04-10-2012, 01:54 PM
MITSOT Computer Lab IT – Essentials
IT - Manual.pdf (Size: 8.59 MB / Downloads: 78)
Operating System Functions
What is an Operating System
The operating system is the core software component of your computer. It performs many functions and is, in very
basic terms, an interface between your computer and the outside world. In the section about hardware, a computer
is described as consisting of several component parts including your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other parts.
The operating system provides an interface to these parts using what is referred to as "drivers". This is why
sometimes when you install a new printer or other piece of hardware, your system will ask you to install more
software called a driver.
What does a driver do?
A driver is a specially written program which understands the operation of the device it interfaces to, such as a
printer, video card, sound card or CD ROM drive. It translates commands from the operating system or user into
commands understood by the the component computer part it interfaces with. It also translates responses from the
component computer part back to responses that can be understood by the operating system, application program,
or user. The below diagram gives a graphical depiction of the interfaces between the operating system and the
computer component.
Operating System Types
There are many types of operating systems. The most common is the Microsoft suite of operating systems. They
include from most recent to the oldest:
• Windows XP Professional Edition - A version used by many businesses on workstations. It has the ability to
become a member of a corporate domain.
• Windows XP Home Edition - A lower cost version of Windows XP which is for home use only and should
not be used at a business.
• Windows 2000 - A better version of the Windows NT operating system which works well both at home and
as a workstation at a business. It includes technologies which allow hardware to be automatically detected
and other enhancements over Windows NT.
• Windows ME - A upgraded version from windows 98 but it has been historically plagued with
programming errors which may be frustrating for home users.
• Windows 98 - This was produced in two main versions. The first Windows 98 version was plagued with
programming errors but the Windows 98 Second Edition which came out later was much better with many
errors resolved.
• Windows NT - A version of Windows made specifically for businesses offering better control over
workstation capabilities to help network administrators.
• Windows 95 - The first version of Windows after the older Windows 3.x versions offering a better interface
and better library functions for programs.
Introduction to Microsoft 2007 Office
Introduction
Welcome to the “new world” of Microsoft 2007 Office. As you may have heard, 2007 Office is a major change
from previous Office versions. If you are new to Microsoft Office you will find 2007 very intuitive. When you
click on “something,” like an image, text, or spreadsheet area, special Ribbons, customized to your selection, will
appear to assist you.
For this reason, we are creating an introduction to some of the new features of several Office applications. First,
we’ll take you through the Microsoft Office Button, the Quick Access Toolbar, Ribbons, Tabs and Groups – to
familiarize you with these common features. Then we’ll show you some of the unique Ribbons, Tabs and Groups
of each application.
If you have 2007 Office installed on your computer here are a couple of hints on how we’ll proceed.
To open an application, Double click quickly on the application icon (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) on the
Windows desktop. Or, click the Start button, in the lower left corner of the screen, then click All Programs,
move the cursor over Microsoft Office and select the application you desire.