Unit 1

Microsoft isn’t evil; they just make really crappy operating system.

— Linus Torvalds, the creator of

Every operating system out there is about equal…We all suck.

— Brian Valentine, Microsoft senior vice president, describing the state of the art in OS security, 2003 Advanced English Reading and Writing 2 高级 英语 读写教程 2

OPERATING SYSTEM is an integral part of virtually every computer system. It fundamentally affects how you can use your computer. Can you run two programs at the same time? Can you connect your computer to a network? Does your computer run dependably? Does all your software have a similar look and feel, or Preview do you have to learn a different set of controls and commands for each new program you acquire? To answer questions like these, it is helpful to have a clear idea about what an operating system is and what it does.

Section A

Pre-reading Activities 1. Choose the proper word from the box below to describe each picture.

A. Microsoft Windows B. Chrome OS . Linux D. DOS

E. OpenSolaris F. Mac OS G.

1）( ) 2）( )

3）( ) 4）( )

2 Unit 1 Operating System

2. What is in common among the pictures above? 3. Do you know what an operating system is, according to what you have learned? 4. What does an operating system do?

Text A Operating System Activities

1. What is an operating system? An operating system (abbreviated OS) is a type of system software that acts as the master controller1 for all activities that take place within a computer system. It is one of the factors that determine your computer’s compatibility and platform. Most personal computers are sold with a preinstalled operating system, such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS. A third operating system called Linux is typically used for high-end workstations and servers, but can also be installed on personal computers. A variety of other operating systems, such as Google Chrome OS2, DOS, UNIX3, and OpenSolaris4 are also available. 2. Is the Windows operating system the same as Windows software? No. Although it is true that an operating system is software, terms such as “Windows software”, “Mac software”, or “Linux software” are used to refer to application software5. Windows software, for example, refers to applications designed to run on computers that have Microsoft Windows installed as the operating system. A program called Microsoft Word for Windows is an example of Windows software; it is a word processing program designed to run under the Windows operating system. Mac software is designed to run under Mac OS, and Linux software is designed to run under the Linux operating system. 3. What does an operating system do? The most obvious responsibility of your computer’s operating system is to provide an environment for running software and controlling peripheral devices6. 4. Your computer’s operating system, application software, and device drivers7 are organized similar to the chain of command in an army. You issue a command using application software. Application software tells the operating system what to do. The operating system tells the device drivers, the device drivers tell the hardware, and the hardware actually does the work. For example, a command to print a document is relayed through various levels of software, including the operating system, until it reaches the printer. The following picture illustrates this chain of command for printing a document or photo.

3 Advanced English Reading and Writing 2 高级 英语 读写教程 2

2. The word processing application signals the operating system that a document must be sent Printer Driver to the printer. 4. The controls the printer as it prints the document. 1. You issue the Print command while using 3. The operating system application software, communicates the such as a word processor. document data to the device driver for the printer. 5. The operating system interacts with application software, device drivers, and hardware to manage a computer’s resources. In the context of a computer system, the term “resource” refers to any component that is required to perform work. For example, the processor is a computer’s main resource. RAM8 (Random Access ), storage space, and peripherals are also resources. While you interact with application software, your computer’s operating system is busy behind the scenes with resource management tasks9 such as: keep track of storage resources, ensure that input and output proceed in an orderly manner and establish basic elements of the such as the appearance of the desktop, menu, and toolbars. 6. How do operating systems manage processor resources? Every cycle of a computer’s microprocessor is a resource for accomplishing tasks. Many activities—called processes—compete for the attention of your computer’s microprocessor. Commands are arriving from programs you’re using, while input is arriving from the keyboard and mouse. At the same time, data must be sent to the display device or printer, and web pages are arriving from your Internet connection. 7. To manage all these competing processes, your computer’s operating system must ensure that each receives its share of microprocessor cycles10. When using Windows, you can open the Task Manager11 to see a list of processes that are being executed by the microprocessor.

