM PCs, which played a crucial role in the early days of personal
computing.
Linux and Windows: A Comparative Look
Linux Windows
Open-source: Its code is freely available and can be modified.
Portable & Multi-user: Can run on various hardware and support multiple users
simultaneously.
Shell Interface: Offers a powerful command-line interface, though GUI desktop environments
are common.
Secure & Hierarchical File System: Known for its robust security and organized file structure.

Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991, Linux is a free and powerful alternative to costly
commercial OS.

GUI-based: Primarily known for its user-friendly Graphical User Interface.

Microsoft Product: Developed and marketed by Microsoft.
Popularity: The first GUI OS for IBM PCs, it quickly became the most widely used operating
system globally.

Windows is the go-to choice for millions of users worldwide for both personal and professional
use.
Mobile Operating Systems
Mobile OS are specialized operating systems designed to run on portable devices like smartphones, tablets, and PDAs.

Android OS (Google) iOS (Apple)

Linux-based and open-source, famous for its green robot logo. Runs exclusively on Apple's iPhone and iPad devices. Known
Versions are named after sweets (e.g., Cupcake, Donut, KitKat). for its strong security and seamless ecosystem.

Symbian OS (Nokia) Windows Mobile OS (Microsoft)

Once very popular, especially on Nokia phones, but has now Based on the Windows CE Kernel, it featured on devices like
been largely replaced by Android and iOS. Lumia phones but has been discontinued, with Windows 10
Mobile being its final version.
Recap and Assessment
We've covered a lot about basic computer operations! Let's quickly review the key topics:

Starting and shutting down procedures.

The role and functions of an Operating System.
Different types of OS, including DOS, Linux, Windows, and Mobile OS.

Now, let's test your understanding with a few questions!

Assessment Questions:

1. Function of OS is to secure system & block ____________ access.

2. ____________ checks connected hardware during booting.
3. When the computer starts, the ____________ process begins.
4. The logo of Android OS is a ____________ robot.
5. An OS typically has two main components: Kernel & ____________.

Answers: 1. Unauthorised, 2. POST, 3. Booting, 4. Green, 5. Shell