Before we dive into studying all about the OS, we want to do a quick dive into an OS, so we can see some of the topics we’ll be covering. In doing so, you might learn a little more about one of the most over looked applications that everyone has to use.
Previously, we looked at the purpose of the OS is to provide the user and software access to hardware, and allow a computer to schedule tasks. Let’s look at specific examples of this.
Applications
One of the key components of the OS is scheduling and allowing applications to run. Sometimes they are called apps, or desktop apps. Typically they are:
- separately installed onto your computer and it’s storage device (HDD/SSD)
- dependent on the OS (not cross platform)
- usually made by a different vendor than your OS, but not always
Examples of this are like MS Office (or another office app), Photoshop, your Web Browser, and various games. These applications may be available for other OSes, but you have to install a different version.
When an application is referred to as an “app” is it usually a simpler application – without as many features as a full application. These are common in phones where you are limited by hardware (both CPU power and memory allotment as well as the size screen to allow for full connectivity).
OS User Management
Modern OSes allow not only for management of hardware and software, but also users. Multiple users may use a single computer, and likewise in a large system, a user may use multiple computers. The management of the users may be done on the machine, or via a server that the machine connects to for user authentication.
Most modern OSes require that a user login to use it. Even if you don’t “see” it occur, it happens by default. A user name and password is required, unless biometric scanners, such as a finger print, facial recognition, etc is used. Some systems require both a biometric and password for two-factor authentication.
The OS is then responsible for allowing the user access to a machine’s functions, and may prevent a user from performing certain tasks. This can include installing software, running an application, or accessing certain files.
Start Button
Clicking on the start button will bring up commonly used applications. Clicking the “All Apps” button allows you to see everything though.
You can also “search” which will look for your applications first, then start looking in your local files, and finally the Internet if you so need.
Common Parts of the Windows Desktop
Desktop – the surface area for you to work and move windows about.
Task Bar – a visual, icongraphic view of the running applications of your computer. They do not include services, which are applications that your OS is running for you.
Search Box – allows you to search your computer quickly
Pinned Apps – these are readily accessible apps which always show on your task bar even if they aren’t running.
Notification Area – Used to be called the Sys Tray. Contains a clock, calendar, as well as notification icons.
Action Center – This is a notification center for you based upon apps running in the background. For example, letting you know if you got an email, or need to make a backup. Part of the notification area.
File Explorer
Not Internet Explorer. Is used to explore your file system, including both your OneDrive, if signed in to your MS account, and your local files.
There are some common logical folders, such as Photos, Documents, and Videos.
Commonly used files and locations are also provided via a Quick Access menu on the top left screen.
Additionally, you can modify your view of a directory by using the view option of the ribbon bar.
Using an OS was originally found on Access 2 Learn
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