ITF+ Operating Systems Notes

1. Overview of Operating Systems

  • Definition: Operating systems are intermediaries between hardware and software.
  • Purpose:
    • Manage system resources.
    • Provide a user interface for interaction.
    • Enable multitasking and process management.

2. Key Components of an Operating System

  • Kernel: The core of the OS, managing memory, processes, and hardware.
  • Drivers: Facilitate communication between hardware and software.
  • File Management System: Organizes files and directories efficiently.

3. Types of Operating Systems

  • Proprietary:
    • Examples: Windows, MacOS.
    • Characteristics: Licensed, closed-source.
  • Open Source:
    • Example: Linux.
    • Characteristics: Free, community-driven.
  • Linux Distros:
    • Examples: Ubuntu, Kali, Red Hat, Fedora, Mint, Zorin.

4. User Interfaces

  • Graphical User Interface (GUI):
    • Easy to use, visual interaction with windows, icons, and menus.
    • Examples: Windows Desktop, MacOS Finder.
  • Command Line Interface (CLI):
    • Text-based interaction, requiring commands.
    • Examples: Linux Terminal, Command Prompt.

5. System Utilities and Functions

  • System Utilities:
    • Disk Cleanup, Task Manager, Backup Tools.
  • Resource Management:
    • Handles CPU, memory, and storage efficiently.
  • Multitasking:
    • Ability to run multiple programs simultaneously.

6. Security Features

  • User Authentication:
    • Examples: Passwords, PINs, Biometrics.
  • Permissions:
    • File and directory access controls.
  • Encryption:
    • Protecting sensitive data.

7. Operating System Examples and Versions

  • Windows:
    • Current Versions: Windows 10, Windows 11.
  • MacOS:
    • Current Version: MacOS X (MacOS 10).
  • Linux:
    • Common Distributions: Ubuntu, Kali, Fedora.

8. Key Terms and Concepts

  • Boot Process: Sequence of events from powering on to OS loading.
  • Virtual Machines: Running multiple operating systems on one device.
  • Updates and Patches:
    • Keep systems secure and up to date.

9. Questions for Review

  • What are the differences between GUI and CLI?
  • How does the kernel prioritize processes?
  • What are examples of proprietary vs. open-source software?
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ITF+ Software & Applications