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Chapter 3. Software | |
Abstract
Describe the main functions of an operating system and name some common operating systems.
As mentioned above, it is the operating system that actually makes the computer function. The following is a list of some of the functions of the operating system:
Boot-up the computer.
Control the hard drives: This includes such features as formatting and defragmenting disks as well as saving files to and retrieving files from disk.
Control input devices such as keyboards, mice and scanners.
Control output devices such as the video display and printer.
Control the external ports: Ports are the external connections that enable peripheral devices to be connected to a computer. Common types of ports are serial, parallel, usb and firewire. Of these the USB ports are the most important.
Provide the functionality for computers to be linked in a network.
Provide the foundation for application software to be launched.
Enable application software to access and use the hardware.
The following list names some operating systems. They are grouped according to similarity.
Unix; Linux; Free BSD
Windows 95; Windows 98; Windows Me, Windows NT4 Workstation / Server; Windows 2000 Workstation / Server; Windows XP; Windows 2003 Server.
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Applications Software |