Operating Systems: Features, User Interface, and File Management

Posted on Feb 6, 2025 in Computers

Key Features of Operating Systems

1. Functions of Operating Systems:

  • Checking the use of physical resources.
  • Controlling the process of storing data and running applications.
  • Detecting configuration errors.
  • Configuring the various computer components.
  • Communicating with other computers.

Features of Different Operating Systems:

  • Linux:
    • Graphical User Interface (GUI).
    • Free, open-source, and freely available technology.
    • Supports Plug & Play.
    • Immune to virus attacks.
    • Incorporates several versions.
    • Multiuser and multitasking system.
    • Supports GUI.
  • Windows:
    • Incorporates Plug & Play technology.
    • Offers a multitude of tasks.
    • There are several versions.
    • Features multimedia and communication opportunities.
    • Multiuser and multitasking system.

User Interface

Graphical User Interface (GUI): The way in which interaction occurs between the person and the computer.

Console Systems: Text-based interface commands.

Environment in Windows

Windows: When starting a computer program or an operating system utility, a window will open. These windows may be of different types, but all have a similar structure and consist of common elements.

Menus: Can be accessed with the mouse or by pressing Alt + the underlined letter.

Elements of Interaction:

  • Action Buttons: Perform the indicated action by simply clicking on them.
  • Text Boxes: Enable writing text.
  • Information Tables: Indicate a numeric value.
  • Option Buttons: Enable or disable options.
  • Tabs: Allow you to click on a tab.
  • Toolbar Buttons: Clicking on them shows you the tools.
  • Dropdown List: Clicking on the expand button allows you to select one of the items offered.
  • Checkboxes: Enable or disable options.
  • Slider Tabs: Indicate an intermediate value between two limits.

File Systems

  • FAT32 (Windows)
  • NTFS (Windows)
  • EXT3 (Linux)
  • HFS (Mac)

File Organization and Management

Files: Are identified by a name and extension. To keep all files sorted, they are saved in folders and directories with an arborescent structure.

Tools for Managing Files:

  • Explorer (Windows)
  • Nautilus (Linux)

Creating New Users

  • Windows: Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.
  • Linux: Main > System > Administration > Users and Groups.

System Configuration and Customization

  • Windows: Start > Control Panel.
  • Linux: System Tools > System Preferences.

Device Configuration

  • Windows: Start > Control Panel, choose the option that interests you.
  • Linux: Main > System > Administration, choose the option that interests you.

Installation and Uninstallation

  • Windows: Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
  • Linux: Home > Add/Remove Applications.

Computer Protection

  • Windows: Start > Control Panel > Security Center (antivirus and firewall).
  • Linux: Firewall.

Computer Maintenance

  • Windows:
    • Maintenance of storage units:
      • Error-checking (review and repair disk failures).
      • Defragmentation (reorganizes the data).
      • Backup.
    • System Restore (Start > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore).
  • Linux: Journaling (daily information and data that are saved to, if necessary, reset).

Working on a Local Network

  • Receive and send messages to network users.
  • Share documents.
  • Save and open documents on other PCs.
  • Share peripherals.
  • Share your Internet connection.

Sharing Resources

  • Windows: Right-click on the object you want to share > Sharing and Security > activate the options that interest you > OK.
  • Linux: Right-click on the object you want to share > Share Folder > Insert key > Manager > OK > Share via Windows Networking (SMB) > write the name of the resource > OK.