4 Unit 1 Operating System

8. The Windows operating system displays a list of processes when you hold down the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys. Most processes are legitimate programs that run in the background to carry out tasks for the operating system, device drivers, and applications. Occasionally a bot or worm will launch rogue processes. If you want to know if a process is legitimate, you can google it. 9. How do operating systems handle so many processes? During a typical computing session12, your computer might run an average of 50 processes. Ideally, the operating system should be able to help the microprocessor switch seamlessly from one process to another. Depending on the capabilities of the operating system and computer hardware, processes can be managed by multitasking13, multithreading14, and multiprocessing15. 10. Multitasking provides process and services that allow two or more tasks, jobs, or programs to run simultaneously. Most of today’s operating systems, including the OS on your personal computer, offer multitasking services. 11. Within a single program, multithreading allows multiple parts, or threads, to run simultaneously. For example, one for a spreadsheet program might be waiting for input from the user while other threads perform a long calculation in the background. Multithreading can speed up performance on single or multiple processor computers. 12. Many new computers include multi-core processors16 or multiple processors. An operating system’s multiprocessing capability supports a division of labor among all the processing units17. 13. How does an operating system manage memory? A microprocessor works with data and executes instructions stored in RAM—one of your computer’s most important resources. When you want to run more than one program at a time, the operating system has to allocate specific areas of memory for each program. 14. Sometimes an application requests memory, but never releases it—a condition called a memory leak18. Memory leaks away into this application’s reserved area, eventually preventing other programs from accessing enough memory to function properly. Those programs can crash, and the operating system might display error messages, such as “” or “Program Not Responding”. Your PC can sometimes recover from a memory leak if you access Task Manager to close the corrupted program. 15. How does the OS keep track of storage resources? Behind the scenes, an operating system acts as a filing clerk that stores and retrieves files from your computer’s hard drive and other storage devices. It remembers the names and locations of all your files and keeps track of empty spaces where new files can be stored. 16. Why does the operating system get involved with peripheral devices? Every device connected to a computer is regarded as an input or output resource. Your computer’s operating system communicates with device driver software so that data can travel smoothly between the

5 Advanced English Reading and Writing 2 高级 英语 读写教程 2

computer and peripheral resources. If a peripheral device or driver is not performing correctly, the operating system makes a decision about what to do—usually it displays an on-screen message to warn you of the problem. 17. Your computer’s operating system ensures that input and output proceed in an orderly manner, using buffers to collect and hold data while the computer is busy with other tasks. By using a keyboard buffer, for example, your computer never misses one of your keystrokes, regardless of how fast you type or what else is happening in your computer at the same time. 18. Are different operating systems needed for different computing tasks? One operating system might be better suited to some computing tasks than others. To provide clues to their strengths and weaknesses, operating systems are informally categorized and characterized using one or more of the following terms: 19. A single-user operating system expects to deal with one set of input devices—those that can be controlled by one user at a time. Operating systems for handheld computers19 and some personal computers fit into the single-user category. DOS is an example of a single-user operating system. 20. A multiuser operating system allows a single, centralized computer to deal with simultaneous input, output, and processing requests from many users. One of its most difficult responsibilities is to schedule all the processing requests that a centralized computer must perform. IBM’s z/OS is one of the most popular multiuser operating systems. 21. A operating system provides tools for managing distributed networks, email servers, and web hosting sites20. Mac OS X Server, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Linux are examples of server operating systems. Technically, multiuser operating systems schedule requests for processing on a centralized computer, whereas a server operating system simply routes data and programs to each user’s local computer where the actual processing takes place. In practice, however, today’s server OSs can be configured for centralized or distributed processing. 22. A desktop operating system is designed for a personal computer—a desktop, notebook, or tablet computer21. The computer you use at home, at school, or at work is most likely configured with a desktop operating system, such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS. Typically, these operating systems are designed to accommodate one user at a time, but can also provide networking capability. Today’s desktop operating systems invariably provide multitasking capabilities so that users can run more than one application at a time. 23. Some operating system vendors characterize their products as home or professional versions. The home version usually has fewer network management tools than the professional version. 24. A handheld computer system（ also called a ） is designed for devices such as smartphones and handheld computers. These systems include modules for mobile

