The Wizard of OS

Here is your chance to get to know your computer a little bit better and begin your journey down the path to becoming a true techie...

ASSIGNMENT 1: (Quick, skim for information from Computer Hope.com, or search for other online articles written about operating systems!)

Then answer the following questions:

• What part of the computer does the operating system directly control?

• What is the name of an operating system found on a PC? On a Mac?

• Basically, what is the purpose on an operating system (OS)?

• Why does the computer chip in a washing machine or your watch not have an OS?

• What was the original OS for PCs? How was it used in telling a PC what to do?

• Why is the Windows software called a GUI?

• Why is it recommended that you update Windows regularly (or have it done automatically) if you are hooked up to the internet?

ASSIGNMENT 2: Summarize the following in point form (diagrams may help):

• What are the six core tasks of an operating system?

• How does the OS begin working when you turn on a computer?

Customizing Operating System Features (if allowed)

If you have access to a computer that you have permission to modify OS settings, then research online how to adjust the following. Create a task card to explain each one.

To find the name of your operating system on a PC, typically select Start, then, My Computer, and then View System Information.

Topics:

• Background, screen saver, wallpaper

• Number of colours displayed

• Screen size

• Organizing the start menu/program folders

• Security features

• Power management