OPERATING SYSTEMS AND THE GUI PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR COMPUTER

 

PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH IN USE FOR COMPUTER 11. OPERATING SYSTEMS AND THE GUI

 

A Types of software; the operating system (OS) 1.        System software controls the basic functions of computer, e.g. operating systems, programming software and utility program. 2.        Application software lets you do specific jobs such as writing letters, doing calculations, drawing or playing games. Examples are a word processor or a graphics package. An operating system is a set of programs that control the hardware and allow people and application to communicate with the hardware. Typical functions of the OS are handling input/output operations, running programs and organizing files on disks. B The Graphical User Interface A GUI makes use of a WIMP environment; Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointer. This type of interface is user-friendly, where system functions are accessed by selecting self-explanatory icons (pictures representing programs or documents) and items from menus. programs, documents and other folders contained within the folder. C System utilities These are small programs included with an OS that improve a system’s performance. They can be desk accessories, device drivers, or system extensions activated when you turn on the PC. EXERCISES 11.1 Read A and B opposite and find the following. 1 the difference between system software and application software 2 software that enables users and programs to communicate with hardware 3 the meaning of ‘multitasking’ 11.2 Look at B opposite and then identify these interface elements. desktop document icon folder program icon pointer window drop-down menu   11.3 Look at C opposite. Which utility would you use to do these tasks? 1 to play and organize multimedia on your PC 2 to diagnose and repair damaged disks 3 to help computer users with sight, hearing or mobility difficulties 4 to make files smaller, so you can send them with emails

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