Get documents about "Buzzwords Chapter 6 Technology in Action, Fifth Edition - DOC - DOC
W
Description
Buzzwords Chapter 6 Technology in Action, Fifth Edition document sample
Document Sample
End of Chapter Solutions to Accompany
TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION, FIFTH EDITION
CHAPTER 5
THE OPERATING SYSTEM,
UTILITY PROGRAMS, AND FILE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER REVIEW
Buzz Words/Word Bank
defrag
Error-checking
Explore
files
file compression
file management
folders
Linux
Mac OS
platform
sectors
system software
Task Manager
Task Scheduler
tracks
utility programs
Windows
Windows Vista
Instructions: Fill in the blanks using the words from the Word Bank above.
Veena was looking into buying a new computer and was trying to decide what (1) platform to
buy, a PC or a Mac. She had used PCs all her life, so she was more familiar with the (2)
Windows operating system. Still, she liked the way the (3) Mac OS looked and was considering
switching. Her brother didn’t like either operating system, so he used (4) Linux, a free operating
system instead.
After a little research, Veena decided to buy a PC. With it, she got the most recent version of
Windows, (5) Windows Vista. She vowed that with this computer, she’d practice better (6) file
management, because she often had a hard time finding files on her old computer. To view all of
the folders on her computer, she opened (7) Explorer. She made sure that she gave descriptive
names to her (8) files and placed them in organized (9) folders.
1
Veena also decided that with her new computer, she’d pay more attention to the (10) utility
programs, those little special-function programs that help with maintenance and repairs. These
special-function programs, in addition to the OS, make up the (11) system software. Veena
looked into some of the more frequently used utilities. She thought it would be a good idea to
(12) defrag her hard drive regularly so that all the files lined up in sequentially ordered (13)
sectors and so that it was more efficient. She also looked into (14) file compression utilities,
which would help her reduce the size of her files when she sent them to others over the Internet.
Finally, she decided to use the Windows (15) Task Scheduler utility to schedule tasks
automatically so that she wouldn’t forget.
Self-Test
Instructions: Answer the multiple choice and true/false questions below for more practice with
key terms and concepts from this chapter.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Cell phones use which category of operating system?
a. Single-user, single task
b. Multiuser, multitask
c. Single-user, multitask
d. Real-time
ANSWER: A
2. Which of the following would be found in a GUI operating system?
a. Icons
b. Windows
c. Scroll bars
d. All of the above
ANSWER: D
3. Virtual memory is
a. another name for hard drive.
b. another name for RAM.
c. the process of managing memory demands by borrowing space on the hard drive.
d. smaller, faster memory used by the CPU.
ANSWER: C
4. Which is an indication that a device is Plug and Play? You can
a. multitask by listening to a CD and surfing the Internet.
b. install gaming software without going through Add/Remove Programs.
c. install a hardware device without separately installing a driver.
d. All of the above
ANSWER: C
2
5. Which of the following is NOT done during the boot process?
a. Checks that all attached devices are in place and working.
b. Verifies the user’s login name and password.
c. Loads the OS to the hard drive.
d. Checks for customized settings put in place for the monitor and desktop.
ANSWER: C
6. When an operating system allows you to do more than one task at a time, it is called:
a. thrashing.
b. multitasking.
c. caching.
d. paging.
ANSWER: B
7. Which view option would be best to use to sort your files by date modified and type of
application?
a. Details
b. Tiles
c. Large Icons
d. All of the above
ANSWER: A
8. Which of the following files extensions indicates a file created by a program in the Office 2007
suite?
a. bioreport.zip
b. bioreport.xls
c. bioreport.ppt.
d. bioreport.docx.
ANSWER: D
9. To regroup related pieces of files on the hard drive so that the hard drive works more
efficiently, which utility would you use?
a. System Restore
b. Disk Defragmenter
c. Windows Explorer
d. Disk Cleanup
ANSWER: B
10. Which utility do you use to schedule utility programs to run automatically?
a. Task Maintainer
b. Task Scheduler
c. Task Manager
d. Task Director
ANSWER: B
3
TRUE/FALSE
False 1. Restore points cannot be set manually.
True 2. Linux is a single user multitasking operating system.
False 3. Open-source operating systems are proprietary and cannot be modified by users.
True 4. It is possible for a computer to run out of virtual memory.
