UNIT 7

OPERATING SYSTEMS
& GUI
In this lesson students will:
- Understand the functions, features and different kinds of OS
- Get familiar with the following terms:
System software Platform
Application software Warm/ cold boot
Utility widget
Language translator Icons
Compiler Pointer
Formatter Windows
Defragmenter Tile
Interface Menu
Command-driven (based) Tab
Menu-driven (based) Dialog box
Graphical User Interface (GUI) Embedded operating system
Multitasking Network operating system
Multiprogramming Stand-alone operating system
- Develop language skills on the topic of Operating Systems and GUI.

PART 1: ICT BASICS

Task 1. Use the diagram prepare a short talk about the classification of Software
Task 2. Look at 9 logos below. Try to find and name as many Operating systems you know as
possible (note: not all of them are operating systems)

• Which of the above OS is the most popular?

• Which of them are free? Which are not free?

Task 3: Listen to the recording and complete the notes below.

- An operation system = (1)……………………………………………………………….
- Examples: (2)……………………………………………………………………………...
- Complete the table
Components of OS What it does
memory manager scans every request for (3)…………………………………. and
checks if it is valid;
allows allocation of memory spaces;
(4)…………………………………. to free up space for other
requests;
(5)…………………. keeps track of the status of each process;
handle jobs as they enter the system and (6)………………………..
that is associated with those jobs.
(7)…………………. monitors every (8)……………………………….. and control unit;
choose (9)…………………………………… to allocate all of the
system devices that are connected to the computer
(10)………………… checks every type of file that is on the system;
(11)………………………………………………. so that certain
users can only see certain files;
 network manager provides a way for users (12)…………………………………………
while also controlling the users access to them
user interface gives us (13)……………………………………………. of what we
are trying to do when we interact with the system

Task 4. Read the text about Operating Systems and answer the questions that follow.
Operating Systems
An operating system is a collection of programs that handle many of the technical details related
to using a computer. In many ways, an operating system is the most important type of computer
program. Without a functioning operating system, your computer would be useless.
Functions
Every computer has an operating system and every operating system performs a variety of
functions. These functions can be classified into three groups:
• Managing resources: Operating systems coordinate all the computer’s resources including
memory, processing, storage, and devices such as printers and monitors. They also monitor
system performance, schedule tasks, provide security, and start up the computer.
• Providing user interface: Operating systems allow users to interact with application
programs and computer hardware through a user interface. Many older operating systems
used a character-based interface in which users communicated with the operating system
through written commands such as “Copy A: assign.doc C:”. Almost all newer operating
systems use a graphical user interface (GUI) which uses graphical elements such as icons
and windows.
• Running applications: Operating systems load and run applications such as word
processors and spreadsheets. Most operating systems support multitasking, or the ability to
switch between different applications stored in memory. With multitasking, you could have
Word and Excel running at the same time and switch easily between the two applications.
The program that you are currently working on is described as running in the foreground.
The other program or programs are running in the background.
Features
Starting or restarting a computer is called booting the system. There are two ways to boot a
computer: a warm boot and a cold boot. A warm boot occurs when the computer is already on and
you restart it without turning off the power. A warm boot can be accomplished in several ways.
For many computer systems, they can be restarted by simply pressing a sequence of keys. Starting
a computer that has been turned off is called a cold boot.
You typically interact with the operating system through the graphical user interface. Most provide
a place, called the desktop, that provides access to computer resources. Operating systems have
several features in common with application programs, including:
• Icons - graphic representations for a program, type of file, or function.
• Pointer - controlled by a mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen, the pointer changes shape
depending upon its current function. For example, when shaped like an arrow, the pointer
can be used to select items such as an icon.
• Windows - rectangular areas for displaying information and running programs.
• Menus - provide a list of options or commands.
(These four basic ones lead to the name ‘WIMP environment’ of GUI)
 • Tabs - divide menus into major activity areas.
• Dialog boxes - provide information or request input.
• Help - provides online assistance for operating system functions and procedures.
Most operating systems store data and programs in a system of files and folders. Unlike the
traditional filing cabinet, computer files and folders are stored on a storage device such as your
hard disk. Files are used to store data and programs. Related files are stored within a folder, and
for organizational purposes, a folder can contain other folders. For example, you might organize
your electronic files in the My Documents folder on your hard disk. This folder could contain other
folders, each named to indicate its contents.
Categories
While there are hundreds of different operating systems, there are only three basic categories:
embedded, network, or stand-alone.
• Embedded operating systems are used for handheld devices such as smartphones, cable
and satellite television tuner boxes, video game systems, and other small electronics. The
entire operating system is stored within or embedded in the device. The operating system
programs are permanently stored on ROM, or read-only memory, chips.
• Network operating systems (NOS) are used to control and coordinate computers that are
networked or linked together. Many networks are small and connect only a limited number
of microcomputers. Other networks, like those at colleges and universities, are very large
and complex. These networks may include other smaller networks and typically connect a
variety of different types of computers.
Network operating systems are typically located on one of the connected computers’ hard
disks. Called the network server, this computer coordinates all communication between the
other computers. Popular network operating systems include NetWare, Windows Server,
and UNIX.
• Stand-alone operating systems, also called desktop operating systems, control a single
desktop or notebook computer. These operating systems are located on the computer’s hard
disk. Often desktop computers and notebooks are part of a network. In these cases, the
desktop operating system works with the network’s NOS to share and coordinate resources.
In these situations, the desktop operating system is referred to as the client operating
system.
The operating system is often referred to as the software environment or platform. Almost all
application programs are designed to run with a specific platform. For example, Apple’s iMovie
software is designed to run with the Mac OS environment. Many applications, however, have
different versions, each designed to operate with a particular platform. For example, one version
of Microsoft Office is designed to operate with Windows. Another version is designed to operate
with Mac OS.

