The operating system, also known as the OS, is software that is installed on the computer. You will learn about other types of software in another unit. This unit, however, is all about the operating system software, which is the most important software on the computer.
As mentioned in Unit 1, computers use binary as their language. Because the hardware and the user do not speak the same language, you, the computer user, need a translator. This translator is called the operating system. The operating system’s function is to take commands from the user through input devices and provide user interface. In other words, the operating system talks to the hardware to get the hardware to do what you want it to do.
Today’s operating systems use a graphical user interface (GUI) made up of words and pictures, or icons, to help users locate and use various programs. Through menus and dialog boxes, we can navigate and select items needed to complete tasks.
As well as user interface, operating systems manage the computers processor and RAM memory; perform storage and file management tasks such as saving, moving and deleting files; control peripheral devices such as printers, monitors, and speakers; and monitor system performance.
Learning Outcomes
Understand and identify operating systems and their capabilities.
Understand how to change system settings.
Identify the different purposes and power states of an operating system.
Understand the operating system’s role in file management from creating folders and directories to saving, duplicating, and deleting files.
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What do you use your computer for? Do you write papers, send e-mail, listen to music, complete homework or play games? Each of these activities will use different programs. Programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, database software, desktop publishing, graphic and multimedia software (video and photo editing), entertainment software (games), and utility software (antivirus). The name for programs that allow the user to create, view, watch, and listen to documents and files is application software. Sometimes these programs are called production software or simply apps.
Learning Outcomes
Understand and identify application software: word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database programs, graphic and multimedia programs, entertainment, and utility software.
Understand how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks through the information processing cycle.
Understand when and how to access updates.
Operating Systems
Operating Systrems
Settings
Settings
Power Options
Power Options
File Management
File Management
Application Software
Application Software
Information Processing Cycle
Information Processing Cycle
Software Updates
Software Updates Quiz
Topic Quiz
Networks
Networks
Fiber optic wires. The wires are glowing.
Fig. 4.1. Category wire and fiber optics
Courtesy of Clipart.com
A few years ago, when I was leaving for China, I asked several teacher friends to grade my BYU Independent Study student assignments while I was gone. Everyone said they were too busy. I did choose to travel at the busiest time of year for a public school teacher. As I thought about it, I decided to test the power of the Internet and grade assignments from the other side of the world. Through the technology of networks and the Internet, everything turned out well and I was able to log on daily and keep up with grading.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the different types and uses of networks.
Understand and identify the roles of clients and servers in a network.
Understand the fundamental principles of computer network security.
Solve common network problems.
Networks
Client and Server
Security
Troubleshooting
Common App Functions
Common Application Functions
In Unit 2, you learned about platforms: Windows, Macintosh, Unix, and Linux. You also learned that the source codes for these platforms were shared with others so application software could be built that would run on computers with these platforms.
The opportunity for others to build software has provided you with fantastic tools to complete various tasks. Tools for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, desktop publishing, calendaring, games, and more enhance our lives and make our work easier and quicker to complete.
Because of open-source code (platform codes), the programs you use have some common functions that you will learn about in this unit. You will also use those common functions in the assignments you complete for this course.
Learning Outcomes
Start and exit an application, identify and modify interface elements, and use the application help menus.
Create new blank files and create files from templates.
Perform common editing, formatting, and personalization functions.
Use Find and Replace and change views.
Manipulate multimedia files: rotate, crop, resize, insert, and delete.
Identify and use common functions: Save/Save As, Open, Print, Font Style, Size, and Attributes, Document View and Zoom, Spell Check, and Thesaurus.
Start and Exit
Creating Something New
Common Editing Functions
Find, Replace, View, Undo and Redo
Multimedia
Common Applications Functions
Word Processing
Word Processing Skills
Everyone needs word processing skills. As an individual, you may need to write a letter, create a résumé, organize recipes, or help your children with their homework. As an employee, you may need to create a newsletter, research and write a report, or design your company’s Christmas cards. In this unit, you will learn to use a word processing application program. Word processing software is designed to help you create and format letters, memos, newsletters, reports, and many other types of documents.
Learning Outcomes
Use Microsoft Word to format and edit documents.
Create a report using word processing software.
Use templates available in Microsoft Word.
Correctly format business letters.
Complete the practice assignments.
Use tools under the File tab.
Complete the graded assignment.
Microsoft Word
Creating a Report
Using Templates
Business Letters
Practice Assignments
Collaboration
Google Docs
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets
Consider the following scenario. It’s the fifteenth day of the month, and you just received your paycheck. Your last paycheck didn’t last long, and you can’t remember what you spent it on. You are determined not to let that happen again. You work too hard for your money for it to slip through your fingers! But how do you keep track of your money?
At work your boss uses a computer program called a spreadsheet to keep track of finances. All your boss does is key in the numbers, and the program calculates and displays the current information quickly and easily. That’s what you need—something that is fast and easy.
A spreadsheet program is a computer program that allows you to
manage large (or small) amounts of numeric and text data;
perform simple calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division or more complex functions on numeric data; and
extract specific pieces of data through sorts, filters, and charts.
There are many spreadsheet programs available. Some are designed for personal or generic use, some are designed for small businesses to handle payroll data, and some are designed for preparing income taxes. Others are custom programs designed for the banking industry to keep track of deposits, withdrawals, and loans, or for the retail industry to keep track of inventory and loss. In this unit, you will use Microsoft Excel. This is an all-around program that is used by many people and businesses.
The spreadsheet lessons will probably take you longer to complete than the other lessons you have finished so far. This is because Microsoft Excel is an extremely powerful program, and there is a lot to learn. Take your time on this unit and really understand each concept before moving on to the next one. Spreadsheets can be fun and useful if you take the time to learn them well.
Learning Outcomes
Create and format a workbook.
Create and edit a pie chart.
Customize worksheets and data.
Use mathematical functions and customize how data is viewed.
Practice assignments.
Create and format an expense report.
Excel Workbook
Creating Charts
Worksheet Customization
Mathematical Functions
Practice Assignments
Presentations
Basic Tasks
Enhancing Presentations
Electronic Presentations
Presentations Today
Practice Assignments
Databases
What is a Database?
Query
Reports
Internet
Internet
Vocabulary
Risks
Responsible Use
Online Safety
Personal Resonsibility
Global Responsibility
Search Engines
Advanced Searches
Validity and Quality
Citing Your Sources
E-Communication
People often use written communication to make requests, invite people to events, express gratitude, persuade, or complain about a product or service. Using a computer for written communication is not only important in tasks that involve the workplace but also in everyday situations and in friendly communication. E-mail is used both for business communication and for keeping in touch with friends and family. The style of language used in business communications is usually much more formal than a casual e-mail or text message to a friend. Most businesses want to convey a sense of professionalism, so it’s important to be aware of the impression you are giving by the style of your writing.