True 5. Only files deleted from the hard drive end up in the Recycle Bin.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. Open-Source Pros and Cons
Open-source programming embraces a philosophy that states programmers should make their
code available to everyone rather than keeping it proprietary. The Linux operating system has had
much success as an open-source code. The chapter mentions some of the advantages of open-
source code, such as quicker code updates in response to technological advances and changes.
a. What are other advantages of open-source code?
b. Can you think of disadvantages to open-source code?
c. Why do you think that companies such as Microsoft maintain proprietary restrictions on
their code?
d. Are there disadvantages to maintaining proprietary code?
Although open-source code is free for use, having many different programmers adding bits to it
may make it more difficult to receive support from one central entity. Although students may
enjoy the idea of free software, they may feel that the security of centralized support for a product
is a greater benefit. Students may attribute Microsoft’s restrictions to greed. Although
profitability is surely one reason, it could be argued that placing restrictions may also allow
Microsoft to control the quality of its code. Companies with proprietary code have the full
responsibility for maintaining its structure and security.
2. The OS of the Future
Operating system interfaces have evolved from a text-based console format to the current
graphical user interface. What direction do you think they will move toward next? How could
operating systems be organized and used in a manner that is more responsive to humans and
better suited to how we think? Are there alternatives to hierarchical file structures for storage?
Can you think of ways in which operating systems could adapt and customize themselves based
on your usage?
It would be really useful if our computers could automatically organize files into folders by
interpreting their content. Students would definitely like the idea of issuing voice commands for
performing tasks such as organizing files, launching programs, and shutting down the computer.
3. Which OS Would You Choose?
Suppose you are building a computer system from scratch and have complete discretion as to
your choice of operating system. Which one would you install and why?
4
Most students may not have had a great deal of exposure to different operating systems, so it
would be likely that they would choose a similar interface to what they currently know.
4. The OS: With or Without Utilities?
Which environment do you think is better for consumers: to have companies develop smaller,
more inexpensive operating systems and then allow competing companies to develop and market
utility programs, or to have very large full-featured operating systems that include most utilities
as part of the operating system itself? Do you think that including utility programs with the
operating system makes the cost of the operating system higher?
Students may feel that it is less expensive to buy an all-inclusive operating system as opposed to
buying separate programs, but buying utility programs that are created by specialty companies
such as McAfee or Norton may provide a better mix of software.
Team Time
Choosing the Best OS
This exercise gives students an opportunity to examine the pros and cons of various operating
systems. It also serves to point out that there is no “one size fits all” solution. The following
rubric may be useful for grading purposes.
Rubric Beginning Developing Proficient Exemplary Score
1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Individual There was very There was Clear learning on A sound
Effort little effort or evidence of the topic has understanding
understanding of effort but it occurred. of the topic
the topic shown. lacked in was exhibited
preparation and with
understanding. enthusiasm
and creativity.
Team Effort Team members did Team members The team The team
not function as a had some major members mostly worked as a
group when given problems worked well cohesive unit.
the opportunity. working as a together, with There was
There was only group. There few problems. mature
individual work was little There could have collaboration,
with no evidence of collaboration been compromise,
collaboration. and teamwork improvement in and discussion
evident. the level of evident at all
teamwork that times.
was utilized.
5
Rubric Beginning Developing Proficient Exemplary Score
1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points
Final The final The final The final The
Product presentation had presentation had presentation was presentation
major factual, factual, a carefully was developed
grammatical, grammatical, developed with care and
spelling, and spelling, or product with few creativity
formatting errors. It formatting factual, making it
seemed rushed and errors but was grammatical, interesting,
incomplete. complete. spelling, or polished, and
formatting error-free.
errors.
Instructor Little or no attempt Feedback was Feedback was Feedback was
Feedback was made to received, but received and received and
receive or none of the some the
incorporate suggestions suggestions were suggestions
feedback from the were incorporated into were
instructor. incorporated the presentation. incorporated
into the into the
presentation. presentation.
Evaluation 0 points 1 point 2 points
No assessments were One assessment was All assessments were
completed and completed and handed in completed and handed
handed in to the to the instructor. in to the instructor.
instructor.
