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GUI Tools
Windows Operating System offers two unique tools called Taskbar and Start Button. These help run and manage programs. Icons are pictures that represent computer resources and double clicking an icon activates that program.
Menus
GUI based programs let users issue commands by choosing them from Menus. A menu is a group of related commands. Menus let you avoid memorizing and typing command names.
Dialog Boxes
A Dialog box is a special window that appears when a program or Operating System needs more information before completing a task. They are so called because they conduct a dialog with the user for providing more information or making choices.
Basic Services
The Operating System manages all the programs that run on the PC. Operating System provides services to programs and users, including file management, memory management and printing. In order to provide services to programs, the operating system makes system calls requesting other hardware and software resources to perform tasks.
Multitasking
Multitasking is the capability of running multiple processes simultaneously. A multitasking operating system lets you run multiple programs at the same time. Through multitasking, you can do several chores at one time, such as printing a document while downloading a file from the internet. There are two types of multitasking
Cooperative Preemptive.
Managing Files
The operating system keeps track of all the files on each disk. Users can make file management easier by creating a hierarchical file system that includes folders and sub folders arranged in a logical manner.
Managing Hardware
The operating system is an intermediary between the programs and hardware. The operating system uses interrupt requests (IRQs) to maintain organized communication with the CPU and other pieces of hardware. Each hardware device is controlled by a piece of software, called a Driver, which allows the Operating System to activate and use the device. The operating system also provides the software necessary to link computers and form a network.
Utility Software
A utility is a program that performs a task that is not typically handled by the operating system. Some utilities enhance the functionality of operating system. Some major categories of utilities include:
File de-fragmentation Data compression Backup Antivirus Screen Saver