MCT260-Operating Systems I

Operating Systems I

Interfaces to Operating Systems

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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

• 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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The means by which humans and computers communicate is referred to as the user interface.

What is the User Interface?

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• Software controls the user interface and defines its characteristics

• Hardware controls the way you physically manipulate the computer to establish communication

The user interface is a combination of hardware and software.

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• Accepts input and displays output

• Indicates results of processing

• Confirms task completion

• Uses both hardware and software

The user interface ...

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• 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

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) ...

Graphical Objects

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• 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

Graphical objects...

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Direct manipulation of screen objects

Graphical 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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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.

Graphical Objects

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Graphical User Interface

• Desktop (Classic vs XP)

• Start Menu (Classic vs XP)

• Program Windows

• Using Menus and Toolbars

• Dialog boxes

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Dialog box controls...

• Round option buttons allow you to select only one option

• Square check boxes allow you to select more than one option

Menus and Dialog Boxes

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• 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

Dialog box controls...

Menus and Dialog Boxes

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Dialog box ...Tabs

SlideSwitchDrop-down

List box

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• Typing in commands at screen prompts

• Pressing the Enter key after each command

• Memorizing command words, parameters, and switches

• Using the proper syntax

Command-line user interfaces require...

Commands

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Syntax — specifies the sequence and punctuation for command words, parameters, and switches.

Commands

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• DIR

• DEL

• CLS

• COPY

• /?

Command — an instruction you input to tell the computer to carry out a task.

Examples:

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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

• Windows XP Textbook

• CLI Textbook

• Internet

• Metro Lab