1. Operating Systems Computer Technology Day 3

2. Development of Computers

3. 1st Generation Computers • Used vacuum tubes • Vacuum tubes are electronic devices that control the flow of electrons. • Had no operating system • Used custom application programs, which were made for the specific task that the computer was to perform. • Instructions were necessary for every aspect of the computing job. 1st Generation Computer Vacuum Tubes

4. 2nd Generation Computers • Used transistors • Transistors performed functions similar to vacuum tubes, but they were smaller, cheaper, less power-hungry, and more reliable • Ran programming language compliers • Used English-like commands • Made it possible to develop software Second Generation Computer Transistor

5. 3rd Generation Computers • Used integrated circuits • Minicomputers were introduced • Smaller and less powerful than 1st and 2nd generation computers, but had the ability to run multiple programs (multitask) for multiple users simultaneously. Integrated Circuits Third Generation Computers

6. 4th Generation Computers • Used general-purpose microprocessors • Computer systems were smaller, faster, and less expensive than 3rd generation computers 4th Generation Computers General-Purpose Microprocessor

7. Operating System • Master controller for all activities that take place within a computer; primary purpose is to help the computer system monitor itself in order to function efficiently. • Interacts with application software, device drivers, and hardware to manage a computer’s resources. • Ensures that input and output proceed in an orderly manner.

8. Platform • Underlying hardware and software of the computer’s system • Two most popular platforms: • PC (Windows) • Mac (Apple) Mac PC

9. Multitasking • Running more than one program at a time • Making sure that the instructions and data from one area of memory don’t interfere with memory allocated for other programs

10. GUI {Graphical User Interface} • A type of user interface that features on-screen objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse. • Abbreviation is pronounced “gooey” E-mail Print Home Favorite Post Save

11. Basic Terminology Program Application Software • Set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tell a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task • Set of computer programs that help a person carry out a task

12. Basic Terminology Drive Folder • A location on a network that is set aside for the collection of data • The subdirectory or subdivision, or a drive that can contain files or other folders File • A named collection of data that exists on a storage medium

13. Resources Parson, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja. Computer Concepts. Boston: Course Technology-Thompson Learning 2002.