1.
3: Operating Systems
Information and Communication
Technology
Day 4
What is an Operating System?
This section will take a look at operating systems and their role in the computer
system. An operating system - is a software program that manages computer
resources. Operating systems allow components to communicate with each other
and enables the computer to run software applications. Without it your computer
would sit there and do nothing.
The four main types are:
• Command Line Interface (CLI) - Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Dialogue-based Interface - Gesture-based Interface
Key concepts of this section:
Know the definition of an operating system and why computer systems need
them.
Understand the different tasks that an operating system performs.
Be able to describe the different types of operating systems and be able to
compare them to each other.
B. Ngwenya BBDN – Academics IGCSE - ICT
Year 2021
Tasks of the Operating System
1. Accepts inputs from the mouse or keyboard.
2. Sends outputs to the monitor or printer
3. Recognizes peripheral devices
4. Manages files and folders in the system
5. Allows applications software to communicate with the system's hardware
6. Shares out system memory efficiently.
7. Loads and runs software applications.
8. Manages system security.
9. Handles system problems and alerts the user.
10. Manages the moving of data to and from a hard disk
B. Ngwenya BBDN – Academics IGCSE - ICT
Year 2021
Command Line Interface
The interface has black screen with white text.
Its an older style operating system. Users
enter commands by using a keyboard
Main features
Blue/ black screen
White text
Doesn't need much storage space as GUI
Doesn't need much RAM & ROM as GUI
Over 270 different commands
User directly communicates with computer
Can alter configuration settings directly
Hard to use (must remember commands)
Commands needs to be given precisely
Higher chance of errors (typing error)
Difficult to edit once command are entered.
Dull (no images, icons or graphics)
B. Ngwenya BBDN – Academics IGCSE - ICT
Year 2021
Graphical User Interface [GUI]
It is an interface that allows users to
communicate with the computer by using
windows, icons, menus and pointers (wimp).
Commands are entered by clicking the mouse
objects on the screen . It more user friendly
and it is the most common interface.
Main features
Windows, - Icons
Menus - Pointers
User friendly (easier to enter commands)
Quicker commands.(Click icons)
Less chances of making errors
No need to remember commands
Easier to pass data between software
Require more hard disc space for OS
Smaller range of commands
Need an OS (e.g. Windows) to operate
B. Ngwenya BBDN – Academics IGCSE - ICT
Year 2021
Touchscreen Interfaces
(aka Post-WIMP Interface)
It is an interface that allows users to
communicate with a device using their fingers to
select objects on the screen by touching on it. It
uses a special type of screen that is sensitive. It
commonly used in tablets, smartphones, and
smartwatch. Use interfaces similar to a GUI
Main features
Pinching - pinch fingers to zoom objects
Rotating –increase/ decrease object size
Swiping - swipe finger to scroll through
No mouse used (fingers to select objects)
Easy to use (don’t need much training)
Software can adjust the screen (zoom)
Tiring for long periods
More expensive than alternatives (mouse)
Not robust, easily damaged (screen crack)
B. Ngwenya BBDN – Academics IGCSE - ICT
Year 2021
Dialogue-based Interface
This interface allows a user to interact with a
computer through the spoken word. This
interfaces are common in modern cars
Examples spoken commands to the
Operating system to make a phone call,
Switch to a particular radio channel
Plot a route to a destination. Etc.
Can be simple to learn the necessary key
words that the computer will accept.
It allows hands-free control.
It is safer driving and operating machinery
Is useful for disabled users.
Users have to learn which commands
Users have to adjust interface to their voice.
May not be reliable (background noise)
Not suitable for safety-critical commands.
Complex to program (expensive)
B. Ngwenya BBDN – Academics IGCSE - ICT
Year 2021
Gesture-based Interface
an interface that allows a user to interact with a
computer at a distance by using movements of
various parts of their body.
Examples spoken commands to the
swipe the screen in a particular way to open
and close programs and zoom in/out of
maps.
No need for keyboard to enter commands.
No need for mouse or other pointing device.
can operate at a distance, sitting or standing
It prevents spread of disease (no touching)
User have to learn the gestures for
particular requests.
A system is required to recognise face
movements and hand gestures.
Users may need motion tracking gloves.
Users may become tired after performing the
gestures..
B. Ngwenya BBDN – Academics IGCSE - ICT
Year 2021
THE END
Thanking you for listening
USED RESOURCES:
Websites Resource Text Books
www.ictlounge.com
www.igcseict.info
https://www.igcsepro.org/
www.yahmad.co.uk
www.znotes.org
mrlawsonsclassroom.weebly.com ›
https://ictlis.wixsite.com/ict123
/theory-revison
B. Ngwenya BBDN – Academics IGCSE - ICT
Year 2021
