Explaining the functions of an Operating System
The Operating System (OS) is the most important program that manages all of the hardware and software on your computer. It is very important because it makes sure that both hardware and software interact correctly. Without the OS, the user cannot use the computer in any way because this is the way a user communicates to the computer (through the Operating System) without having to know its language. Windows, Mac OS X and Linux are the most common operating systems for computers/laptops. However, they are all based on the same idea. The OS has control over five key managers, (memory,process,device,file and network) that are found in every operating system. These work together as a team in order to complete certain jobs that will result in a smoother computer overall.
The Device Manager detects peripherals (input/output devices) and allows them to work correctly. It is used to control the different hardware installed such as a mouse or headphones. They are managed with ease through the device manager when one is plugged into the computer.
This software helps the users by allowing them to connect a new device to the computer, however, in order to have the device functioning, the device manager is required to read the hardware which is installed.
Without this software, users would have no choice but to manually look for the hardware which is time-consuming and difficult. Hence, you can connect peripherals such as a mouse, headphones and/or USBs without having to install drivers, so it makes things more convenient and easier overall for the user.
This software helps the users by allowing them to connect a new device to the computer, however, in order to have the device functioning, the device manager is required to read the hardware which is installed.
Without this software, users would have no choice but to manually look for the hardware which is time-consuming and difficult. Hence, you can connect peripherals such as a mouse, headphones and/or USBs without having to install drivers, so it makes things more convenient and easier overall for the user.
Resource Allocation is managed by the memory manager.
The memory manager is in charge of the main memory. It reads every request for memory space and checks if it is correct. It allows allocation of memory spaces that are not taken up already. Memory spaces could be reallocated in order to free up space for other requests.
Resource Allocation can be useful because it enables the user to run a number of applications at once. For example, they could have Microsoft PowerPoint opened up, as well as having Google Chrome functioning.
Therefore, this is all possible because the resource manager distributes resources (memory) between the processes which allows them to be opened at the same time.
The memory manager is in charge of the main memory. It reads every request for memory space and checks if it is correct. It allows allocation of memory spaces that are not taken up already. Memory spaces could be reallocated in order to free up space for other requests.
Resource Allocation can be useful because it enables the user to run a number of applications at once. For example, they could have Microsoft PowerPoint opened up, as well as having Google Chrome functioning.
Therefore, this is all possible because the resource manager distributes resources (memory) between the processes which allows them to be opened at the same time.
Process Management is the function that is common in every OS. It is important because it enables programs to allocate resources towards distinct processes/applications and also allow the exchanging of information. The part of the operating system which handles these processes is called the process manager. The process manager decides how to allocate the CPU. It is crucial that the process manager keeps track of the status of each process. It responsible for handling the jobs that enter a system and manage each process that is related with these jobs.
This is beneficial for users as it enables them to have access to data on distinct applications. For example, video editing without the process manager wouldn't function since the data couldn't be shared to applications, and so the process manager needs to have the data of the video in order for the video editing to go through. Hence, there is a bond between the data and the program.
This is beneficial for users as it enables them to have access to data on distinct applications. For example, video editing without the process manager wouldn't function since the data couldn't be shared to applications, and so the process manager needs to have the data of the video in order for the video editing to go through. Hence, there is a bond between the data and the program.
The OS also has another important function called File Management. It basically sets up the entire documentary. This function helps finds files saved to the computer’s hard disk drive, such as documents and publications to applications stored on it as well, in order to prevent files from being erased completely or moved around the computer without the user's permission. In addition, it organizes files in a way so that they can easily be found by the user, instead of them being in random places.
This is useful because the data is all in once place which makes it easier for users to move files and documents around.
This is useful because the data is all in once place which makes it easier for users to move files and documents around.
The network manager provides a way for users to share hardware and software resources whilst also controlling the user access to them.
Network Management is a really important function because it enables the user to access the internet and networks. Its job in the OS is to enable the computer to connect to networks via wired or wirelessly. It allows the user to connect to the server that is linked to the internet, hence, it enables you to connect to a network.
