Work Sheet for Lesson 1 – Operating System
Internet and Computing Core Certification Global Standard 4
Computing Fundamentals
The Computing Fundamentals exam covers subjects needed for a foundational understanding of
computing, including knowledge and use of computer hardware, software, and operating
systems. In this module you will:
•
learn how to start a computer and access the operating system.
•
look at the different ways files or folders display and explore how to manipulate them.
•
look at the different types of computers available, and learn basic hardware terminology.
•
learn how to customize your computer using the Control Panel in Windows.
•
be introduced to software, and how it is created, and look at different application
programs and explore the typical ways software can be used.
•
look at what troubleshooting means and what steps you can take to ensure the maximum
performance of the hardware and software set up on the computer.
How to use this document.
ANSWERS MUST BE HANDWRITTEN IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
Follow the icons carefully:
Question you must answer.
 Action you must perform. Something you need to do on the computer
Read very carefully. Important information!
What is an Operating System?
Page 1
Define Operating System
Answer:
It performs two important functions:
Page 1 of 7
1.
2.
Page 2
What manages hardware, programs and files? __________________________
Define Application software
Answer:
List examples of application software:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Modern Operating Systems
Pages 3-5
Find the answers to these three question on the internet
List at least two operating systems (OS) used by smart phones. Include a link to your source.
1.
2.
Source: http://cellphones.about.com/od/coveringthebasics/qt/cellphonesvssmartphones.htm
List at least three operating system (OS) used by laptops. Include a link to your source.
1.
2.
3.
Source:
List at least two operating system (OS) used by tablets. Include a link to your source.
1.
2.
Source:
Which OS is used widely by Universities and research Organizations? _________________
Which OS is freely available (no cost) and modifiable? ______________________________
Define embedded operating system software.
Answer:
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Operating System Capabilities and Limitations
List the capabilities limitations in your own words:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Common Operating Features
Page 6
Modern OS allows for multiple users. What does that mean?
Power on / Power Off
Page 6-7
Powering on and powering off a computer are two different processes. What does Power
Off/Shut Down option ensure?
Answer:
What does BIOS stand for, and what does it do?
Answer:
Exiting the Computer Properly
In Windows 7, you click the Start button to access the Shut Down
options. Shut Down closes all files, programs and exits the OS and
shuts down.
In your own words. Define the available shut down options:
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Switch User:
Log Off:
Lock:
Restart:
Sleep:
Hibernate:
Looking at the Windows Desktop
Page 11-12
Match the following terms to the images. Then state their purpose.
Answer Bank:
Useful system folders
Mouse pointer
Recently used programs
Desktop
Taskbar
Pinned area
Desktop icons
Start button
Search box
I
C
F
D
G
E
A
B
H
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NAME FROM
ANSWER BANK
DEFINITION
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Exercise page 13-14 steps #6 and7
Complete the Windows Experience step and answer these questions about your own personal
computer.
What version of Windows is installed on your pc?
What is your Base Score?
What is your processor speed?
How much memory is installed?
You can also access this information from Control Panel | System
Working With an Application Program
When you start an application program, Windows (the operating system) loads a copy of the
program into memory. When you close the application program, the memory that was used by the
application is released and available for the operating system to reallocate to another task. As you
work with application programs, the operating system monitors your work in order to identify
specific requirements.
Page 5 of 7
Using the Taskbar
Term
Start Button
Definition – in your own simplified words
Taskbar buttons
Notification Area
Show Desktop
The Software/Hardware Relationship
page 18
Keeping in mind that new software (designed with modern computing systems in mind), what
problems could occur when purchasing new software?
Understanding Updates
Page 18-19 – do the exercise as well
Define these terms in your own words.
Patches:
Updates:
Service Packs:
Automatic updating:
Manual updating:
Important updates:
Recommended updates:
Optional update:
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