Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Explain the fundamentals of computer
   • Identify the different types of computer
   • Explain mobile operating systems (OSs) and personal computer
   • Explain the importance of

Reading Assignment

In order to access the following resources, click the links below.

Android challenges Windows as world’s most popular operating system. (2017). Software World, 48(2), 19.

Retrieved from  http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=CDB&sw=w&u=oran95108

&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA491258065&asid=9104cec3b467cc6305065ff08241f825

Aslam, Z. T. M., & Fatima, M. (2015). Cloud computing influence on operating system. Science International, 27(1). Retrieved from  http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=oran9510   8&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA405930830&asid=f8c2f50980ae088b51a8bf07634dc570

Carutasu, G., & Pirnau, M. (2017). Facilities and changes in the educational process when using Office365. Journal of Information Systems & Operations Management, 11(1), 29. Retrieved from https://search-  proquest-  com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/docview/1906058365/fulltextPDF/6DC64649AA04AFFP   Q/1?accountid=33337

Castelluccio, M. (2017). Microsoft’s re-entry academia. Strategic Finance, 98(12), 55. Retrieved from   http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=oran9510   8&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA498675497&asid=f2c221bd654a33be8da95207275a91b4

Latifa, E.-R., & Ahmed, E. K. M. (2016). A new protection for Android applications. International Journal of Interactive Multimedia and Artificial Intelligence, 3(7), 15. Retrieved from  http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=oran9510   8&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA458646327&asid=d9e23e1a721d790f2ef44501e63b5292

Microsoft. (n.d.). Windows 10 help. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com/en-  us/products/windows?os=windows-10

Unit Lesson

Having at least basic computer literacy skills has become an absolute requirement today because we use computers and related technology in just about everything we do. Most of you will use your computer at work, at home, and in educational environments. This unit is designed to help you feel more comfortable with Windows, which is the operating system (OS) used to interact with most personal computers. You will also be introduced to mobile OSs and different types of computer software.

Let’s begin with a review of the basics. A computer is an electronic device that accepts data or input, manipulates the data based on a user’s instructions, and subsequently produces information or output. What is an OS? The computer’s most important software is the OS. Without an OS, the computer is useless.

Software provides instructions to your computer and encompasses everything that is not hardware. People often confuse software with applications and forget that the OS is also software. Systems software, or the OS, manages your system and determines the types of applications you can run. Basically, the OS manages the hardware resources such as memory and disk storage space. Each OS is unique and creates its own special environment. It is the layer of software packages running on your machine between your computer and hardware devices and your application software. There are three main types of software categories that computers run, which are application software, system software, and development tools.

Application software includes the programs that you use to complete specific tasks. Examples of application software include word processors, spreadsheet programs, database management systems, compression software, accounting packages, photo editors, and more. System software includes the OS and device drivers. The most common OS is Microsoft Windows, which is installed on 80% to 90% of all personal computers. In future units, you will learn more about the software that comprises the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Development tools are used for developing software applications, websites, OSs, and utilities. Some of these development tools include hypertext markup language, more commonly known as HTML, and other computing languages such as C++. Click here to view the flashcards that review important definitions for material covered in this unit. Click here to view the PDF version of the flashcards.

As you probably already know, Windows is an OS from Microsoft that coordinates the activities of your computer. The one that we will cover in this unit and course is Windows 10. It controls how the screen is displayed, how programs are opened and closed, start-up and shutdown procedures, and general computer navigation. Using the applications in the Microsoft Office Suite requires a general knowledge of Windows.

Much of the work that you do on a computer involves creating, modifying, and saving files. Windows allows you to manage these files.

There are many differences between desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Each device has a specific purpose and OS. The desktop computer offers the best value for the individual. Normally, a desktop has a more powerful processor than the other devices. The desktop configuration normally has a larger screen and physical keyboard. The laptop computer is an all-in-one unit, making the laptop easy to move. The operating cost of a laptop is cheaper than a desktop computer. Laptops are also battery-operated for portability. You do not have to have a cellular plan to use a laptop, just wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi). A tablet is a smaller device that is easy to carry and battery-powered. A Wi-Fi connection or a cellular data plan is necessary to access the Internet. The software used on a tablet is completely different from software used on a laptop or desktop computer, and a smaller screen limits multitasking abilities on tablets. The smartphone is the smallest option for the user. It requires a cellular plan with data and voice; however, logging in to local Wi-

Fi is also an option. The battery life normally exceeds that of the tablet. Overall, the desktop computer is better for dedicated gamers and designers. The laptop is better for the moving student to create productive content. The tablet is better at consuming content such as music, eBooks, and video. The tablet is also useful for browsing the Web and interacting with social media. Some specialized tasks can be performed on a tablet but not like those on a laptop or desktop. The smartphone is great for communications and mobile applications. The smartphone is not adequate for creating content. This is just a shortened list as there are additional purposes and differences between these devices.

