Computer System Essentials: Components, Functions, and Utilities

Computer System Essentials

Core Operating System Components

Kernel: The OS's Foundation

The operating system's core, a platform that allows other software to execute.

Shell: User Interaction Interface

The operating system's interface for users to interact with all computer elements.

Thread: A Running Program or Task

Any program or task that is currently running.

File System: Data Storage & Retrieval Protocol

A protocol that defines how files are stored and retrieved on disk drives, or by threads and programs.

Disk Formatting: Setting a File System

The process of setting a disk's file system.

Major Operating Systems and Their Focus

• Microsoft Windows: Focuses its operating system on security.
• Linux: Emphasizes customizability.
• Chrome OS: Centered on web utilities and cloud integration.
• macOS (Macintosh): Designed for user comfort and ease of use.

Key Operating System Functions

• Communication Systems: Allowing communication through a flash drive.
• Thread and Memory Management: Freeing memory upon thread completion.
• Shell Management: Loading a user interface.
• Thread and Memory Management: Assigning available memory to an existing thread.
• Safety Systems: Blocking a file before use by a thread.
• File System Support: Formatting a disk.
• Program Installation and Management: Removing a program (an OS task involves installing and managing programs).
• Thread Management: Granting a thread access to a file or device.

Common File Types

• Text Files: .txt, .doc, .odt
• Audio Files: .aif, .mp3, .wav
• Raster Image Files: .bmp, .jpg, .gif
• Developer Files: .cpp, .js
• Compressed Files: .zip, .rar, .7z
• System Files: .dll, .sys, .ini
• Data Files: .csv, .xls, .xml
• Video Files: .avi, .mov, .mpg
• Web Files: .css, .html, .php
• Executable Files: .exe (in Windows)
• Disk Image Files: .iso, .bin, .mdf

Desktop Interface Elements

• Wallpaper: The background image of the desktop, often accompanied by elements like the Recycle Bin and shortcuts.
• Taskbar: Displays the Start menu, running programs, pinned programs, and system icons.

Essential Computer Utilities

File Browser: Navigating & Managing Files

A program that allows navigation through disk drives and management of files (e.g., copying, moving, deleting).

Shortcut: Quick Access to Files

An executable file containing only the path to another file, used for quick access without navigating to its original location.

Device Manager: Hardware Overview & Control

An application displaying the computer's hardware components in a tree structure. It allows updating hardware drivers or disabling malfunctioning hardware.

Task Manager: Monitoring System Activity

An application providing an overview of the computer's current activity. It allows users to:

• Monitor performance metrics (e.g., CPU, RAM usage).
• View currently running programs and processes.
• Force-terminate unresponsive applications.