Operating Systems and Software Basics

Question 1

What is an Operating System (OS)

Answer 1

The most important piece of software running on a computer.
It sits between you and the hardware and kind of acts as in interpreter, allowing us to use the computer. (For now, just imagine Microsoft Windows.)

Allows you to run other programs (such as word, calculator, chrome)

Question 2

OS Hierarchy

Answer 2

Applications

Windows, MacOS Kernel (OS)

CPU. Memory. Devices

Question 3

Popular/Widely Used Operating Systems

Answer 3

• Microsoft Windows
• Apple macOS
• Google’s Android OS (modified version of linux)
• Apple iOS
• Linux
Open Source
Running on literally everything
Teslas, Smart TVs, Routers, Smart Toasters, etc

Question 4

What is a File System?

Answer 4

Something that is used to keep track of data/files on a computer that makes the files easily retrievable. (A file in the context being a file on your computer, such as “jenny png” or “homework1.pdf”)

Question 5

Common File Systems

Answer 5

Microsoft:
• NTFS (new)
• FAT-32 (old)
Apple:
• APFS
• Mac OS Extended
• EXFAT
Linux:
• Ext4
• Ext3 (old)

Question 6

Programs and Processes

Answer 6

• Programs
• What you probably know as “apps”
• Some code that can be loaded into memory and “run”
• Think: calc.exe, word.exe, paint.exe
• Process
• A “running” program that has been loaded into memory

Question 7

What is a Virtual Machine (VMs)

Answer 7

Just an operating system running inside of another operating system.
(Windows inside Windows, Linux inside Windows, Linux inside Linus, etc.)

Question 8

What’s the Point of VMs?

Answer 8

VMs are good for testing out stuff without “dirtying up” your own computer
Our Use Case (Cloud/Azure VMs)
• Networking Lab
• Ticketing System (os Ticket)
• Active Directory Lab