Multimedia
In addition to the review materials presented here, you’ll find additional materials featured with
the book’s multimedia, including the Technology in Action Student Resource CD and the
Companion Web site (www.prenhall.com/techinaction), which will help reinforce student
understanding of the chapter content. These materials include the following:
ACTIVE HELPDESK
These exercises are designed to provide the student with an interactive experience that will help
them to extend their knowledge of topics in this chapter. The student plays the “role” of a
Helpdesk analyst and provides answers to commonly asked questions in a rich, simulated online
experience. Helpdesk calls can be found on the Train and Assess IT Web site, through your
online course, or on the Student CD. After successfully completing the Helpdesk call, students
will be able to access the Helpdesk Cheat Sheet, which summarizes the key points in each call.
The Helpdesk calls related to this chapter are:
Managing Hardware and Peripheral Devices: The OS
Starting the Computer: The Boot Process
Organizing Your Computer: File Management
Using Utility Programs
6
Managing Hardware and Peripheral Devices: The OS Helpdesk Cheat Sheet
A. Managing Memory: The OS and RAM
As the operating system (OS) coordinates the activities of the computer’s CPU, it uses
random access memory (RAM) as a temporary storage area for instructions and data.
The processor accesses these instructions and data from RAM when it is ready to process
them. The OS then clears the items from RAM when the processor no longer needs them.
B. Virtual Memory
When there isn’t enough room in RAM for the OS to store data and instructions, the OS
borrows room from the hard drive, creating virtual memory. Here’s how the process
works: When more RAM space is needed, the OS swaps out from RAM the data or
instructions that have not been recently used and moves them to a temporary storage
area on the hard drive called the swap file. If the data or instructions in the swap file are
needed later, the OS swaps them back into active RAM and replaces them in the hard
drive’s swap file with less active data or instructions. This process of swapping is called
paging.
Only a portion of the hard drive is allocated to virtual memory. Eventually your
computer system will become sluggish as it is forced to page more often, leading to a
state called thrashing. The solution to this problem is to increase the amount of RAM in
your system.
C. Device Drivers and Plug and Play
1. Your computer’s operating system communicates with hardware through a special
program called a device driver. Because the OS must be able to communicate with every
device in the computer system, the device driver translates the specialized commands of
the device to commands that the operating system can understand, and vice versa.
2. Plug and Play (PnP) is a software and hardware standard that makes it easier to
attach new devices to your computer by including in your operating system all the drivers
devices need to run. Unfortunately, if you have an older device, your operating system
may not have the driver, in which case you’ll need to install the driver before you can use
the device.
Starting the Computer: The Boot Process Helpdesk Cheat Sheet
A. Errors in the Boot Process
1. Non-System Disk Error: When the startup system Basic Input Output System (BIOS)
performs its system check, it obeys a boot sequence. If the computer contains a floppy
drive this is often set as the first boot device BIOS will check for an operating system. If
BIOS doesn’t find a floppy in the floppy drive, it proceeds to the next bootable device –
typically the hard drive or CD/DVD. However, if it does find a floppy in the floppy drive,
it attempts to find the operating system on that floppy. When it does not find the operating
system on the floppy, the boot process stops and the non-system disk error message is
displayed.
2. Safe Mode: Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode designed for troubleshooting errors that
occur in the boot process. Sometimes, Safe Mode indicates that there is a problem with
the loading of a device or software application. You should try rebooting before doing
anything else.
7
B. Steps in the Boot Process
The boot process is the process that occurs when you start your computer. It has four
main steps:
Step 1: The CPU activates the basic input/output system, or BIOS, a program that
manages the data between the OS and the input and output devices attached to the
system.
Step 2: BIOS checks that all attached devices are in place and working and that the video
card and memory are responding correctly. This test is called a power-on self test
(POST).
Step 3: BIOS first looks in the floppy drive for the system files. When it doesn’t find the
operating system in the floppy drive, it looks in the hard drive. It then loads the OS from
its permanent storage location on the hard disk to RAM.
Step 4: Finally, the registry is checked for further configurations and customizations. If
the entire system is checked out and loaded properly, the desktop appears on your screen.
The computer system is now ready to accept your first command.
Organizing Your Computer: File Management Helpdesk Cheat Sheet
A. Desktop and Window Basics
1. Windows: The rectangular panes that display open applications. Windows features
include the title bar, toolbars, view options, various buttons, and scrollbars. You can
view more than one window at a time by tiling them, cascading them, or resizing them.
2. The Desktop: The first image you see on your monitor. Most Windows desktops include
My Documents, My Computer, My Network Places, the Start Menu, and the All Programs
feature.
