Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to answer the following questions:

What software is included in system software?
What are the different kinds of operating systems?
What are the most common desktop operating systems?
How does the operating system provide a means for users to interact with the computer?
How does the operating system help manage the processor?
How does the operating system manage memory and storage?
How does the operating system manage hardware and peripheral devices?
How does the operating system interact with application software?
How does the operating system help the computer start up?
What are the main desktop and windows features?
How does the operating system help me keep my computer organized?
What utility programs are included in system software and what do they do?

Chapter 5: Using Systems Software...