Operating Systems I
Interfaces to Operating Systems
MCT260-Operating Systems I
Primary Learning Objective
Understand and Utilize Operating System
Interfaces
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Specific Learning Objectives
• Use the Microsoft Windows operating system
graphical user interface (GUI)
• Understand the differences between the Windows
XP and the Windows Classis interface
• Recognize and manipulate the components of
windows, menus and dialog boxes
• Tile and cascade windows
• Demonstrate capturing objects from a window
and paste them into a document
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Specific Learning Objectives
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Use the command line interface (CLI)
Understand the purpose of the command prompt
and command line
Open and close a command prompt window
Recognize the elements of the command prompt
window
Use the command history (DOSKEY)
Demonstrate capturing text from a command
prompt window and paste it into a document
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What is the User Interface?
The means by which humans and computers
communicate is referred to as the user
interface.
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The user interface is a combination of
hardware and software.
• Software controls the user interface and
defines its characteristics
• Hardware controls the way you physically
manipulate the computer to establish
communication
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The user interface ...
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Accepts input and displays output
Indicates results of processing
Confirms task completion
Uses both hardware and software
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Graphical Objects
Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) ...
• Use graphical objects, menus, and prompts
• Are easier to learn and use than other
interfaces
• Are based on a metaphor — computer
components are represented by real-world
objects
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Graphical objects...
• Are small pictures you manipulate with
pointing devices
• Represent a task, command, or real object
• Are used in place of command words or
menu options
• Include icons, buttons, tools, and windows
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Graphical Objects
Direct manipulation of screen objects
Use the
mouse to
drag the
Sports
Statistics
document to
the Recycle
Bin.
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Graphical Objects
Window — work area on
the screen that contains a
specific piece of work.
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Graphical Objects
Icon — small picture that
represents an object that
you manipulate with a
pointing device.
Button — helps you
make a selection or
activate a task;
sometimes referred
to as tools.
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Graphical User Interface
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Desktop (Classic vs XP)
Start Menu (Classic vs XP)
Program Windows
Using Menus and Toolbars
Dialog boxes
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Menus and Dialog Boxes
Dialog box controls...
• Round option
buttons allow you
to select only one
option
• Square check
boxes allow you to
select more than one
option
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Menus and Dialog Boxes
Dialog box controls...
• Drop-down lists
display a list of options
when you select the
arrow button
• Spin boxes let you
increase or decrease a
number by clicking the
arrow buttons or typing a
number in the box
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Dialog box ...
Tabs
Drop-down
List box
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Slide
Switch
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Commands
Command-line user interfaces require...
• Typing in commands at screen prompts
• Pressing the Enter key after each command
• Memorizing command words, parameters,
and switches
• Using the proper syntax
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Commands
Syntax — specifies the sequence and
punctuation for command words,
parameters, and switches.
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Command — an instruction you input to tell
the computer to carry out a task.
Examples:
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MCT260-Operating Systems I
DIR
DEL
CLS
COPY
/?
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Command Prompt Window
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Capturing a Window
• You can capture a window to the clipboard
and paste it into a document
• You can then resize, edit, and print the
document that contains your original
window
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How to Capture
• Entire Desktop with all open windows
– Press Print Screen Key on the keyboard
• This key has various labels depending on the
keyboard manufacturer
• Highlighted window only
– Simultaneously press the ALT key and Print
Screen Key
• Open a document and paste!
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Capture Text in a DOS Window
• You can capture the entire window but
sometimes you may just want to capture
(copy) the text that is inside the window
• Make sure all text that is desired is visible
inside the DOS window
• Use the Edit/Mark selection from the
program icon menu to mark the text to be
captured and then press the Enter key
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Marking Text
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Homework Assignment
• Reading
– Windows XP Textbook – Chap 1
– CLI Textbook - pp. 24-26, 34, 39-42, 52-64
– Handout
• Lab Exercise
– Online Help
– Operating System Interfaces
• Homework 2 Basics of Windows XP
• Due Date: Next Tuesday
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References
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Windows XP Textbook
CLI Textbook
Internet
Metro Lab
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