There are many different categories of OSs based on the hardware on which they work (e.g., a desktop OS). A desktop OS might use Microsoft Windows, OS X, or Chrome OS. Next, we have the mobile OSs such as iOS and Android. Mobile OSs are designed for one user at a time. There are also server-OSs that include Linux, UNIX, and Windows Server. Server-OSs accommodate multiple users at the same time.

Windows runs on specific mobile devices, laptops, and desktops. Windows is one the best OSs for gamers and has excellent business software as compared to other OSs. Microsoft Windows has comprehensive online tutorials and guides. Microsoft.com provides users with anything needed in reference to Microsoft’s OSs. Fast graphic cards also complement the OSs. There are a couple of disadvantages of Windows such as security and reliability. Windows is more prone to viruses, worms, and other types of attacks because of the size of the user base. Hackers are more interested in getting the most information they can from a huge user base. Patches come out frequently to fix security holes; however, computers running Windows are vulnerable until patched. Microsoft has mobile OSs for smartphones and tablets. One such OS is called Windows RT. This OS works with tablets that have specific Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) processors.

OS X is an OS developed by Apple. This OS powers Macs and is used for desktops and laptops. This OS has been through as many revisions as Windows. OS X is said to be user-friendly. It is also known to be reliable and more secure than Windows. The OS is based on UNIX. UNIX has protection memory features that limit glitches. UNIX is very secure and has very few security holes. Hackers have developed fewer viruses for Mac users because of the size of the user base. Even though OS X is very secure, there is no such thing as 100% security. Software updates should be applied just as should be done with Windows. Some disadvantages of OS X include limited software availability. Windows has a greater selection of software available. Gamers have fewer selections, so Windows might be a better OS if you are a gamer.

Chrome OS is an OS developed by Google. This OS is based on Linux, which is an open-source OS. Chrome OS is proprietary. This OS is unique in that it is ideal for a client who relies on a remote computer. Cloud- based servers are used in this case. Chromebooks can support multiple users, which makes them different from iPads. There is limited local storage space with Chrome. Chromebooks depend on Web applications for their software.

Next, we have iOS, which is a mobile OS used for iPhones and iPads. There is also a limit on the applications that can be used with this OS. Some applications must be purchased, while others are available free of charge. The applications must be downloaded from an online Apple application store. There is no file manager with this type of OS, and very limited multitasking capabilities exist on this OS.

Another mobile OS is known as Android. Android runs on smartphones and tablets. Touchscreen input is a plus for Android, which also supports voice input. Android also provides access to a file system.

Windows 10 has many new features from the last OS. Some of those features include Cortana, which acts like Siri on the iPhone. Cortana is a text- or voice-activated assistant. There is a new photo feature that allows for editing and viewing. There is a new Windows Media Player replacement called Groove and an application called People that allows users to keep important information on contacts. The Internet Explorer browser has been replaced with Edge, which is the new default browser. Edge offers new features, including an integrated Adobe Flash Player. There is also a mail application that works with most of the standard e-mail accounts as well as a Windows store where you can download free and paid-for applications. You have two options when it comes to the control center. You can access it through renamed settings, which is easier to use, or you can access the old version of the control center. There is also an action center located on the sidebar where notifications are displayed. Other features include virtual desktops and task view. The virtual desktop is a nice option if you only have one physical screen. Also available is Windows Defender, which is antivirus software that is built into the OS (Martin, 2017). This list is not complete, but additional information is available in your readings for this unit.

If you go to https://support.office.com/en-US, you will find additional information about Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, Skype for Business, Sharepoint, Access, Project, Publisher, Visio, Forms, Teams, Delve, Sway, Yammer, and Planner (Microsoft, n.d.). Anything you want to know about these applications can be found on this Microsoft website. In the following units, you will be using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. In conclusion, this unit touched upon computer literacy, OSs, and categories of computer software.