6 Unit 1 Operating System connectivity and alternative input and output, such as touch screens22. 25. Do I ever interact directly with the OS? Although its main purpose is to control what happens behind the scenes of a computer system, many operating systems provide helpful tools, called operating system utilities, that you can use to control and customize your computer equipment and work environment. For example, Microsoft Windows offers its users controls to do the following activities: ● Launch programs23. When you start your computer, Windows displays graphical objects, such as icons, the Start button24, and the Programs menu25, which you can use to start programs. ● Manage files. A useful utility, called Windows Explorer26, allows you to view a list of files, move them to different storage devices, copy them, rename them, and delete them. ● Get help. Windows offers a Help system27 you can use to find out how various commands work. ● Customize the user interface. The Windows Control Panel28, accessible from the Start menu, provides utilities that help you customize your screen display and work environment. ● Configure equipment. The Control Panel also provides access to utilities that help you set up and configure your computer’s hardware and peripheral devices.

Many Windows utilities can be accessed from the Control Panel. You’ll find it by clicking the Start button. The Classic View displays Control Panel utilities as icons; Category View shown here organizes the utilities into groups.

（From New Perspective on Computer Concepts by June Jamrich Parsons & Dan Oja）

7 Advanced English Reading and Writing 2 高级 英语 读写教程 2

New Words software /'sɒftweə(r)/ n. [U] (computer science) the programs, etc. used to operate a computer [ 计 ] 软件

compatibility /kəmˌpætə'bɪlətɪ/ n. [U] (computer science) capability of existing or performing in harmonious or congenial combination [ 计 ] 兼容性

platform /'plætfɔːm/ n. [C] (computer science) the type of computer system or the software that is used [ 计 ]（计算机）平台

preinstall /'priːɪn'stɔːl/ v. (computer science) to install (as software) on a computer prior to sale [ 计 ] 预装，预安装，预先安装

workstation /'wɜːksteɪʃn/ n. [C] (computer science) a desktop digital computer that is conventionally considered to be more powerful than a microcomputer [ 计 ] 工作站

server /'sɜːvə(r)/ n. [C] (computer science) a computer program that controls or supplies information to several computers connected in a network; the main computer on which this program is run [ 计 ] 服务器

application /ˌæplɪ'keɪʃn/ n. [C] (computer science) a program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task [ 计 ] 应用；应用程序

run /rʌn/ v. to carry out a process or program 运行 peripheral /pə'rɪfərəl/ n. [C] (computer science) electronic equipment connected by cable to the CPU of a computer [ 计 ] 外设，外围设备，外部设备 adj. 1. (computer science) (of equipment) connected to a computer [ 计 ] 与计算机相连的；外设的 2. (formal) not as important as the main aim, part, etc. of sth; auxiliary; supplementary 不重 要的，次要的；外围的；辅助的

device /dɪ'vaɪs/ n. [C] an object that has been invented for a particular purpose 设备

driver /'draɪvə(r)/ n. [C] (computer science) a program that determines how a computer will communicate with a peripheral device [ 计 ] 驱动 程序

relay /rɪ'leɪ/ v. to receive and send information, , etc. to sb 传递，传达； 转告，转发（信息、消息等）

/'riːleɪ/ n. [C] a race between teams in which each member of the team runs or swims one section of the race ( also relay race) 接力赛

resource /rɪ'sɔːs/ n. [C] (computer science) a component, either hardware or software, that is available for use by a computer’s processor [计] 资源

processor /'prəʊsesə(r)/ n. [C] (computer science) a part of a computer that controls all the other parts of the system [ 计 ] 处理器

