Morell Regional High School Computer Science 621   Return to CMP 621 Main Page

Operating Systems

This is PART 1 of a multiple-part assignment on Operating Systems.  Later you will be tested on your knowledge of this material.

Use Word Perfect and the Internet to research and make notes on each of the following areas.  You have two class periods to research and present your findings.

1. What is the purpose of an operating system?

2. Do all computers have an operating system?

3. All desktop computers have operating systems. What are the most common types?

4. What are the two most basic functions of an operating system?

5. What challenge faces today's OS software developers?

6. What Kinds of OS are there?

7. What happens when you turn you computer on?

8. What are the 6 categories of tasks that the OS does? Explain each.

9. Discuss, at length, two Single-user, Multi-tasking Operating Systems, other than Windows.

10. How do LANs work? Discuss Advantages and Disadvantages as compared to Single-user, Multi-tasking Operating Systems.

Term to clarify:

• ROM
• Memory
• Basic Input/Output System
• RAM
• Virtual Memory
• High Speed Cache
• GUI
• LAN

ONE Suggested Resource: http://computer.howstuffworks.com

PART 2 - Due Date: Wednesday September 10th, 2008

Take you OS notes file from part one and block edit the notes into 4 Sections of material.   Make clear and concise headings and have each block of material well edited and formatted for presentation. Print and submit this file when completed with Cover Page entitled "OS NOTES - Block Edited"

Credit your sources