Questions:

• What is an operating system? Discuss operating system functions and features, using one
of the operating systems that you are familiar with (e.g. Windows 10).
• Label the picture of a typical desktop with the words from the reading
 • Describe each of the three categories of operating systems.
PART 2: LANGUAGE SKILLS

Task 5. Read the following article and complete the table that follows
Android v/s IOS – The Unceasing Battle
Android, the mobile operating system provided by Google is an open and free software stack that
includes an operating system, middleware and also key applications for use on mobile devices,
including smartphones. Updates for the Android have been developed under "dessert-inspired"
version names (Cupcake, Donut, Éclair, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly
bean, Kitkat, Lollipop, Marshmallow and Nougat) with each new version arriving in alphabetical
order with new enhancements and improvements.
Android is the most opted operating system as it works as an open source. The platform is
developed by Google and it provides many updates. Google gives a portion of Android for free to
hardware manufacturers and phone carriers who want to use android on their devices.
Manufacturers are only charged by Google if they install the Google apps portion of the OS. With
the aim at catering to user needs, Android has a wide variety of devices available. There are many
manufacturers of android smartphones namely Samsung, HTC, Sony, Motorola, LG, Huawei,
ZTE, and many others. Users can get a compact phone, something with a huge touch screen, a
stylus, a rotating camera, an edge screen, or even a physical keyboard such as found on the
Blackberry Priv. Niche demands like dual SIM are also catered for. Android also provides some
features that aren’t available with Apple devices. These include microSD and removable battery.
Android is also known to be budget friendly. It provides smartphones in almost all price ranges.
Users can get a good design and good specs at a price that fits their needs. Almost anyone can
afford an Android phone. There are solid budget options that give people a true smartphone
experience. Regarding room for creativity, the most impressive point of Android has always been
the level of customization it allows. While Apple doesn’t provide that level of customization,
Android lets its users pick their own level of customization. This extends all the way from simple
things like live wallpapers, to alternative keyboards, to alternate user interfaces, to custom ROM
installs, and much more. Furthermore, the widgets are a feather in its cap compared to the rows of
icons found in iOS. Even Microsoft saw the advantage, and developed the Live Tiles system for
Windows Phone. Widgets are still a major advantage for Android over iOS. Simply put, users can
see all of the information they want at a glance on their home screen without having to opening an
app.
About the launchers, Android phones provide the ability to have different home screens with the
help of different launchers. This is not possible with Apple devices, because they don’t provide
the flexibility to have different home screens.
On the other hand, iOS is an Apple's mobile operating system. It is used to run the popular iPhone,
iPad. It is known as the iPhone OS. The name was changed with the introduction of the iPad. iOS
utilizes a multi-touch interface where simple gestures are used. The gestures are mainly used to
operate the device. For example: swiping your finger across the screen to move to the next page
or pinching your fingers to zoom out. There are over one million iOS applications available for
download in the Apple app store, the most popular app store of any mobile device. Much has
changed since the first release of iOS with the iPhone in 2007.
The new design of Apple’s iOS 7 looks elegant and beautiful. Its sleek and has a very simple
interface. It means that even a novice can use the iPhone without difficulty. iOS is all about ‘less
is more’. By taking away seldom used features more emphasis is placed on the important tasks.
Android allows more customization, but iOS delivers more functionality. It provides less
customization due to which chances of filling Apple phones with unnecessary third-party
launchers and customization apps are reduced. Unless it’s been jail broken, iOS doesn’t have any
malware or bloatware that makes mobile devices slow and ugly. iOS has a far more stable system
than Android because iOS is only used for Apple devices. It was built to fit iDevices with the best
optimization. Moreover, iOS has a native Find My iPhone app, which allows iOS users to track
the location of their device on another iDevice or a computer. With this app, device is protected
and stored information is kept secured.
In terms of security,
As being an operating system that is open source in nature, Android’s code can be used by anyone
for any purpose. Therefore, security is the most important criteria in Android. There may be some
applications that may run with user notice and can steal data of the user. Security measures are
provided to Android by the Linux Kernel. It prevents multiple system users from accessing each
other’s resources and exhausting them simultaneously. This user protection allows Android
operating system to create an “Application Sandbox.” Every Android application is automatically
assigned a user ID and they run separate processes. This provides the user permission access
control and the user will be given a list of activities Android OS will perform. This even works
with file system. Permission’s are basically the access rights that may be given to any application
according to its usage. Permission may be specified at the time of installation of an application or
later. Permissions are categorized as Normal and Dangerous permissions. Normal permissions are
permissions that cover the areas where application needs to access data or resources outside of the
applications sandbox. In such cases there is very little risk to user’s privacy or in operation of other
applications. Example: Permission to set a time zone can be categorized as a normal permission.
So the system can automatically grant the permission to the user. Dangerous permissions are
permissions that cover the areas where the application needs to access data or resources that
involve private information of the user. It could affect the user data that is stored or operation of
applications. For example: giving permission to access user’s storage is a dangerous permission.
The user may explicitly grant or revoke the permission.
On the other hand, Apple’s iOS is restrictive as compared with Android. Developers can make
their applications but Apple doesn’t release its source code. This basically means that iPhones and
iPads are hard to jailbreak as compared to Android. Apple keeps a check every now and then and
if they find that the phone is jailbroken, they will take action against the particular user. As the
hardware and software are controlled by Apple, it has tighter security as compared to Android.
Advanced security features are provided by Apple for its iOS devices and yet the devices can be
easily used. The security features are enabled by default. Security features like data encryption
cannot be configured so the users cannot disable them. Touch ID is one of the features of iOS
devices that enhances the user experience and at the same time secures the device.
The need of secure operating systems is now ever-more quintessential than ever before. Out of a
plethora of mobile operating systems, Android and iOS have had major shares in the market.

