IT Course Computer Systems and Networks 002_Computer, System, Network Concepts

Computers

Computers are an important tool in modern society, widely used in various fields including education, healthcare, industry, and transportation.

A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software.

Hardware: The physical equipment of a computer, including processors, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. Software: Computer programs, including operating systems, programming languages, and application software.

Operating Systems

An operating system (OS) is the core software of a computer system, responsible for managing computer hardware and software resources, providing a unified interface for users and other software.

The main functions of an operating system include:

• Resource Management: Managing computer hardware resources, including processors, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices.
• Process Management: Managing computer programs, including process creation, scheduling, communication, and termination.
• File Management: Managing computer files, including file creation, reading, writing, and deletion.
• Device Management: Managing computer input and output devices, including device initialization, access, and control.
• Security Management: Protecting computer system security, including user authentication, data encryption, and antivirus protection.

Common Desktop Operating Systems (Personal and Office Computer Use)

• Windows is a desktop operating system developed by Microsoft, currently the most widely used desktop operating system. Windows features ease of use, good compatibility, and rich software resources.

• macOS is a desktop operating system developed by Apple, the operating system for Mac computers. macOS features a clean aesthetic, high security, and ease of use.

• Linux is an open-source desktop operating system featuring free use, security, and stability. Linux desktop environments include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and more.

• Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system developed by Google, primarily designed for Chromebooks (cloud-based laptops) and other Chrome devices. It’s known for being simple, highly secure, and cloud-dependent.

Common Mobile Device Operating Systems (Phones, Tablets, TVs, Vehicles, Smart Homes)

• Android is a mobile device operating system developed by Google, currently the most widely used mobile operating system. Android features high openness and low development costs.

• iOS is a mobile device operating system developed by Apple, the operating system for iPhone, iPad, and other devices. iOS features high security and ease of use.

• Windows Mobile, BlackBerry OS, Symbian OS, HarmonyOS (Huawei), Xiaomi HyperOS

Common Server Operating Systems (Server and Data Center Use)

• Windows Server: Developed by Microsoft, currently the most widely used server operating system. Windows Server features ease of use, good compatibility, and rich software resources.

• Linux: An open-source server operating system featuring free use, security, and stability. Linux server distributions include Debian GNU/Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Ubuntu Server, and more.

• Unix: The foundation for BSD, Linux, and other operating systems, featuring high security and stability. Unix server distributions include Sun Solaris, IBM AIX, HP-UX, and more.

• BSD: A group of Unix-like operating systems based on modifications and improvements to the original AT&T Unix source code. Common BSD operating systems include the most popular and widely used FreeBSD, security-focused OpenBSD, and the highly portable NetBSD suitable for many embedded devices.

Computer Networks

A computer network refers to a system where two or more computers are interconnected and can perform data communication and resource sharing under network protocol constraints. Computer networks can be divided into local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet.

• Local Area Network (LAN): A network composed of multiple computers and related devices within a certain geographic area. LANs are characterized by small coverage, high transmission rates, and fewer network devices.

• Wide Area Network (WAN): A network with large coverage that can connect multiple LANs or geographically dispersed computers. WANs are characterized by large coverage, lower transmission rates, and more network devices.

• Internet: The world’s largest computer network, formed by the interconnection of numerous LANs and WANs. The Internet is characterized by global coverage, increasingly high transmission rates, and an extremely large number of network devices.

Assignments:

1. Learn about the brief history of computers;
2. Compare the advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of various operating systems.