One computer, many ways to use it
A phone has icons you tap. A server in a cupboard has only a black window where you type. A school computer lets many students log in.
All of them need a system program to run the computer. But they are not all the same kind.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can name the types of system program and software and say which one suits a user.
Key words
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Database | an organised store of records you can search |
| Operating system | the program that runs the computer and its other programs |
| Graphical | used with windows, icons and a pointer |
| Text-based | used by typing commands |
| Multi-tasking | running several programs at once |
| Multi-user | many people with their own accounts on one system |
| Virtual machine | a computer made by software inside another computer |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Starter
Have a go
Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Types of operating system
A graphical system has windows, icons and a pointer. Most people use this.
A text-based system has a black window. You type commands. It uses little memory and suits servers and experts.
A single-user system serves one person at a time. A multi-user system serves many accounts, each with its own files.
Multi-tasking and virtual machines
Multi-tasking means several programs run at once, such as music, a browser and a download.
A virtual machine is a whole computer made by software. It runs inside a real computer. Support teams use one to test an update safely, or to run an old system on new hardware.
Which operating system is this?
head -2 /etc/os-releaseA command for the lesson’s lab terminal. It is shown here and not run.
Who am I on this system?
whoamiA command for the lesson’s lab terminal. It is shown here and not run.
How many programs are running?
ps -e | wc -lA command for the lesson’s lab terminal. It is shown here and not run.