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Chapter 3 |
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The operating system (OS) is a complex array of inter-related programs that allow your computer to function. Often overlooked, the OS will have a lot to do with the stability of a computer, its security, and the ability to perform tasks efficiently.
Almost all modern OS’s use a Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced “gooey”). This is a presentation of icons on a work area (often called the “desktop”) that allow you to find files and launch applications with a mouse click instead of keyboard commands. The introduction of the GUI revolutionized the computer industry, making computer use easy enough for almost everyone to operate a computer with little or no training. The intuitive operation of the mouse, coupled with a GUI, make the use of a personal computer accessible even to children.
Though commercials and Internet websites attempt to draw dividing lines between competing OS’s, the fact is that they are all very similar and perform the same functions. The primary differences between OS’s are cost, the type of machines that can run them, and personal user preferences. All modern OS’s are perfectly capable to perform the tasks they were designed to do, and with similar stability and security.
Activity:
Teachers are usually given a computer to use in their classroom; however, different schools use different Operating Systems. The most common Operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Apple’s System OS. The only other OS used in schools is Linux, but it’s quite rare. Do some research comparing the relative strengths and weaknesses of these three operating systems. Create a chart comparing the windows and apple OS’s focusing on strengths and weaknesses particularly important to education.
Want to know more? Check out these sites:
Google Windows vs Apple
http://talkback.zdnet.com/5208-3513-0.html?forumID=1&threadID=8264&messageID=166206&start=42
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1842175,00.asp
http://chris.pirillo.com/2006/10/13/microsoft-windows-vista-vs-apple-os-x/
http://www.askdavetaylor.com/pc_versus_mac_for_early_education.html
http://support.doit.wisc.edu/showroom/page.php?id=3045
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/88197/vista-vs-apple.html
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