a. List the main differences between Android and iOS in table.

Feature Android iOS

Developer …………………………… ……………………………
…………………………… ……………………………

Source model …………………………… Closed source with some

…………………………… open-source portion.

Available on …………………………… ……………………………

…………………………… ……………………………

Interface (Input devices) …………………………… multi-touch interface

…………………………… operated by simple gestures
……………………………

Security provided to Android by the provided by Apple

Linux Kernel ……………………………
…………………………… ……………………………
…………………………… ……………………………
…………………………… ……………………………

Customizability …………………………… Less customization

……………………………
……………………………
……………………………

Widgets …………………………… ……………………………

…………………………… ……………………………

Launcher …………………………… No flexibility to have

…………………………… different home screens

malware or bloatware Lots ……………………………

……………………………
 Cost …………………………… Charged as part of iPhone or
…………………………… iPad.
……………………………

Special features Dual SIM ……………………………

…………………………… ……………………………
…………………………… ……………………………

b. Look at these two diagrams. Which one illustrates iOS security architecture? Android
security architecture?

1. 2.

c. Based on the reading passage and your own knowledge, analyze elements mentioned in
these two diagrams and their operation.

Task 6: Discuss and answer the question: Which one, iOS or Android, would be the better
operating system and why?

Task 7. Watch the video about Windows 10’s best 10 features. Complete the note below.

• Number 1: Return of Start Menu: when you boot up computer you can see Start Menu at
(1)………………………………………………….. Clicking on it brings up (2)…………
…………………………………………... And to the right of that (3)…………………
………………………………..
• Number 2: Continuum: Windows is now just smart enough to figure out
(4)…………………………………… and change the experience to optimize for that.
 • Number 3: Universal apps. Windows 10 would be the one OS to run on
(5)…………………………………………………, headset hololens, and one store to
(6)…………………………………. But so far the only universal app we have got is (7).
………………………………………………………..
• Number four: Cortana – virtual assistant that can (8)…………………………………..,
remind you of upcoming flights or appointments and answer random questions
• Number 5: Action Center. It displays (9)……………………………………… like new
emails, Facebook Likes and Twitter
• Number 6: Hello is (11)……………………………………………….. built-in to
Windows 10
• Number 7: Windows snap allows you (12)…………………………………………..
• Number 8: Edge browser is a (13)…………………………………………. browser
• Number 9: With Xbox streaming you can now (14)……………………… ……… ……
…………… and play with your Xbox controller
• Number 10: Free as long as (15)…………………………………………………….. and
as long as you upgrade within the next year

Task 7. Discussion: among the features mentioned in the video, which one is your favourite?
Is there any other feature of Windows 10 that you like?

Task 8. Prepare a presentation on one OS (functions, distiguishing features, versions etc.)