Introduction to File and Operating Systems
Functions, Types, and File Systems of Major PC OS’s

Function of Operating Systems
Store and Retrieve Data
Connect and Interoperate all PC Parts
Allow the user to
Store and Retrieve Data (File System)
Run Programs
Use input and output devices (printers, scanners, CD’s, etc.)

Files Systems Store and Retrieve Data
Provides hierarchical structure to disk
Normally integrated into operating system
Popular file systems include
FAT
NTFS
HPFS
16 vs 32 Bit FAT
Linux
OS’s not limited to one File system

FAT Structure
Master Boot Sector
Volume Boot Record
Root Directory
File Allocation Tables (FAT)
Clusters
Diagnostic Read Write Cylinder

Partitioning A Disk
Divides disk into logical storage devices
Must have at least one partition
Up to 4 partitions on a FAT drive
Up to 20 logical drives

Partitioning Utilities
DOS FDISK Command
Menu driven partitioning software
Windows NT Disk Administrator
Graphical interface partitioning software
Partition Magic
“On the fly” disk partitioning

Formatting Drives
Use the DOS FORMAT command
In Windows Explorer, right click disk or partition and choose “FORMAT”
In Windows NT Disk Administrator, right click drive or partition and choose “FORMAT”

Operating Systems
Software interface between user and computer
Two major categories
Command Drive
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Many are available
Windows and Mac OS two most popular
Windows world’s most popular OS

Operating Systems Basics
Attaches to ROM BIOS
Serves as a buffer between BIOS and application software
Acts as User Interface (UI) to user
Are specialized for roles
Graphics/multimedia
Networking
Home use

Popular Operating Systems
DOS
Windows (3.1, 95, 98, NT, 2000, ME, XP)
Apple OS (8.5, 8.6, etc…)
Linux/Unix (Caldera, RedHat, BSD, etc...)
Amiga
BeOS

DOS Basics
Command based OS
Two major components
Input/Output system
Shell
Major files
IO.SYS
COMMAND.COM
MSDOS.SYS

Windows Basics
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Used with mouse (point and click)
32 bit operating system
Plug and Play
Three versions of Windows 95
Version “A”
Version “B” OSR 2
Version “C”

Linux
Freely distributed version of UNIX
Open source code (GNU)
Growing in popularity
Has many Windows features
Both command based and GUI based (X Windows)