Lecture 3: Classifications of computer software

3.1. Introduction
In our second lesson we discussed various ways of classifying computer applications software.
One of the most important software is system software. Operating system is one of the system
software. Before we use our computer we must load the operating system to prepare the
computer for use. The application programs can then be accessed from the start menu or even
desk top icons. Windows provides graphical user interface for users to interact with. In this unit
we will be using windows xp as our operating system.

3.2. Lesson objectives

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:
• Boot a computer system that has been powered off.
• Boot a computer system by restarting.
• Shut the computer safely
• Log on and off the computer system

3.3. Lesson overview

3.1. Introduction
3.2. Lecture objectives
3.3. Lecture outline
3.4. Booting a computer
3.5. Working with windows
3.6. Revision questions
3.7. Summary
3.8. Suggested reading

3.4. Booting a computer system

The process of starting or restarting a computer is called booting. Booting can be classified into:
• Cold booting: Turning on a computer that has been powered off.
• Warm booting: Using the operating system to restart a computer.

Procedure of booting a computer:

1. Switch on the system unit and monitor.
2. The power supply sends a signal to the components in the system
unit.
3. The processor finds the ROM chip(s) that contains basic input output
system (BIOS).
 4. The BIOS performs the power on self test (POST) to check if
components such as mouse, keyboard and adapter cards.
5. The results of the POST are compared with data in a complementary
metal oxide system (CMOS) chip.
6. The BIOS may need to look for system files on a USB flash drive or on
an optical disk drive or may look directly on drive C (hard disk).
7. The system files and the kernel of the operating system load into
memory (RAM) from storage (hard disk).
8. The operating system loads configuration information may request
user information, starts several background processes and displays
the desktop on the screen.

Remark: An operating system includes various shut down options.

• Sleep mode saves any open documents and programs to RAM, turns
off all unneeded functions, and then places the computer in a low power state.
• Hibernate saves any open documents and programs to a hard disk
before removing power from the computer.

3.5. Working with windows

Before you begin working with windows, we need to connect/ log on. If welcome to
Windows dialog box is visible then the last user logged off successfully. If the standard
desktop or a program is open, then we must log off the previous user.

To log off
• Click start
• Click log off
• Log off windows dialog appear
• Click log off

Log on
• Press [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Delete]
• In the User name text box, type username
 • In the Password text box, type your password
• Click OK

Programs are available through the Start menu and are arranged in folders based on the type
of program, such as Microsoft Office or Graphics. From the Start menu, select All Programs
• The list of available programs appears.
• From the list of programs, select the appropriate program the
selected program opens.

Closing Programs
Closing programs before logging off helps protect your data.
• Save files
• From the File menu, select

Exit Locking the computer

If you are leaving the computer for a short time, it is recommended that you lock your
workstation. This helps prevent unauthorized access and modification to your data or files.
Locking your workstation prevents anyone from using your station but your programs will
remain running for quick access when you return to your computer.
To lock the computer
• Press [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Delete]
• Click Lock computer
• The Computer Locked dialog box appears.
• Press [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Delete]
• In the Password text box, type your password
• Click OK
• You are returned to the Windows XP desktop.

Logging Off a windows XP computer

Remember to log off your workstation when you are finished using it. Failure to log off can
result in unauthorized access and modifications to your data and files. From the Start menu,
select Log Off (your username) The Log Off Windows dialog box appears.
• Click log off
• The Welcome to Windows dialog box appears.
 Desktop:

An interface provided by the windows consisting of collection of icons.

3.6. Revision questions

1. Identify the following components on a desktop:
a. Quick launch bar
b. Start menu
c. Status bar
2. Describe the procedure of changing wall paper for the desktop
3. Explain the procedure of setting a screen saver for your computer: “I
like being idle”
4. Name six components of a dialog box.

3.7. Summary
In this lesson we have discussed the procedure for booting a computer from a powered down
state and also restarting. We have also discussed how you can lock computer, log on, log off
and even shut down the system. In this lesson we are able to interact with components of
windows such as task bar, notification area, quick launch bar, start menu e.t.c.

3.8. Suggested reading.

1. Balagurusamy, E. 2009. Fundamentals of Computers. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill.
2. Rajaranan, V.2003. Fundamentals of Computers. 3rd edition .New Delhi: Prentice
Hall.
3. Sarojini, K.2009. Fundamentals of Computers. New Delhi: Global Research
Foundation.
4. http://www.bgsu.edu/downloads/cio/file17770.pdf