The final function of the OS is the User Management. The user manager manages a user's profile. When you log into your school account, this is all controlled by the user manager. The data does not confuse between each other if there are multiple sets of accounts. This is avoided by controlling user accounts and their data so that when you log in, you can only see your own files.
The user management is a useful function as it handles a user's private storage areas in a computer by protecting its content - meaning that one's data cannot be accessed by another person.This is beneficial for a user as they have their own individual area protected by this function, hence, no interference from other users with their privacy.
The user management is a useful function as it handles a user's private storage areas in a computer by protecting its content - meaning that one's data cannot be accessed by another person.This is beneficial for a user as they have their own individual area protected by this function, hence, no interference from other users with their privacy.
Comparison of two operating systems: Microsoft Windows vs Apple Mac
Windows 8.1
Introduction:
Windows 8.1 is designed and marketed by Microsoft. Security:
Extra software utilities (e.g. antiviruses) have to be bought. However, it comes along with Windows Defender. Cost:
Windows PC's are cheaper to buy than Macs. Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition lets you pay once for a number of licenses. The cost of a license is around £100. However, the school does not need to buy any new PC's as all the school computers are compatible with Windows 8.1. Interface:
Easy to get into the basic stuff, but if you want to get into the complicated things, there are options depending on the user's preference. Edition:
Windows 8.1 Enterprise has features such as DirectAccess and AppLocker (only on this edition - e.g. the Pro edition wouldn't have these features). Furthermore, Windows Enterprise comes with a number of licences. Hence, the school will save up money as they have many computers, so this edition will make up for them. 32 and 64 bit:
Available in both 32-bit and 64-bit. The 32-bit version allows the user to store up to 4GB of memory at once. However, the 64-bit version can store up way more memory at once. Although the 32-bit would be suitable for the school, all the computers are compatible with the 64-bit version, so if they would be to use applications that require more RAM, they would need the 64-bit version. Hence, I recommend the 64-bit version. |
OS X MavericksIntroduction:
OS X Mavericks is designed and marketed by Apple Inc. This OS is only made for Mac computers. Security:
Built in antiviruses and software utilities such as: Filevault 2, Gatekeeper (safer downloads)and Sandboxing (blocks anything that could infect your PC) Cost:
OS X Mavericks is free of charge because it only works on Macs. Therefore, they would have to spend a lot of money on buying Macs, if they were to switch to OS X. Interface:
Simple and easy to use OS. This is because application shortcuts on the dock allows quick one click access. Edition:
No editions for Mavericks. 32 and 64 bit:
OS X Mavericks only comes in 64-bit. |
Recommendation:
I am going to recommend Windows 8.1 Enterprise to the school because the school PC's are compatible with Windows 8.1 Enterprise. This means that they do not need to purchase any additional computers, so it will reduce the cost overall. In addition, since the Windows OS is the most popular, students would already be familiar with it.
Another reason for me choosing Windows 8.1 Enterprise over the other editions, it is that Windows 8.1 Enterprise connects to the school domain. This allows students to access their accounts from any available laptops, as they are linked to the school domain over the network.
Although, the Windows Pro edition also allows you to connect to a domain, Windows 8.1 Enterprise has additional features such as DirectAccess and AppLocker (the Pro edition wouldn't have these features).
In conclusion, I believe that Windows 8.1 Enterprise is the best option for the school as it has features that benefit the school in such a way that they do no need to download or buy softwares as they come with the edition. Hence, it is a better choice overall because the school will save a lot of money, and at the same time, users will be satisfied with their experience of Windows 8.1 Enterprise.
Another reason for me choosing Windows 8.1 Enterprise over the other editions, it is that Windows 8.1 Enterprise connects to the school domain. This allows students to access their accounts from any available laptops, as they are linked to the school domain over the network.
Although, the Windows Pro edition also allows you to connect to a domain, Windows 8.1 Enterprise has additional features such as DirectAccess and AppLocker (the Pro edition wouldn't have these features).
In conclusion, I believe that Windows 8.1 Enterprise is the best option for the school as it has features that benefit the school in such a way that they do no need to download or buy softwares as they come with the edition. Hence, it is a better choice overall because the school will save a lot of money, and at the same time, users will be satisfied with their experience of Windows 8.1 Enterprise.