B. Windows Explorer
One function of your computer’s operating system is to enable file management. If you
use a Windows PC, Windows Explorer is the program that helps you manage your files
and folders by showing the location and contents of every drive, folder, and file on your
computer.
C. Drive Organization
Windows organizes the contents of the computer in a hierarchical structure with drives,
folders, subfolders, and files. The hard drive is represented as the C: drive. The floppy
drive is the A: drive. There may be other drives (D:, E:, and/or F:) depending on whether
additional storage devices are installed in the computer.
D. Viewing and Sorting Files and Folders
In Windows Vista, when you are in a folder, you can use any of the following viewing
options located on the View menu to arrange and view your files and folders: Tiles View,
Details View, List View, Small Icons, Medium Icons, Large Icons, and Extra Large Icons.
8
E. Deleting Files
Files deleted from the hard drive go to the Recycle Bin folder on the desktop. They stay
there until you permanently delete them. Files deleted from other drives are permanently
deleted from the system immediately.
F. Naming Files
The first part of a file, or the filename, is the name you give the file when you save it. In
Windows, following the filename and after the dot (.) comes a three or four-letter
extension. When you name your files, keep in mind the following tips:
1. Each OS has its own naming conventions.
2. Name your files so that you can easily identify them.
3. Every file in the same folder or storage device must be uniquely identified.
Using Utility Programs Helpdesk Cheat Sheet
Utility Programs
Utility programs are applications included in system software that perform special
functions such as managing system resources and improving efficiency. Some utility
programs come built into the Windows or Mac operating systems; others you can
purchase off the shelf.
1. Disk Defragmenter: Disk defragmenter utilities regroup related pieces of files together
on the hard disk, increasing the available storage space on the disk. This allows the OS
to work more efficiently.
2. Disk Cleanup: This utility cleans unnecessary files off your hard drive, such as Recycle
Bin files, temporary Internet files, and temporary files created by Windows to store data
while a program is running. If not deleted periodically, unnecessary files can slow down
your computer.
3. Error-Check (previously ScanDisk): This Windows utility checks for lost files and
fragments as well as physical errors on your hard drive. Sometimes Error-Check can
recover the lost data, but more often, it deletes the files. It also makes a note of any bad
areas on the hard disk so the system will not use them again.
4. Task Scheduler: This Windows utility allows you to schedule tasks to automatically run
at predetermined times, with no interaction on your part.
5. Task Manager: This utility checks on a program that has stopped working or exits out
of a program that isn’t responding.
6. File Compression: This utility takes out redundancies in a file to reduce the file size,
making it easier and faster to send over the Internet, upload to a Web page, or save to a
disk. Windows Vista and XP have built-in file compression support. There are also
several stand-alone freeware and shareware programs, such as WinZip.
7. System Restore: This Windows utility lets you restore your system settings back to a
date when everything was working properly. Every time you start your computer or
9
install an application or driver, Windows Vista and XP create a snapshot of your entire
system’s settings. This snapshot is called a restore point.
8. Display Utilities: To access screensavers and other display utilities, choose Control
Panel from the Start menu, then select the Display folder. The Windows Vista Ease of
Access Center replaces XP’s Utility Manger to provide accessibility features for people
with handicaps.
SOUND BYTES
Sound Bytes are dynamic multimedia tutorials that help demystify even the most complex topics.
Students view video clips and animations that illustrate computer concepts, and then apply what
they’ve learned by reviewing Sound Byte Labs, which include quizzes and activities specifically
tailored to each Sound Byte.
The Sound Bytes for this chapter are listed here and can be found on the Student Resource CD
and on the Companion Web site (www.prenhall.com/techinaction):
Customizing Windows Vista
File Management
File Compression
Hard Disk Anatomy Interactive
Letting Your Computer Clean Up After Itself
COMPANION WEB SITE
The Technology in Action Companion Web site includes a variety of additional materials to help
students review and learn more about the topics in this chapter. The resources available at
www.prenhall.com/techinaction include:
• Online Study Guide. Each chapter features an online true/false and multiple-choice quiz.
Students can take these quizzes, automatically check the results, and e-mail the results to their
instructor.
• Web Research Projects. Each chapter features a number of Web research projects that ask
students to search the Web for information on computer-related careers, milestones in computer
history, important people and companies, emerging technologies, and the applications and
implications of different technologies.
10
Related docs
