Question

Name the operating system that runs on the computer you use to prepare programs for this course

Short answer

Answer: To identify the operating system running on your computer, follow the appropriate steps below for your computer type (Windows PC, macOS, or Linux) and check the displayed information for the operating system name and version.

Step-by-step solution

Understand what an operating system is

An operating system (OS) is the software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides essential services for computer programs. Some common examples of operating systems are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Identify your computer type

Determine whether you are using a Windows PC, a macOS (Apple) machine, or a computer running Linux.

Check the operating system for a Windows PC

If you are using a Windows computer, follow these steps: 1. Press the 'Windows' key on your keyboard or click the 'Windows' icon on your taskbar. 2. Type "System Information" in the search bar and click on the "System Information" app. 3. In the "System Summary" section, look for the "OS Name" and "OS Version" fields. This will display the current Windows operating system and version running on your computer.

Check the operating system for a macOS computer

If you are using an Apple computer running macOS, follow these steps: 1. Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen. 2. Select "About This Mac" from the drop-down menu. 3. A window will appear displaying your macOS version and additional system information.

Check the operating system for a Linux computer

If you are using a computer running Linux, follow these steps: 1. Open a terminal window by either searching for "Terminal" in the system menu or pressing 'Ctrl + Alt + T' on your keyboard. 2. Type "lsb_release -a" (without quotes) and press Enter. 3. The output will display information about your Linux distribution, including its name and version. After completing these steps, you should be able to identify the operating system that is running on the computer you use to prepare programs for this course.

Key concepts

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular operating systems worldwide. It boasts a user-friendly interface and a vast range of applications. Windows OS is ideal for both personal and professional use. Most PCs, which are computers used at home and offices, come with Windows pre-installed.

Key features of Windows include:

• Graphical user interface (GUI) with a Start Menu, Taskbar, and Desktop.
• Compatibility with a wide array of software and hardware.
• Frequent updates that add new features and security improvements.

To manage your Windows operating system, you can access system tools via the Settings menu or Control Panel. If you want to find your system information, type "System Information" in the search bar for details about your OS and hardware.

macOS

macOS is the exclusive operating system for Apple's computers, known as Macs. It is known for its sleek design, stability, and strong security features. macOS is often favored by creative professionals for its robust performance with multimedia applications.

Features of macOS include:

• A polished and intuitive interface with features like the Dock and Finder.
• Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services, such as iCloud.
• Regular updates that focus on privacy and performance enhancements.

To check your macOS version and system information, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select "About This Mac." A window will provide details about your OS version and system specifications.

Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system that is especially popular among developers and tech enthusiasts. Unlike Windows and macOS, Linux is free to use and can be modified by anyone. It powers everything from personal computers to servers to mobile devices.

Key aspects of Linux:

• Offers a wide variety of distributions, known as 'distros,' like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian.
• Known for its stability, security, and flexibility.
• Command-line interface available, although many distros also offer GUIs.

To find out information about your Linux system, open a terminal and type `lsb_release -a`, which will display details about your Linux distribution, name, and version.

System Information

System Information is a useful feature that allows users to view detailed information about their computer’s hardware and software. This feature is integrated into the operating system and provides insights into system components and configurations.

In Windows, search for "System Information" to open an app showcasing details such as OS name, version, and installed RAM.

On a macOS device, selecting "About This Mac" from the Apple menu offers information about the macOS version, processor, and graphics.

For Linux, entering commands such as `lsb_release -a` in the terminal gives you operating system details. System Information is crucial for troubleshooting, upgrading, or understanding your computer better.

Computer Programs

Computer programs, also known as software, are sets of instructions that enable a computer to perform specific tasks. They range from simple applications like text editors to complex systems like database management tools.

Programs that run on operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux can include:

• Productivity software such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Graphic design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or GIMP.
• Web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

Each operating system may have different software compatibility requirements, and some programs are exclusive to certain platforms. Understanding the software environment is key to ensuring efficient operation and troubleshooting.