8 Unit 1 Operating System

input /'ɪnpʊt/ n. [U] (computer science) the information that is conveyed to a computer [ 计 ] 输入 v. (computer science) to enter data into a computer [ 计 ] 输入 output /'aʊtpʊt/ n. [U] (computer science) signal that comes out of an electronic system [ 计 ] 输出 establish /ɪ'stæblɪʃ/ v. to create (a file，connection…) 建立；创建（计算机文档、 链接等） desktop /'desktɒp/ n. [C] (computer science) a screen on a computer which shows the icons of the programs that can be used [ 计 ] 桌 面（显示使用程序图标的计算机屏幕） menu /'menjuː/ n. [C] (computer science) a list of options from which a user can choose, displayed on a computer screen [ 计 ] 菜单 toolbar /'tuːlbɑː(r)/ n. [C] (computer science) a row of symbols ( =icons ) on a computer screen that show the different things that can be done with a particular program [ 计 ]（计算机屏幕上的） 工具栏 microprocessor /'maɪkrəʊprəʊsesə(r)/ n. [C] (computer science) a small unit of a computer that contains all the functions of the central processing unit [ 计 ] 微处理器 process /'prəʊses/ n. [C] (computer science) A process is an instance of a computer program that is being executed. [ 计 ] 进程 v. (computer science) to perform operations on (sth) in a computer [ 计 ] 用计算机处理（某事物） command /kə'mɑːnd/ n. [C] (computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program [ 计 ] 命令 cycle /'saɪkl/ n. [C] an interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs 周期 execute /'eksɪkjuːt/ v. (computer science) to carry out a process or program, as on a computer or a machine [ 计 ] 执行 background /'bækgraʊnd/ n. [C] (computer science) a level of computer processing at which the processor uses time not required for a primary task to work on an additional task [ 计 ] 后台 bot /bɒt/ n. [C] (computer science) a computer program that performs a particular task again and again many times [ 计 ] 机器 人程序；自动程序；网上机器人 worm /wɜːm/ n. [C] (computer science) a software program capable of reproducing itself that can spread from one computer to the next over a network [ 计 ] 蠕虫

9 Advanced English Reading and Writing 2 高级 英语 读写教程 2

launch /lɔːntʃ/ v. (computer science) to start; to generate [ 计 ] 开始（应用 程序）；产生；启动

rogue /rəʊg/ adj. different from others of its kind, often causing damage 异常的； 破坏性的

multitasking /ˌmʌltɪ'tɑːskɪŋ/ n. [U] (computer science) a technology that allows multiple applications to run and perform tasks at the same time [ 计 ] 多任务（处理）

multithreading /ˌmʌltɪ'θredɪŋ/ n. [U] (computer science) a technology that allows multiple parts or threads from a program to run simultaneously [ 计 ] 多线程

multiprocessing /ˌmʌltɪ'prəʊsesɪŋ/ n. [U] (computer science) simultaneous processing by two or more processing units [ 计 ] 多重处理

thread /θred/ n. [C] (computer science) the smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be managed independently by a scheduler [ 计 ] 线程

spreadsheet /'spredʃiːt/ n. [C] (computer science) an interactive computer application program for organization and analysis of data in tabular form [ 计 ] 电子表格

performance /pə'fɔːməns/ n. [U] ability to move quickly, operate efficiently, etc.（良好的） 性能；工作情况

multi-core /ˌmʌltɪ'kɔː(r)/ adj. (computer science) having many cores [ 计 ] 多核的 allocate /'æləkeɪt/ v. to distribute according to a plan or set apart for a special purpose 分配

memory /'memərɪ/ n. [C, U] (computer science) the computer circuitry that holds data waiting to be processed [ 计 ] 内存（用于存放待处理 数据的计算机电路）

request /rɪ'kwest/ n. [C] (computer science) the act of asking for something to be done by a computer [ 计 ] 请求 v. (computer science) to ask for or demand something to be done by a computer [ 计 ] 请求

display /dɪ'spleɪ/ v. (of a computer, etc.) to show information（计算机等）显示 n. [C] (computer science) the words, pictures, etc. shown on a computer screen [ 计 ]（计算机屏幕上的）显示，显像

corrupt /kə'rʌpt/ v. 1. (computer science) to cause mistakes to appear in a computer file, etc. with the result that the information in it is no longer correct [ 计 ] 引起（计算机文件等的）错误； 破坏 2. to have a bad effect on sb and make them behave in an immoral or dishonest way 使腐化；使堕落 3. [usu. passive] to change the original form of sth, so that it is damaged or spoiled in some way 破坏；损坏

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